Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Domestic Violence: Is More than Romantic Abuse
A group of women and I came together to work for progressive and meaningful changes for women in our community. We all have many things in common, such as we advocate as women of color for people of color. What we have all learned is that we all have a passionate regard to work for the end of Domestic Violence.
By Regina Stone-Grover9 years ago in Viva
Weathering PMDD
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a monthly storm that affects an estimated 3–10% of all menstruating women. It's an intense inner upheaval that can leave a path of functional, relational, and emotional damage in its wake. In fact, many women with PMDD feel like the 10-14 days of symptoms every month requires the remaining days just to catch up or make up. It can feel like life's ship never quite leaves port before it all starts over again. The pain and discomfort are real, but there's no need to suffer more than necessary. If you are one of the unfortunates who experiences this unique monthly curse, here are some important things to remember to help you weather the storm:
By Cheeky Minx9 years ago in Viva
What to Know About Getting Off Birth Control
Being diagnosed with a hormone disorder has a lot of funny baggage that comes with it. For years, I thought I had Bipolar Disorder with a side of psychosis. But, no, it was actually a very extreme hormone disorder showing its ugly head.
By Ossiana Tepfenhart9 years ago in Viva
Paulita Maxwell: The Woman, the Myth, the Legend
Paulita Maxwell was born around 1864-5 in the town of Mora, New Mexico. She was the daughter of Lucien Bonaparte Maxwell, a wealthy and respected landowner. The New Mexico border with Old Mexico was the haunt of the notorious outlaw, Henry “Billy the Kid” McCarty. Billy was popular with New Mexico’s Hispanic community and often relied upon its hospitality. He was known to be something of a ladies man and had a particular taste for latina girls. Paulita and the Kid are popularly believed to have been lovers and it has been claimed that she was pregnant with his child around the time that he was shot dead by Sheriff Pat Garrett. According to Billy the Kid historian, Frederick Nolan, Garrett’s wife heard gossip that Paulita was pregnant with Billy’s child, which allowed Garrett to track him to Fort Sumner NM, where Paulita was staying and Billy was killed (Trimble).
By Rachel Lesch9 years ago in Viva
Living with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Have you recently heard about or been diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and are wondering what exactly that might mean? PMDD is a hormonal sensitivity that wrecks havoc in the lives of an estimated 3 to 8% of menstruating women.
By Cheeky Minx9 years ago in Viva
An Idiot's Guide to Feminism
I, like many others, hear the word feminism thrown around as much as empty promises from a politician in election year. Celebrities use it, Facebook and its millions of keyboard warriors use it, so do all the strong women striving to change the mind frames of a generation, but does anyone actually look for the real life examples that confront us? I can say I didn't, not until I tried to lose a bit of weight. So, if I may, I will start from the beginning.
By Alex Fletcher9 years ago in Viva
Enchantress Archetypes Past and Present
Spirituality that fell outside of organized religion was once regarded as a fringe hippie hobby, but times are changing. Metaphysical pastimes like crystals, essential oils, energy healing, and tarot cards are now more popular than ever. The archetypal Witch has become the new symbol of the feminist movement. It's my belief that this is exactly what feminism needs, a ritual fire that reignites the weary warrior, the magick potion that soothes those whose voices have gone hoarse from protesting. Maleficent the enchantress has had enough of men's greed and heartlessness and is reclaiming her power. Women are no longer afraid of being badass and intimidating and I couldn't be more thrilled. Today's political landscape is mobilizing Millennial women to become both activists and priestesses, and that's one giant leap for woman kind. At least some positive change has come out of this mess.
By Sarah Johnson9 years ago in Viva
PMDD
Sometimes you just don't know how to begin. Well, hey, a photo of my wedding should break the ice?! My wedding day was superb. The church was beautiful. The bridesmaids shimmered in Cadbury's purple gowns. The Rolls Royce cars swaggered up to the gates. The champagne flowed. I married a man whom I adore and who adores me. One other small detail that probably wouldn't ordinarily get shared but was hugely important to me. I got my period. Most brides would be weeping into their something borrowed and would most certainly feel blue. I, however, suffer from PMDD and the arrival of my menstrual cycle was akin to Tom Hardy arriving on horseback and agreeing to be the vicar. Husband, if you are reading this I said, "Be the vicar." Alright, not replace you at the altar, just be there also!
By Fliss Goldsmith9 years ago in Viva
Gender Criticism of Junot Diaz's 'The Cheater's Guide to Love'
In today's society, gender plays an important role in almost every aspect of our lives. Much like racism, and religious intolerance, sexism is a learned behavior. It is prevalent in many cultures, including our own. For example, in our last presidential election, the objectification of women became a key narrative. At that time, candidate Donald Trump was secretly recorded speaking vulgarly about touching women’s body parts with Entertainment Tonight's correspondent Billy Bush. He later justified it, by saying it was only “locker room” talk. Despite this, Donald Trump still became president. What does that say about our culture? It says that, when it comes to gender roles, we have not made much progress. Generally speaking, so called "locker room" talk is common among most men in our country. It is obvious that there are still many elements of sexism left in our culture. Dominican author Junot Diaz's touches on this, in his short story, "The Cheater's Guide to Love," which is the culmination of a collection of short stories called "This Is How You Lose Her." In the story, there is no question that the narrator, Yunior, is a womanizing sexist. However, some gender based critics contend that even though Yunior is a sexist, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the story is sexist.
By Wilson Geraldo9 years ago in Viva
