I received a message from someone that mentioned previously having a blog that contained personal photos and anecdotes until she acquired stalkers that caused her to delete. The unfortunate reality is that the message wasn’t the first or second or third I’ve received with a similar story. For some reason this one put me over the edge…
The Women of Tumblr ARE NOT YOURS. Regardless of how many pictures of my body are posted, I am NOT yours. The simple act of a post that illustrates a preference does not imply any sort of consent. Uncovering a name, a city, or a job is not an invitation to enter, nor should you EVER attempt to rob a woman of her anonymity.
We are forced to glance over our shoulders as we blog. Relegated to some odd Internet equivalent of protecting our drink from being spiked. We worry about too much information while also seeking authenticity. We must be both the gatekeeper and the protected treasure.
We are your neighbors, your coworkers, the doctor at your hospital, your child’s kindergarten teacher. We come to this space to kick our feet up, let our hair down, and simply celebrate what we are. Beautiful, talented, amazing women. We each bring our own stories, our own hopes, our own strife.
We flock to this open and welcoming environment. Positive. Uplifting. Engaging. Human beings crave connection and the desire to be understood. We have that in this community.
Get over the fact that I am not here for your pleasure. I am here for mine.