TRUST ISSUES

WRITTEN BY BRIEANAH SCHWARTZ PINK BARN CREATIVE

Is it difficult for society to trust women simply because they are women? It probably comes as no surprise that history suggests, yes. If we simply stop long enough to analyze our institutions it quickly becomes clear that much of our society functions thanks to the accepted erasure of women and their experiences.

As an example, let’s stop and look at the medical sector, with its long-documented history of failing to take women seriously. No matter how we suffer, women are consistently told we’re just being emotional Every woman I know has a story about a doctor’s visit they’ll never forget. A time they almost died or were traumatized simply because no one listened

What would happen if we took women, and especially black women, seriously when they expressed concerns about their own bodies? To start, the U S would likely have a far lower maternal death rate.

We can’t leave consideration of the lack of trust in women concerning their own bodies without highlighting the experience of trans women. Even today, doubt remains around whether trans women even exist, let alone if they are equipped to manage their own identities and experiences Imagine if society simply started giving space for trans women to be believed How many trans women and girls would still be alive?

Let’s look at three more recent, high-profile examples:

Meghan Markle faced skepticism and criticism because she dared to speak out about the mistreatment she experienced during her time as a senior member of the British Royal Family. Megan Thee Stallion faced similar shock and disbelief when she spoke out about being shot by fellow rapper Tory Lanez.

Rose also faced intense skepticism when she spoke out about her experiences of sexual assault and harassment in Hollywood