Dr. Amani Ballour

Dr. Amani Ballour is the first and only woman to have managed a hospital—and an underground hospital, at that—in rebel-held Syria. The challenges that her hospital faced were like no other. They had little-to-no resources. Bombs were constantly hitting above ground, and they didn’t have any anesthetics. She says that the hardest challenge was choosing which patient to help with the little resources they had.

A documentary by National Geographic Documentary Films called “The Cave” (which is what the underground hospital was called) showed what Dr. Ballour accomplished and how she was able to run a hospital in such an atmosphere. In the documentary, there were instances where men questioned Dr. Ballour and her work. She says that even though a lot of men questioned her and other women’s work, there had been a shift in perception in the community when she worked in “the Cave.”

In one scene, Dr. Ballour comforts a girl that is hurt badly by telling her to think about what she wants to become when she is older.

“Every day some children died at the hospital and I wanted to say to her that, ‘You will survive and you have to think of the future. You can be teacher, you can be doctor,’” Dr. Ballour explains. “This is very important to me because no one said that to me when I was a child. No one said to me that I have rights. No one said to me that I can be an important person in the future… All the people around me, they said, ‘You can get married and have children and work in the home.’ This is the idea about women, and all the time I was wondering why I can’t do something else, why do I have to get married, what kind of life is this? I don’t want this life.”

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe is an American screenwriter, producer, and actress. She starred in the Netflix comedy-drama series “Master of None.” She became the first black woman to win an Emmy for outstanding writing for a comedy series. A lot of her work comes from her own experiences of being a black lesbian from Chicago.

The “Thanksgiving” episode in “Master of None” portrays Waithe’s own experience of coming out to her mother. She works to give young LGBTQ+ individuals a space to see themselves and their experiences on the screen—something that, growing up, she didn’t have. Waithe is a big believer in representation and progression. She changed the film/TV industry and she continues to do so.

In an interview with The Undefeated, she gets into the complex subject of being black and gay and out and verbal about it all in Hollywood.

“I’m so confused by it,” she said. “Maybe I shouldn’t be, because I can somewhat understand why some people want to keep their sexual orientation private — typically African-American people who are in the public eye. I guess to some extent, but I think that our children are literally killing themselves. Our queer children are thinking that they’re less than. Are thinking that they’ll never be loved. Are thinking that they’ll never have a normal, happy life. No. Their lives are priceless.”

Breanna Stewart

Breanna Stewart was the 2016 WNBA rookie of the year, the WNBA MVP of the regular season in 2018, and a two-time finals MVP. She is also known as one of the best college basketball players of all time. She is an amazing basketball player but also a great activist.

When she won the 2016 ESPY for Best Female Athlete, she gave a speech calling out the media for its lack of coverage of women’s sports. She also used her platform to spread awareness for Black Lives Matter and joined protestors at the LA international airport against the Muslim ban. In 2017, she stood up for the LGBTQ community and highlighted the inclusive culture of WNBA. In October of 2018, she came forward as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse with a moving first-person essay with The Players’ Tribune. She then went on to launch a national campaign in partnership with RAINN to help other victims and their families.

For her on-court and off-court accomplishments she was named 2020 Sportsperson of the Year. She said this during her 2016 speech:

“During my time in college I received an enormous amount of media attention, I’m grateful for that. And now that I’m in the WNBA, playing with other amazing female athletes, I’m trying to understand why we, as professional female athletes, don’t receive anywhere near the fame. This has to change.”

Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes is an American television producer, screenwriter, and author. She is best known for Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and the new Netflix period series Bridgerton. When she moved from working with ABC to working with Netflix, she says that the culture was completely different. She said she had to adapt to discussing her ideas with bigger groups of people.

Shonda Rhimes is a huge inspiration for young women who dream of getting into the film/TV industry, which is largely dominated by men. She partnered with Dove on a photography database, #ShowUs, showcasing more than 5,000 images of diverse women and non-binary individuals to promote more accurate representations in the press.

Shonda Rhimes is able to portray society’s stereotypes of women and the sexism they face every day in a lot of her TV series. For example, Grey’s Anatomy touches on sexism a lot with most of the main characters like Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Miranda Bailey, and Addison Montgomery. She uses her platform to address the lack of representation in the media and tries to show her audience what women experience in society. She once said,

“I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, I am talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way and I work really, really hard. Don’t call me lucky. Call me a bad-a**.”

Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor grew up in the Bronx in public housing complexes, and ever since she was ten years old, she has wanted to become an attorney. She was awarded a full scholarship to Princeton University, and now she is the first Hispanic and Latina Supreme Court Justice. She is known to be a person of integrity and discipline and is one of the most respected people in America.

Sotomayor overcame the challenges that came with growing up in public housing projects as a young woman of color. She dominated a field known to be mostly male-dominated. She persevered when people told her she couldn’t. Any young girl can look at her and where she has come and be inspired. Her main life advice to young people is to just ask rather than assume the worst in people and in situations. She speaks about the value of seeing and respecting differences. She once said,

“I realized that people had an unreal image of me, that somehow I was a god on Mount Olympus. I decided that if I were going to make use of my role as a Supreme Court Justice, it would be to inspire people to realize that, first, I was just like them and second, if I could do it, so could they.”

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka is one of the best tennis players in the world. She is currently ranked 10 in Women’s singles and has won three Grand Slams. She is an inspiration on the court with her big forehands and huge serves, but she is also a force off the court with her activism.

Osaka says that she wants to use her platform to spread awareness and start conversations about the inequality people of color face in the US and around the world. She also launched the Nike Play Academy, which is a program solely made to change the game for girls in order to level the playing field. The program is made to give girls confidence not just in sports but also in their everyday lives. She said this in an interview with Britannica:

“I often think about the phrase gambaru/gambare. It’s a classic Japanese phrase and basically means that no matter the hardships or challenges that one may encounter in life, it’s important to face them with a tenacious spirit and to try one’s best. That ethos is what I carry to practice and matches.”

Radhika Jones

Radhika Jones is an American magazine editor and the fifth editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair. Jones completed her undergrad at Harvard before heading to Columbia where she received a Ph.D. in English and Comparative Literature.

Jones changed Vanity Fair by increasing the diversity of its covers and representing more women in them. She herself noticed the discrimination and the lack of representation in Vanity Fair’s covers before she took over as editor-in-chief. She aims to change not just Vanity Fair’s magazine, but also how the media portrays people of color. Jones believes it is important to change the media to actually make significant changes in the world.

“I was determined to change it when I took over as editor in chief—not just as a corrective measure but because it is my job, and the magazine’s job, to center people who are visionaries, who are moving the culture forward. We are not bound to continue the cultural hierarchies we inherit.”

The Future is Female

People say that the “future is female” and these women have helped push that to the forefront. So many young people have big dreams but they look at the TV or their phone and they don’t see big names that sound like their own or people who look like themselves. This may seem like a small, irrelevant factor, but it isn’t, as shown by the women on this list. Representation of different genders and ethnicities matter for the up and coming generations and pave the way to make a more just society.

Check out more articles from GirlSpring on influential women:

• • Black Women in the Women’s Suffrage Movement
  • Women Who Fought for the Vote

The post Influential Women from the Past Decade appeared first on GirlSpring.

2025

That’s a year that I used to be excited for.

Now after the election,

I’m scared out of my mind.

Not just for myself,

But for the people that I’m friends with.

Black people,

Women,

Immigrants,

Gay people,

Trans people,

Poor people,

Heck, even men!

Literally everyone except the people in power,

Because this doesn’t affect them.

why?

2026

That’s the year that my brother graduates,

Then, I’ll have one less shoulder to lean on.

One less person to fight and argue with.

One less person to laugh and spend time with.

One less person that cares.

I’ll lose another person close to me.

Then there’s an empty bedroom.

Then, there’s only two kids left.

Then, another rift is created.

Then, I’ll be 16.

I’ll miss him,

But will he miss me?

2027

That’s the year that my step-brother graduates.

Then, I’ll have one less shoulder to lean on.

Just myself.

One less person to fight and argue with.

Just myself.

One less person to laugh and spend time with.

Just myself.

One less person that cares.

Just myself.

I’ll lose another person close to me.

Then there’s another empty bedroom.

Then, there’s only one kid left.

Then, another rift is created.

Then, I’ll be 17.

I’ll miss him, even though we fought,

Will he miss me?

2028

That’s the year that I graduate.

Me, the final child.

Then, there’s just my parents.

One less person to fight and argue with.

One less person to laugh and spend time with.

One less person that cares.

They’ll lose another person close to them.

Then, there’s another empty bedroom.

Then, there’s no kids left.

Then, a rift is healed.

Then, I’ll be 18,

An adult.

I’ll miss them.

I’ll miss my childhood,

Regretting wanting to grow up faster.

But I KNOW that they will miss me.

2029

That’s the year I’ll be a freshman in college.

Another election has passed.

Hopefully, it went better than the last one.

I see my family over breaks and for holidays.

There’s a new air when we meet,

A nostalgic feeling.

We have grown up,

We are still the same people,

Just more mature.

We laugh about the past.

Complain about college.

We are together again,

And long for the time to spend together again.

We will see each other again.

If you liked The Years Ahead, check out more original poems here.

The post The Years Ahead appeared first on GirlSpring.

Since the ratification of the Constitution in 1781, voting and elections have changed over time. Voting rights and representation in office have been scarce for women, people of color, and the LGBTQIAP+ community. For minority groups like these, it can be hard to have your voice heard.

The 15th Amendment has changed to include the rights of more than just straight white men. These men have never had to fight for representation in their own country, so it was important that minority groups got the representation they needed. As time went on, minority groups are more open to elections and voting than they had been before.

Representation in Congress

In 2020, at least five LGBTQ+ politicians were elected to office. Of these five, two were Black and three were women. Sarah McBride was the first transgender state senator of Delaware. This made her the highest-ranking state legislator in the country. Ritchie Torres was one of the first Black gay men in Congress, and also the first gay Afro-Latino in Congress. Now, he is one of the first Black gay men to be in the House of Representatives. It’s sad and shocking that these firsts have not come earlier in history.

On November 3rd, the number of Native American women in Congress reached a new record. The three women who broke this record are Deb Haaland, Sharice Davids, and Yvette Herrell. Haalan and Herrell are both part of the House of Representatives, and both of them represent New Mexico. They are the first state to have two Native American women as Congress delegates. Eighteen Native American women were running for spots in Congress in 2020, which is 2.6% of all women that ran that year. This was the highest percentage since 2004 and though this is still a small number, it is definitely progress.

African-American Voting

The 15th Amendment was passed in 1869 so that African-American men had the right to vote. Specifically, it says that the right to vote will not be affected by race or color. Some states still had measures to prevent them from voting, and it was only after years that these barriers were overcome. Hiram Rhodes Revels became the first African-American in Congress in late 1870. However, at the same time, Southern states revoked the 14th and 15th Amendments, which took away some rights of African-Americans. The government overcame this with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 so, African-Americans finally got voting rights.

Women in Congress

In January 2021, there was a very diverse set of Congress lawmakers. Two congresswomen were Native American, two were Muslim, and two were Black. Arizona and Tennessee had their first female senators, as well. There is finally more representation in Congress than there has been before. It is a good sign of representation for future elections. Also, if certain people are unsuccessful in running for office, others will be inspired to run. The world is looking towards a Congress with plenty of representation.

The Constitution was ratified in 1787. Voting and elections have come a long way since then. These changes are particularly important within Black, female, and LGBTQIAP+ communities. Many firsts were made recently, including the first gay Black men in Congress and the first female senators for several states. The 15th Amendment was ratified so that African-Americans could have voting rights. When it backfired, the Voting Rights Act showed a solution. The American government has had a lot more representation in voting and elections.

Click here to see why we push so hard to fight for equality! Your vote matters!

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The “Bro Culture” of Silicon Valley

One of the most significant challenges women face in Silicon Valley is the so-called “bro culture” that can be pervasive in some tech companies. This culture is characterized by a lack of diversity and inclusivity, with male employees often dominating the company culture and making it difficult for women to feel welcome and valued in the workplace. The “bro culture” can manifest in a number of ways, from casual sexism to exclusion from important meetings and decision-making processes. Many women report feeling like they are constantly fighting against stereotypes and biases in the workplace, which can be draining and discouraging over time.

Lack of Female Role Models in Tech

Another challenge women face in Silicon Valley is the lack of female role models in the industry. Women are less likely to pursue careers in tech if they don’t see other women who have been successful in the field. Additionally, the lack of female representation in leadership positions can make it difficult for women to advance to higher levels within companies.

The issue of female representation in tech is particularly concerning when it comes to the pipeline problem. The pipeline problem refers to the fact that there are fewer women pursuing degrees in computer science and related fields. Without a diverse pipeline of talent, it is difficult for companies to achieve gender diversity in their workforce.

To address this issue, organizations and initiatives have been launched to encourage more women to pursue careers in tech. Groups like Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code, and Code.org are working to provide girls and young women with the skills and resources they need to succeed in tech. By promoting coding and computer science education for young women, these organizations are helping to create a more diverse pipeline of talent for the tech industry.

Women Making Waves in Silicon Valley

Despite the challenges that women face in Silicon Valley, there have been many inspiring women who have made significant contributions to the tech industry. These women serve as role models and demonstrate the potential that women have to make an impact in tech.

One example is Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook. Sandberg has been an advocate for women in tech, and her book “Lean In” has become a must-read for women looking to advance their careers. Sandberg has also been a vocal critic of the “bro culture” in Silicon Valley and has encouraged companies to do more to create inclusive workplaces.

Another woman who has made a significant impact in tech is Susan Wojcicki, the CEO of YouTube. Wojcicki was one of the first employees at Google and has played a key role in the company’s growth and success. As the CEO of YouTube, she has helped to make the platform a major player in the tech industry and has been a strong advocate for women in tech.

Safra Catz, the CEO of Oracle, is another woman who has made waves in Silicon Valley. Catz has been with Oracle since the company’s early days, playing a major role in its growth and success. As the CEO, she has helped to guide the company through a period of significant change and has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech.

Other notable women in tech include Ginni Rometty, the former CEO of IBM, and Padmasree Warrior, the former CTO of Cisco Systems. These women have broken through the glass ceiling and become successful tech executives, paving the way for other women to follow in their footsteps.

Initiatives to Support Women in Tech

There are a number of organizations and initiatives that are working to support women in tech and close the gender gap in the industry. These groups provide resources and support for women in tech, and help to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

One such organization is Women Who Code, which aims to connect women in tech and provide them with the skills and resources they need to succeed in their careers. The group offers coding workshops, networking events, and mentorship opportunities to help women advance in tech.

Another organization is AnitaB.org, which promotes diversity and inclusion in tech. The group hosts conferences, provides mentorship and networking opportunities, and advocates for policies that support women in tech.

There are also a number of programs and initiatives aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in tech. For example, the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) offers a variety of programs and resources to help girls and women develop their skills and pursue careers in tech.

The Progress of Women in Silicon Valley

While there is still work to be done, the progress that has been made in recent years to address the challenges that women face in Silicon Valley is encouraging. Many companies are taking steps to create more inclusive workplaces, and there are more resources and support available for women in tech than ever before.

In addition to the initiatives and organizations mentioned earlier, there are a number of high-profile events that celebrate and recognize the contributions of women in tech. These include the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, the Women in Tech Festival, and the Women Tech Awards, among others.

Women like Sheryl Sandberg, Susan Wojcicki, and Safra Catz have broken through the glass ceiling and become successful tech executives, serving as role models and demonstrating the potential that women have to make an impact in tech. Organizations and initiatives like Women Who Code, AnitaB.org, and Girls Who Code are working to provide women with the resources and support they need to succeed in their careers.

As a person who lives in the Silicon Valley Area, I can say that there has been major progress to encourage bringing more women into the tech field, however, there are still a few outlier companies and other issues within the industry that require attention. Both young women and adults alike can help out by learning how to code and joining programs that strive for more women empowerment in the tech field.

While there is still work to be done, the progress that has been made in recent years is encouraging. By continuing to address the challenges that women face in Silicon Valley and supporting women in tech, we can create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry for everyone.

For more information on female empowerment and articles on women in technology, continue here.

The post Women in Silicon Valley: Challenges and Progress appeared first on GirlSpring.

June is Pride Month, and while there aren’t physical pride parades and celebrations, you can certainly have your own and educate yourself at home! Alabama has been named as one of the worst places to be gay in America (New York Times).

In high school, I lobbied for inclusive language and greater sexual education in schools. I didn’t know until I was 17 that this language was used in the Alabma State constitution: “[homosexuality] is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a criminal offense under the laws of the state”. Not only is this incorrect (it is not illegal), but it is horrifying. In 2019, a law was passed by the senate to remove this language and change language that confused HIV with AIDs. This article is not an inclusive history of pride in the United States, but it is a combination of my personal experience as an ally as well as history. 

Being an Ally

I think I was asked to introduce myself with my pronouns twice in high school. In college, it is something I do everytime I meet someone new or introduce myself. This is so important because it not only normalizes pronouns (he/him, she/her, they/them, etc.), but it also ensures people are addressed with their pronouns! A great way to help normalize this is to add it in your Instagram bio, in your email signature (if you have one) and ask about pronouns when you meet new people. 

During my college orientation, we did a worksheet that defined certain terms related to identities. It is really important to understand these terms and know how to properly use them (and what terms to avoid) in order to be a better ally! Never feel bad about not knowing all or some of the terms–I am constantly learning. Here is a link to a glossary about LGBTQ+ terminology as well as what to avoid (CW: descriptions of derogatory terms are used)! 

It is so important to use your privilege to speak up!

If you are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community but hear someone misgender your friend, for example, speak up. Speaking-up is not easy, but ensuring that people are treated with respect and dignity is so important. Here, you might be wondering what I mean by using your privilege. By this I mean understanding that I am not a member of the LGBTQ+ community and thus do not face the same discrimination (I will not be discriminated against because of my sexuality). Because of this, I can safely speak up when it can be very dangerous for others to do so. 

If you’ve read any of my other articles, I’m a big fan of reading and podcasts. I’ve created a list of books, podcasts, videos and movies by LGBTQ+ authors, creators and storytellers at the bottom of this article. 

History

I knew nothing about the Stonewall riots until I was 18. And I still continue to unlearn and relearn the history behind it as I get older! I visited the Stonewall Inn in NYC my first-year of college which was really powerful for me to be able to see this site in person. The Stonewall Riots did not start the Gay Right’s movement in the United States, but it helped serve as a catalyst for greater change. Stonewall was a popular gay bar in Greenwhich Village in NYC, and raids were very common at the time, but usually someone at the bar was tipped off so people would leave before the police came.

In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the bar and began to arrest and beat up patrons. The raid itself was normal, but this time, patrons had enough. The crowd grew to not just patrons of Stonewall but to other members of the Greenwich community who began to protest the police raid. That moment thrust the Gay Right’s movement into motion with the creation of the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD being founded shortly after that.

This being said, the first Gay Right’s organization in the United States was founded in 1924 in Chicago! 

At the forefront of the Gay Right’s Movement were people of color such as Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson. Sylvia Rivera was only 17 when she threw the second molotov cocktail at the Stonewall Riots, and was a champion for transgender rights in the US. She is even the only transgender person to have their portrait in the National Portrait Gallery. Marsha P. Johnson was friends with Sylvia Rivera and was also at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. She, like Rivera, advocated for the rights of transgender youth in the United States.

She even modeled for Andy Warhol. These two incredible activists are only two of many LGBTQ+ activists whose histories are not taught in school. There are many contemporary activists as well such as Laverne Cox (she plays Sophia Burset on Orange is the New Black), ALOK Vaid-Menon (they are a gender non-conforming artist), and Sharice Davids (she is not only the firt openly gay representative from Kansas to be elected to Congress, but she is one of two indigenous members of Congress as part of the Wisconsin Ho-Chunk tribe) who continue to pave the way for the LGBTQ+ community today. 

CW: Some of these media might contain disturbing language, images, and stories. 

Podcasts on Pride

“Why We Remember Stonewall” 

“Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness”

“Queery with Cameron Esposito” 

“LGBTQ&A”

“#QueerAF”

Books:

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan 

Everything Leads to You by Nina LaCour 

Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (aka the movie Love, Simon) 

Little and the Lion by Brandy Colbert

If I was Your Girl by Meredith Russo 

Movies/Videos/TV:

Love, Simon

Milk

State of Pride 

The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson 

L Word Mississippi: Hate the Sin 

Queer Eye 

Grace and Frankie

Brooklyn 99

Sources: 

https://www.history.com/news/stonewall-riots-facts-gay-rights-lgbt

https://www.nps.gov/ston/learn/historyculture.htm

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/obituaries/overlooked-marsha-p-johnson.html

For more articles about Pride, click here!

The post June is Pride Month! appeared first on GirlSpring.

“I was giving him every chance to put two and two together and come up with a number bigger than infinity.”

For this month’s theme of growth, I chose to review a novel that features both the growth of a young man and the growth/development of his romantic affection toward his house guest. 

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman…

This is a novel published in 2007 that follows Elio Perlman, a young and intelligent teenager summering in Italy, as a relationship blossoms between him and his family’s summer guest. The GoodReads summary of the novel describes their summer spent together as “[filled with] unrelenting buried currents of obsession and fear, fascination and desire, that intensify their passion as they test the charged ground between them,”. The novel does follow the romance between the two, but the true beauty lies in Elio’s passion. His young and almost naive longing for Elio for the older, unattainable Oliver is revealed through his narration.

My decision to read this book over spring break was easy because I have always loved the movie adaptation that was released in 2017. Reading the novel actually made me enjoy the movie far more and I appreciated the smaller moments and references greatly.

I gave this book five stars.

The gradual escalation and slow burn were captivating, and Elio’s mentation and narration heightened everything. His thoughts were relatable and heartfelt; he was doubtful and bitter, as teenagers often are, but he often had extensive paragraphs of his stream of consciousness expressing his beautiful and profound feelings for Oliver. Many people find the relationship problematic due to the age difference, however, the novel knows this. The effects that their relationship has on Elio because of his young age are fully explored. Instead of romanticizing or glorifying the relationship, Aciman portrays it extremely realistically through the eyes of the impressionable young Elio. And the reader is made aware of the unfavorable parts of the relationship.

I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy or think they would enjoy the movie. Reading this novel provides a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the film.

“He came. He left. Nothing else had changed. I had not changed. The world hadn’t changed. Yet nothing would be the same.”

For more book reviews, visit My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

The post Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman Book Review appeared first on GirlSpring.

Who is Brittney Griner?

Brittney Griner is a professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA. She is Black, and she is queer. She is a political prisoner. Already, Griner has dealt with years of neglect and disrespect in the professional basketball world. Now, authorities are holding her in a foreign country without much help from the U.S.

Authorities detained Brittney Griner at an airport near Moscow, about a month ago, for the possession of vaping equipment and cannabis oil cartridges. She will see a courtroom on May 19th and is facing a 10-year prison sentence of which a number of those years could be spent at Russian labor camps.

As of now, US officials have said “raising up the basketball star’s name will make her situation in Russian prison worse.” They believe by keeping the situation lowkey, Griner will receive a more fair trial in May. However, this “keep it quiet” strategy is not working; there is no history of Russia treating US prisoners fairly in court. Now, Griner is facing the possibility of spending a significant amount of time at Russian labor camps. Russia should feel pressured and watched when Griner finally sees the inside of a courtroom.

She Needs Media Attention

Tim Bradley, a former FBI agent and current security consultant for IMG Global spoke to TIME.com about the possible outcomes of Griner’s situation. He says, “If I was her agent I would be on talk shows. I would want people to know about this and I would try to keep it alive. Sometimes it makes sense to stay below the radar but in this case, you’re competing with a war in Ukraine.” He further says, “The more pressure you can put on the Russian government on the world stage, the better.”

Minnesota Lynx forward Angel McCoughtry made the point that any WNBA player could have been detained. Lynx said, “people are saying she’s 6-foot-9, she’s different. It’s really not about that. It could have been any of us.” As the USA women’s basketball team trains, the missing presence of Griner is evident. Finally, players and the public are beginning to speak about the situation. However, it is disappointing to see sports press outlets and leaders stick to their heteronormative discomfort in raising the name of a Black queer woman with tattoos and an extraordinarily brave wife.

Too many political prisoners die when their names are swallowed in our throats instead of shouted to the heavens. Let’s not make the same mistake with Brittney Griner. It is time for the petitions, the press conferences, and the hashtags.

Lastly, there is a petition you can sign on change.org.

Some information about the war in Ukraine can be found in “What is Happening in Ukraine?” on GirlSpring.

The post Bring Brittney Griner Home appeared first on GirlSpring.

The Resources

The Most Serious

1. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline
   1. This is an amazing resource for when your mental health just seems to go into overdrive. Whether you are contemplating taking your own life or are just really going through something tough, it’s worth giving them a call. When I was in the midst of a really bad breakup, I felt like a tornado. I called just wanting to clear my head and to have someone objectively talk about the situation. And that’s what I got. I didn’t automatically get better after my phone call, but I did feel a little lighter. From there, I gained some strength to continue healing.
2. The Trevor Project
   1. This is an LGBTQ website that has resources such as counseling, a coming out handbook, and guides for LGBTQ allies. I’ve recommended this to a friend of mine and they were greatly helped by it.
3. Beyond Blue
   1. This is another hotline that’s more focussed on everyday mental health needs. Here you can chat with professionals about anything and get immediate support either with their helpline or texting service. You can also email them and get a response within 24 hours.
4. Office on Women’s Health
   1. This website has resources about almost anything relating to women and women’s health. From advice about relationships and potential abuse, to reproductive health and puberty. This is a great place to go to find out information about just about anything female-related.
5. Location Tracking Apps (like Google Maps, Find a Friend, Life 360, and even Snapchat’s Location Sharing tool)
   1. Though it’s not always smart (or necessary) to leave these trackers on, being able to send a location to a friend or family member is a valuable. These services have saved lives. Having the extra support just in case anything happens to you when you’re out and about is a plus. Just have a few contacts to share with (just in case one isn’t immediately available or not on their phone when needed), and do your research as to what apps will actively track you and what resources will allow you to send one location in real time.

Practicality

1. Google Calendar
   1. I use my Google calendar every day. It helps me to organize my busy schedule so I don’t miss anything important. I think it’s the most user-friendly of the planner apps I’ve used. It’s also nice to have in conjunction with a paper planner because it’s mobile and will send you reminders on a device you’d probably be looking at every day.
2. Via Transportation
   1. This is like Uber but A LOT less expensive. If you don’t drive or find yourself without a car, this is a great public transportation service that will allow you to get on-demand rides almost instantly. It’s not available in all locations, but the service in Birmingham, Alabama is really good. I’ve only paid around $2 a ride (and sometimes they offer free rides) and I’ve used this service to travel to many locations. They do limit how far you can travel within a certain radius, but it’s still a great deal and an awesome app for getting around on a budget.

Physical Health

1. Sleep Cycle
   1. This is another amazing app! Sleep is so important for both our physical and mental health, and it can be detrimental if we don’t get adequate rest. The Sleep Cycle app is a free resource that will let you set the time you want to wake up in the morning within a 30 minute time span (so if I absolutely had to be up by 8:00 I would set the app’s alarm to go off between 7:30 and 8:00) and then the app tracks your sleep by listening to the sounds you make at night to determine what stage of sleep you’re in. Then, it wakes you up in a lighter sleep phase so you feel more rested. It also provides you with a detailed look of your sleep the night before so you can look for patterns, switch your habits if you haven’t been getting enough rest, and even see how much you’ve been snoring at night.
2. Clue
   1. Clue tracks your menstrual cycle and can even give insight into your average cycle length, period length, variation, potential fertile days, and can even track your moods. Everything is also confidential and it’s free to use these basic features. It’s so nice to be able to look at an app and to know what’s (most likey, based on relevant data) going on in my body and what to expect.
3. Chloe Ting, Blogilates, or Couch to 5K 
   1. These are awesome resources to get some exercise in a super fun way. Though losing weight isn’t everyone’s goal (nor should it be) it’s always healthy to keep your body strong and to prioritize movement. Of course, check with your doctor before starting any new fitness program. Chloe and Blogilates are especially awesome because these resources are female led and both trainers are full of positive energy. They also each have healthy recipes and tips on their Youtube channels and websites. Couch to 5K (or a program like it) is fun because it takes a larger overall goal and breaks it down. Plus, running can be done virtually anywhere and requires no equipment but a good pair of shoes.

Bonus: The Girlspring App

This is great if you love staying up to date with all things Girlspring! Exciting new content, programs, and a female positive environment are always included!

The post Top 10 Resources Every Girl Should Know appeared first on GirlSpring.

May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. It was created in 2004 to highlight the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people. In 1990, the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder, and May 17th commemorates this decision. The Day represents a major landmark to draw attention away from the media, lawmakers, and corporations. Instead, it focuses on the injustices that people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions face. May 17th is now celebrated in more than 130 countries. This includes 37 where same-sex acts are illegal. 

Why is May 17th Important?

In 2021, the U.S. introduced over 100 anti-transgender bills. Most of these bills will greatly affect minors. Some bills deny gender-affirming treatment to minors, and others deny transgender minors from participating in sports. It is important, not just on May 17th, to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. We must discuss the discrimination that this community faces. In 2021, at least 22 transgender or gender non-conforming people have been killed. Many anti-trans hate crimes go unreported. The average life expectancy of a Black Trans woman in America is 35 years old. In fact, as many as 16.7% of hate crimes in the U.S. are based on sexual orientation, and this number is still on the rise. These are not just numbers, but actual people who are being killed or targeted due to their identities.

Things to do this May 17th: 

If you live in the U.S. you can send a message to your state representative telling them to oppose anti-trans bills. 

https://action.aclu.org/send-message/al-trans-belong-2021 – ACLU of Alabama

You can engage on social media to push the narrative against homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. Take time to learn about the LGBTQ+ community. That doesn’t mean rely on friends who are a part of that community. Take time to read a book about LGBTQ+ history or read articles that you can learn from.  

https://sites.google.com/view/eduyac/minority-history?authuser=1 – This website is dedicated to educating individuals about things not taught in school. There’s a great page about LGBTQ+ Americans. It provides independent learning resources, such as books and movies about LGBTQ+ experiences. 

Check out more GirlSpring articles on LGBTQ+ rights here:

https://www.girlspring.com/alabamas-new-anti-trans-bill-is-dangerous/

The post Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia appeared first on GirlSpring.

Last week, Alabama’s senate voted to make hormone therapy, puberty-blockers, and surgery for transgender youths a felony. The bill is called the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act; it will also require schools to tell parents that “a minor’s perception that his or her gender is inconsistent with his or her sex.” Essentially, teachers would be required to “out” transgender students to their parents, regardless of whether they are ready to do so. Violators of this bill could face up to 10 years in prison or a $15,000 fine. 

Parents, members of the transgender community, and doctors have spoken against this bill saying that it is dangerous and discriminatory. The bills run “counter to medical science, prevailing standards of treatment for transgender youth, and basic human dignity,” according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama. CBS News reported, “During Tuesday’s debate, Shelnutt said that he has never spoken to a transgender youth before, adding that he did not know that such treatments were being done in the state when he introduced the bill last year.” When did it become okay to criminalize an entire community of people without even knowing them or the issues they face? 

The effect

With this bill in place, transgender youths can’t safely ask for help at the doctor’s office or even at their schools. Lawmakers are making an already dangerous world scarier for transgender youths and also other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Criminalizing an entire community helps no one. “Lawmakers are insisting that they know what’s best for transgender young people and ignoring the recommendations of medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and more,” Allison Scott, a director at the Campaign for Southern Equality, said in a statement Tuesday.

The discrimination that LGBTQ+ youths face affects their development and mental health. Studies show that “discrimination and rejection due to gender nonconformity often start at an early age and puts trans youth at risk of isolation, school dropout, and academic performance issues.” A national survey by GLSEN has found that 75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at school, and those who are able to persevere had significantly lower GPAs, were more likely to miss school out of concern for their safety, and were less likely to plan on continuing their education. This bill contributes to the discrimination and inequality that trans youth face every single day, from teachers not respecting their pronouns to being a target of fatal hate crimes. Rather than allowing trans youth to focus on school and their careers, lawmakers are instead making a hostile environment for kids. We should be helping transgender and non-binary youths, not attacking them.

What can you do? 

This week at least 44 anti-trans bills are in process across the US. Most of the healthcare bills are attacking transgender kids. Most of the sports bills are attacking transgender girls. Here are some things you can do to stop the discrimination against transgender and non-binary individuals. 

Send a message to your state representative: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/al-trans-belong-2021 

Look here for action steps across the US: https://www.transathlete.com/take-action 

Link to the Human Rights Campaign page about the Transgender community: https://www.hrc.org/resources/understanding-the-transgender-community

Read more from GirlSpring on How To Be an LGBT+ Ally.

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