The man I’m talking about here is a dear friend of mine (my best friend’s husband). Our families are actually living together right now during the pandemic. He is very into exploring his own socialization as a man and how feminism is something he’s learned, not something that came naturally to him. He didn’t take issue with this line, and I didn’t really expect others to.

I agree everyone’s voice matters when we talk about addiction. A lot of my writing centers on feminist issues, and in the conversation I wrote about I definitely felt like my voice wasn’t mattering. I felt the all-too-common feeling of being silenced, being spoken to like my thoughts didn’t matter as much as his. I am aware that some of that silencing comes internally, as a result of my socialization.

Writing is the way I find/share my voice, because I do struggle with that in my life.

I am sorry my writing had the opposite effect than I intended: gave you the feeling that some voices didn’t matter as much, rather than my intent to make it clear we shouldn’t silence ourselves.

I will keep your comment in mind. I know my writing will never please everyone, but the last thing I want to do is cause anyone to feel uncomfortable discussing addiction or mental health issues. ❤