Greetings! My name is Caitlin and I am a co-editor of Empathize This. Before sharing any particular “musings” I may have (and get ready, I’ve got a few!) I thought I’d introduce myself. I am a Caucasian woman, living in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I am in a biracial marriage, as yet with no kids. I have a Humanities education with experience in engineering (how that happened I still have no idea).

And, full disclosure, I have beef. I have beef with the fact that even as I write this, I know that I am fighting against the categories of “woman” and “childless”. I know that there are those out there who will immediately dismiss anything I say because they will immediately brush it off as rants from a “crazy feminist/feminazi”. I have beef with the knowledge that anyone who shares a story of disadvantage is subject to thousands of antagonistic voices trying to maintain their own privilege.

It genuinely sucks that this happens.

Empathize This is designed to be one of a growing number of projects that does not judge, does not hierarchize, and does not argue with the stories of power and privilege (or lack thereof). By telling our stories and by standing up bravely and allowing them to be published, we are saying “enough is enough. I will be heard.” It’s our small part of the larger social push for acceptance and celebration of all identities.

I hope you feel welcome and encouraged to share your own personal story. Additionally, if you have something to say that illustrates one of your own opinions – be it political, social, or heck, if you have something to say about the surprising progressiveness of your favourite TV show – we want you to submit it! You can call out the inaction of various political bodies, or you can praise something they’ve accomplished. You can take a movie to task for being reductive and harmful, or you can explain how you think it’s actually a positive piece of work. The choice is up to you.

Looking forward to hearing from you!