Rape Survivor Writes Spoken Word Poem

“I Am”

By Tiffani Barner

Before I was able to walk again I had to crawl out of this ratchet thing you inducted me into

See I was already aware of its initiation process because a friend of the family took it upon himself to quote unquote “school” me during my elementary years. I was told I had to give my sweet body to one after the other so I could graduate into this thing called Life if I were to be popular. I had managed to avoid the unwanted pregnancies and demonstrative jeers but how could I defend my young life from this burglar?

I found it unbearable the activity so many overlooked, supported or even approved.

I had been given all the wrong lessons in this growing curriculum of rape culture. I innocently danced eagerly to Too Live Crew’s sexual anthems, put on makeup before my time so I could “attract” a man and even stood quiet when the word SLUT was uttered in my presence against a young naïve classmate just as lost as me.

So before I was able to walk again I had to crawl out of this ratchet thing you inducted me into

I am older now and more aware.  I graduated with a degree in “Been there done that” and I’m declaring I’m an advocate for change not scare. My goal is to educate you about this epidemic called rape so we as a community will be in better shape

When you hear me now I am shouting “Stop Victim-Blaming” for my clothes, style of dance or actions don’t warrant rape.

When you see me now I am laying down the rules about enthusiastic consent. You will clearly differentiate between an eager yes and a screeching resounding no!

When you find me I will be volunteering at The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, speaking out at Voices of Strength and marching for change at Take Back the Night.

When you befriend me you will discover I have found an alternative to popular sounds on the radio that objectify women. I am on a mission and I’m driven

When you love me you will find I am thriving, I am choice, I am in control, I am strong, I am walking tall, I am One Billion Rising, I am free, I am you and I am simply just ME!

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To learn more about Tiffani Barner, read this story: Rape Survivor to Compete in Florida Miss Plus America Pageant.

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See also:

• Giving Back in the Community: Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
• Rape Culture: Does America Have One?