Robyn Ross, friend of Conspire Theatre, freelance writer and general awesome lady, wrote a Facebook post commenting on the fact that if so many people were telling women to be careful, use the buddy system, etc. in the wake of the recent murders in Austin, couldn’t men check in with each other to make sure that they weren’t going to commit violent acts? She started some heated debates and followed up with these thoughts: Wow, clearly this struck a nerve. I have seen cautionary fliers all over Central Austin, and I’m immensely grateful to those who are putting them out and reminding people to take basic personal safety precautions. What bothers me, and perhaps what bothers you, is how the vast majority of messages about preventing violence against women are addressed to women. I’ve never seen a flier on a lamppost cautioning men to control themselves. The very idea is … Continue reading →

Trigger Warning – this post discusses childhood sexual abuse and rape. Conspire alum Lauren Johnson continues her series on incarceration, addiction, criminal justice and life in general. Recently I had the opportunity to tag along with Kat to an “Inner View” with KOOP personality Abigail Mahnke. Kat did a fabulous job talking about her craft, (pun intended) and I thought going in that I was prepared for the usual questions that I am asked about Conspire. For the most part that was true although there was a small section that I stumbled around in and couldn’t think clearly enough to articulate what I would have wanted to say. All of that said, Abigail asked me an unexpected question that I didn’t stumble with. I do, however, think that it is a question that I would like to explore a little more here. We were discussing how many of the women … Continue reading →