In this enlightening conversation, ALOK, an internationally acclaimed writer and performer, dives into the complexities of trauma, belonging, and identity. They discuss how fear often intertwines with beauty and the destruction of feminine aspects for survival. The dialogue further explores the contrasts between conditional and unconditional love, and how gender identity can lead to spiritual authenticity. ALOK critiques traditional feminism, pushing for a more inclusive movement, and emphasizes the healing power of poetry and self-acceptance.
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Intimate Violence and Transphobia
Alok discusses the intimate violence they experience, particularly transphobia from women.
This is especially painful because feminism and the women in their life inspired their self-acceptance.
insights INSIGHT
Beauty and Fear
Alok explains their complex relationship with beauty, saying they feel most beautiful when most afraid.
This fear stems from past punishment for self-expression and internalized misogyny.
insights INSIGHT
History and Empowerment
Erasing history disconnects people from their roots and potential for empowerment.
Alok emphasizes how the trans movement's ideas are ancient, not new, and have been historically suppressed.
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In 'Untamed', Glennon Doyle shares her personal journey of breaking free from the societal and cultural expectations that had defined her life. The book is divided into three parts: 'Caged', 'Keys', and 'Free'. Doyle discusses her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and her initial marriage, as well as her transformative experience of falling in love with Abby Wambach, a retired professional soccer player. The memoir explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the importance of trusting one's own voice and intuition. Doyle reflects on her experiences with gender roles, mental health, and cultural conditioning, encouraging readers to reject the status quo and live more authentically. The book is both an intimate memoir and a galvanizing call to action, urging readers to set boundaries, honor their emotions, and embrace their truest selves[2][4][5].
Beyond the Gender Binary
Ashley Lukashevsky
Alok Vaid-Menon
Femme in Public
Poetry by ALOK
Alok Vaid-Menon
Femme in Public is a powerful poetry collection by Alok Vaid-Menon, exploring themes of anti-trans harassment, loss, grief, and the celebration of transfemininity. The book challenges societal norms and invites readers to reimagine a world where femininity is not feared but celebrated. It includes work from 2014 to 2017 and is a testament to the resilience and beauty of femininity in public spaces.
Your Wound/My Garden
Alok Vaid-Menon
In 'Your Wound/My Garden', Alok Vaid-Menon crafts a deeply intimate and moving collection of poetry and prose that explores pain, resilience, and love. The book is an argument for beauty in the face of adversity, written during the COVID-19 lockdown. It delves into themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of vulnerability.
“The days that I feel most beautiful are the days that I am most afraid.”
“What feminine part of yourself did you have to destroy in order to survive in this world?”
“Why have we been taught to fear the very things that can set us free?”
About ALOK:
ALOK (they/them) is an internationally acclaimed writer, performer, and public speaker. As a mixed-media artist their work explores themes of trauma, belonging, and the human condition. They are the author of Femme in Public (2017), Beyond the Gender Binary (2020), and Your Wound/My Garden (2021). They are the creator of #DeGenderFashion: a movement to degender fashion and beauty industries and have been honored as one of HuffPo’s Culture Shifters, NBC’s Pride 50, and Business Insider’s Doers.
We Can Do Hard Things 
