These erasure/found poems explore the theme of #MeToo, which is a platform for survivors of sexual harassment and sexual violence to give voice to their experience(s). When I practice erasure poetry (the strategic emphasis and removal of words from an existing text), the creative act centres the control that was taken from me. The phrase “Me Too” was started over a decade ago by Tarana Burke, a black grassroots activist and change maker, and presently, in the digital era, survivors have used the hashtag #MeToo to find one another. What has come uncovered is that our stories of survivorship do not fit the “perfect survivor” narrative, because there is no such thing. In #MeToo, trans, nonbinary, and queer survivors, have space to share their voice, on their terms, in their online communities.
Gendered violence, specifically sexualized violence and rape culture, continues to manifest and target the most marginalized communities (women, gender non-binary and trans people, as well as people of colour). Despite this, sexual assault continues to be largely underreported while survivors adopt their own methods for healing, rather than face victim-blaming hierarchical power structures. As a survivor, I found some comfort in reclaiming control that was lost by practicing erasure poetry. When I practice erasure poetry (the strategic emphasis and removal of words from an existing text), the creative act centres the control that was taken from me. Further, I give myself agency over which words are left legible and are covered. This poetic exploration allows me to create a safe space for myself to explore and dissect trauma; where I begin to repair aspects of my identity that have been affected by sexualized violence and abuse.
