Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Viva.

Professionalism in the Women's Movement
Beginning in the 60's, with both the Civil Rights and "Free Love" movements, American Culture has been dominated with by the illusive promise to break "archtypical" or "sterotypical" roles, whether in relation to gender or race or sexuality.
By Samir M Goradia5 years ago in Viva
No going back
Sitting in the flowerbed, in her mud stained ballgown, looking back to the castle & hearing her mother call her name, Elizabeth knew she couldn’t go back. This was time to leave, for real this time. Tired of being bound by restrictions and control Elizabeth knew escaping from her current life, required faith, strength & courage. Elizabeth started running her hands through her tightly held ringlets and putting her hair up in a tie, meant she could run without her hair in her face. Tears falling from her face, she reached into her corset dress to pull out her little black book, she read over her pages again, nodding in agreement, as if the pages were giving her the pep talk she needed, the comfort, the strength & reassurance that she needed to flee. This book had been Elizabeth's most prized possession, this was her like bible, her manifestation book of secrets and plans. The book no one knew of, her only sense of freedom she has had, kept hidden for years under the floorboards in the castle. Her executed plan for freedom was finally in action. Putting the book back into her corset, like a crystal to a bra, she wiped away her tears and let out a huge sigh, as if breathing out all of her burdens and worries. Elizabeth looked around for her little Tigers Eye crystal she left in the mud, then started digging into the mud until silver started appearing through the earth, she pulled out scissors & smiled. Taking her scissors she cut the bottom of her dress, so that she could run easy without the ballgown being a trip hazard. She learnt this on her practise escape run, long dresses and running don’t go hand in hand. It was the reason for her capture, so she knew this had to be executed differently. With her ballgown cut to knee length, Elizabeth buried her scissors back to her usual spot, in case she needed them again one day. Elizabeth liked to think she was strategic, staying steps ahead meant she was smarter than her mother and one step closer to a life she desired.
By Jada 2735 years ago in Viva
Unlikeable Women
I have now watched both series of 'Fleabag' (BBC, 2016-2019) 6 times through. Watching the first series back in 2016 showed me something I had not seen before on television - a woman that had many, many faults. A woman who wasn’t conventionally beautiful. A woman who was trying her best, but quite often, failed. A woman like me - I fell in love with her instantly. Across the two seasons, we meet more complex, wonderfully flawed female characters (Kirsten Scott-Thomas’ monologue in S2 - YouTube it), each with relatable parts to love and hate, much like we do about ourselves. When I feel as though I need some comfort, I go back to 'Fleabag'. Like visiting an old friend.
By SLC5 years ago in Viva
Tearing down the Walls. Top Story - March 2021.
Up until recently, telling my story felt futile. I have had so many walls up and have now come to the realisation that there is more to lose by not telling my story. For the longest time, I believed that my story had no value. You see, my life feels ordinary. Whilst I have been through some hardships, grief and loss, I’ve never stopped to consider that these events have shaped me, or that my story might be one that others resonate with.
By Adrianna Zaccardi5 years ago in Viva
PMS Flu
I have been feeling more under the weather around my monthly cycle lately. Sometimes having bouts of nausea, fatigue, body aches...these symptoms could be confused with the flu or even a virus. However, after some research I found that this is commonly referred to as “Period Flu”. It is not fun being not your normal self for whatever reason so I knew I had to do all I could to feel my best. I have been off my exercise and healthy eating regime that allowed me to lose 50 lbs in the previous year. I have often told myself that this will catch up with me and it has. Luckily ,because “PMS Flu” is treatable with preventive measures and I can hopefully hop back to my normal self every month with some preventive self care.
By Shalasha Deese5 years ago in Viva
I Was Body Shamed By My Parents Just A Few Hours After Giving Birth
It was only a mere few hours after I had given birth to my son and I was already body shamed. By my own parents. My dad asked “Why do you still look pregnant?” My mom agreed. She doesn’t remember having such a big belly after giving birth to me and my sisters. She apparently bounced back the minute after we were delivered.
By Alice Vuong5 years ago in Viva
The Ladybug 🐞
Let’s go back to the week after Christmas. I felt a slight change in my body that had me a bit nervous 😬 . I was sleeping more than usual, I really thought it was work because when the holidays comes it can be chaotic. So I decided that maybe it’s time that I took a pregnancy test, because I knew that was one of the signs of my increased fatigue. Three test later I was IN FACT pregnant 😳 ! Now another thing I noticed around the same time that I ignored at first was this ladybug 🐞 on my wall in my room. I looked up the meaning for it. My findings stated that ladybugs are a symbol of luck (which is like the stereotypical meaning we are mostly raised upon), protection (new to me 🤨 ), and the kicker: NEW LIFE! I dropped my phone 📱 and immediately was shook. The signs were there I just never saw them. I really had to take a moment and figure out what to do.
By Tasha Mac5 years ago in Viva
100 Days of Meditation Post Break-Up
Day 1 – February 25th, 2021 I took a look at my YouTube music playlist after my afternoon workout and got slapped back by my sudden realization today! The list started with “Head in the Clouds” by Naika featuring Teamarrr a song about putting down the emotional baggage of an ex-relationship in order to pick up one’s Goddess-hood instead. The second song was “Stronger” by Raveena a song I interpreted to be about trusting yourself and not letting a man discourage your own divinity. Then it was “Be Careful” by Cardi B, literally telling her man to appreciate her or else risk losing her. “What You Won’t Do” by Savanna Cristina is a mix of oldie vibes with newbie lyrics and again about appreciating the woman in your life before she’s gone. And a slew of Other songs mostly consistent of the artists Teamarrr, Doja Cat, Beyoncé, and Lizzo. I’d been jamming on the way to the store to gather groceries to make for my boyfriend, singing in the shower in his small one bedroom apartment merely yards away from him, and making out with him with the music bumping in the background without ever noticing that I’d unintentionally and expertly cultivated my break-up playlist prior to my actual break-up.
By Ashley Ellis5 years ago in Viva
The Odetta-Maris
I have sailed in treacherous, uncharted waters, fought off scavengers, managed to win a great number of battles against pirates, so it's not hard to assume that I live for the adventures. It's all in a day's work as one of the very few - if only - female pirate captains.
By Anna de Vries5 years ago in Viva
Boys Will be Boys (because we let them)
A young girl is standing with her friends on the playground during recess. Out of nowhere, one of the boys in her class runs by and pushes her and then takes off. When the little girl gets upset she’s told, “it’s okay. He only did it because he likes you.” Suddenly, she is the envy of all the other kindergarten girls. They want a boy to push them, too.
By Kristen Nazzaro5 years ago in Viva
The Mature Women
I hit my late 40s and my marriage of 23 years started to crumble. I decided I had to improve on me. I did what any co-dependent women would do. I threw out all of my granny panties I hit my late 40s and my marriage of 23 years started to crumble. I did what any co-dependent women would do. I threw out all of my granny panties and bras.
By Dottie Jo Marsh5 years ago in Viva
you
I have piece of uncommon knowledge which is going to blow you away, are you ready for it because it is truly shocking... not many people know it because society is so messed up... but did you know you are special, you are amazing, you are beautiful and most of all you are unique, you are perfect just the way you are.
By Tiana Joy Gatula-Gittens5 years ago in Viva