Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Viva.

All Women are QUEENS!!
Dear beloved readers, Because society is so bent on this ideal body image, we need to stop comparing ourselves and others to those who are more skinny. First of all, that is damaging to women and men alike. When they, having been told to look a certain way, diet, exercise, get on weight loss medications, chances are they have been told that through the advertisements, tv, the radio, and magazines since the age of four or five. Society in the Western Hemisphere has been pushing this certain weight, hight, skin type, hair type, eye color, and other things that promote toxic beauty standards. Chances are that young girls and women, and also boys and men, already feel insecure.
By Sunny Dolen5 years ago in Viva
5 Astonishingly Bold, Incisive and Thought-Provoking Feminist Reads of All Time
When most people hear the word ‘Feminism’, they picture angry, topless, and man-hating women demanding rights. Those are the graphics portrayed by pop culture and mainstream media.
By Ziva Lane5 years ago in Viva
FIRST BLACK WOMAN ON A POSTAGE STAMP
The first black woman to have her likeness honored on a United States postage stamp did not happen until 1978 as a part of the Post Office Black Heritage Series.
By Paula C. Henderson5 years ago in Viva
Period Smeriod...
I’m very protective about labeling myself so let me start by saying that I’m probably not a feminist... I am open to feminist exploration... I’m pretty sure that a feminist would have something good to say about their period. Here’s what I have to say: I got my period twice this month. I don’t remember the last time that’s ever happened. I feel “savage” when I’m on my period, like I’m out for blood (no pun intended).
By Leah Ella5 years ago in Viva
Patriarchy found me II
Life has a funny way of revealing and showing things to you. I thought that I would quietly process 2020 and everything crazy that has happened this past year on New Year's Eve even as late as last week. But this past Sunday, I had a realization that two guys at my alma mater took advantage of me on two separate occasions when I was inebriated and was not in a position to consent. I had hoped that I would blissfully bask in the memories of 2020 and the last 20 years as I embark on a new decade. Yet, Universe, in a sharp turn, disclosed things to me I hadn't anticipated. As an addendum to my story which I published two days ago, I am documenting what happened with the two guys that took advantage of me. I tried emailing both of them on December 28, 2020 when the above realization had struck me. The first guy, who is three years older than me, didn't even bother replying to my emails. I guess the fact that he committed a crime of gender-based violence didn't phase him or his "busy life" in Korea. The other guy, who was an RA at the dorm where I was also a staff member, wrote back in a belated email, saying that he "did not receive my first email which may have gone to his spam folder" even though I sent the email from my Alumni account with a subject line - "I think you should read this." He then offered his version of events, which included the line, "I didn't realize you were inebriated" and "I (he) was the one who felt victimized and used." Unbelievable.
By Susan Lee5 years ago in Viva
I trusted you.
When you begin thinking you are no longer safe around your own family is when you need to speak up. When you begin questioning your worth.
By AD5 years ago in Viva
Nexplanon Horror
For decades, Doctor's and scientists alike have worked to help women , young adults and families plan their family timing and life. For many birth control is the best option to do that. I want to talk about one particular birth control , the manufacturers, the clinicians we as women deal with and hopefully raise awareness of the post marketing side effects since neither the drug manufacturer nor Drs. Inform their patient's of these side effects.
By Misha Alsleben5 years ago in Viva
7 Travel Hacks for Women On the Go. Top Story - December 2020. Created with: INTIMINA.
We’ve always known that women are bold, strong, and powerful, but now the rest of the world is starting to catch up, too. More than ever, women are achieving higher career roles, starting their own businesses, or working side hustles.
By Mackenzie Lu5 years ago in Viva
How is an IVF pregnancy different from a natural pregnancy?
IVF was a process that has been done exclusively for girls who had blocked fallopian tubes, but with technological improvements, there are a lot more reasons and circumstances at which IVF has to be done in order to achieve a pregnancy.
By david sander5 years ago in Viva
Breast Reduction Surgery Healed My Soul
I have always had big boobs. I was THAT girl starting in middle school. Before I had even experienced my first kiss, I heard a rumor in the 7th grade that I had given a bj in a school bathroom. I was sexually harassed by boys (and girls slut-shaming a virgin) just because to most people, big boobs = promiscuous. I was even sexually harassed by a female teacher.
By Ellen Shockey5 years ago in Viva
Treat Yo' Self: A Self Care Gift Guide Tailored to Black Women. Top Story - December 2020.
You were there, you know what 2020 was like. Not pretty. Black women and femmes were out there on the front lines doing what needed to be done. At the same time, we were receiving a lot of the heat. But we deserve a better tomorrow and we also deserve nice things!
By Priscilla5 years ago in Viva
A Woman's Guide to Perimenopause
I recently turned 49 and thought to myself, wow how time has flown by. It really does just seem like yesterday that I was in my 20’s and raising my children. Now my children all are adults and this past September I became a grandma for the very first time. As much as I love my grandson and as much as I have been anticipating my children starting their own families, there has also been a certain level of personal anxiety with the changes going on in my life.
By Marilyn Glover5 years ago in Viva