Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Viva.

Modern Birth.....Is This the New Dark Age?
Last night I was sitting at a table with 12 women from all walks of life, just getting together for a monthly night out away from our spouses and children. Someone at the table had announced that she was expecting her first. Out came the hugs and congrats as this new mom to be shared this extremely exciting news. Following that came the birth stories, the what to expect, advice, and so on. As I was sitting there listening and sharing my own story I noticed that over two thirds of the women there had had a c-section or multiple c-sections. Most of them explained afterwards that they were told it was an emergency situation but in the end it did not have to be done at all. It made me really ponder my own journey of birth and sense of sadness crept over me.
By Megan Aylward8 years ago in Viva
"I Cured My PMDD"
I've been wanting to write this piece for some time, but I haven't been quite sure how to approach it. It's a sensitive thing. But I think it needs to be said, so here goes. There is a tendency in our community (that being women with PMDD) to get very...perhaps overly...enthusiastic about our discoveries.
By Cheeky Minx8 years ago in Viva
12 Things a Woman Doesn't Have to Be
A woman doesn’t have to be a lady. Cuss. Uncross your legs if it’s uncomfortable. Wear what you want, when you want. Your clothes don't determine your worth, your mouth doesn't reflect your grace, and your posture doesn't determine your mindset.
By hannah irelan8 years ago in Viva
Hell Into Heaven: Final Chapter
Chapter 7: Nikki November, 2012 My stomach is starting to hurt again. Thankfully my classes were done with for the day. I walked to the bus stop that I usually take to go to the hospital where I volunteer with Jesse's mom. Luckily it's the same hospital I was going to be delivering at. After I make it to the doctor's office where Jesse's mom works at, I wobble over to her and whisper to her.
By J.A.K. Hansen8 years ago in Viva
I, Wonder Woman
Some people perceive being naked as having no clothes on, being bare. Every inch of your skin on full show. But what If I told you that in this picture I was naked. Would you have known? Would you judge me?
By Abbie Wild8 years ago in Viva
Hell Into Heaven: Chapter 6
Chapter 6: Jesse Holy Fuck! I'm going to be a dad! I was happy and freaking out at the same time. I didn't plan on coming back home with my mom after my break up with Nikki.
By J.A.K. Hansen8 years ago in Viva
Women in Our Society
As a young woman, I have come across many instances where my image has produced feelings of shame, embarrassment, and a lack of self-confidence. This internal dilemma is often brought upon by cultural factors and the way society has set expectations for how a “woman” should look. This idea of a woman’s image often includes being tall, having a light complexion, a small waist while also having large breasts and a large bottom. Often times, we find ourselves making changes to our body starting from the way we dress to a much more dramatic change like cosmetic surgery. It’s important to note that I am in no way trying to shame people who make these changes to their body. Instead, I am trying to get to the bottom of what produces this longing to change ourselves even if it’s at the cost of our happiness. One question to ask yourself is, “What do you to your body or overall image to attain a sense of cultural power to fit in to societal expectations?” The idea that has long been embedded into our heads is that we need to fit in with the rest and anything other than what’s expected, produces an “othering effect.” I’ve also explored the role of media in the way women are portrayed and go all the way back to how the creation of the English language has paved this path for most women. I’d also like to discuss how our language relates to the theory exnomination.
By G M8 years ago in Viva
Hell into Heaven: Chapter 5
Chapter 5: Nikki August, 2011 Jesse and I have been in a relationship for about 6 months now. It's only been online and via text messages but none the less it felt great to have someone to love again. It's funny that we were in love and that we even had visions of living together some day.
By J.A.K. Hansen8 years ago in Viva
Is Toxic Masculinity a Real Concept? If So, What Would Constitute as Toxic Femininity?
I can, with quite a sizeable certainty, claim that humans are biologically dimorphic. We have the characteristic traits that separate males from females physically and even psychologically. Now that we highlighted that, and we can all agree that women have boobs and are generally of smaller stature, have softer features and sparse body hair, as well as that men are more angular, should be taller, and are basically yetis and possess a peen, we can move on to the real issue here.
By Maura Dudas8 years ago in Viva
Upcoming Action Films with Female Leads
There was a time when women didn't lead superhero movies. That was before 2017 (sorry Elektra!). But when Wonder Woman crushed at the box office, studios began to add more and more action films with female leads to their rosters. Now some of the most anticipated films coming in the new two years have women top billed. Here's what you can look forward to in 2018 and beyond.
By Ben Kharakh8 years ago in Viva
Natural Born Lovers
As promised, my words shall continue to bleed into coherencey. I last discussed the premise of a women's natural born sexuality/sensuality that is deemed to be closest to her innate biology and psychology, while formulating an idea as to what that would look like.
By Asherah Way8 years ago in Viva
Unexpected Friendship Final Chapter
So yes, I went back. After all of that I went back. I was afraid of what life might be like if I left, afraid of what he might do. I stayed for another year and half. I went through more abuse, physical and emotional. The fights would get to the point of no return each time ending in me in tears and trying to leave but he would block my way out. I contemplated jumping off our three-story patio on more than one occasion just to escape him.
By RaeAnna Mercado8 years ago in Viva