GL: How did you discover Gurls Talk?
P: I discovered GurlsTalk on instagram’s explore page. I skimmed through their posts and instantly connected with the images of hope, empowerment and perseverance. I wanted to be a part of this community because its messages support my recovery and self-care.
MS: What’s been the most powerful thing for you in finding this community?
P: Shared experiences. It’s no secret the world is an overwhelming and intimidating place. Unfortunately, it is is easy to feel alone in our pain, curiosity and insecurity. As a survivor of abuse and someone living with multiple mental health diagnoses, I feel understood and supported by people across the world through GurlsTalk. It is comforting and empowering to connect with people like me that understand my experiences.
GL: What has it empowered and inspired you to do?
P: I am ready to channel my passion for mental health and community into my own online platform. I plan to launch my platform next year and provide a safe space for people of color to share their stories and to access mental health resources. GurlsTalk is one of my inspirations for my platform’s design and purpose. The goal is to provide a community that, like GurlsTalk, members can feel comfortable, supported and understood.
GL: You say the community provides a safe space to share their deepest pain and greatest joys- can you give some examples of the types of things to see and what that means to you?
P: Yes, under the “Gurls” section of the GurlsTalk website, you can search different topics like “#mentalhealth” or #sexuality” and read numerous user-submitted articles like “Beating Addiction,””A Letter To The Girl Who Was Raped,” and “Turning Shame into Humor.” As someone who can identify with all three of these topics, I appreciate that so-called taboo subjects are being openly discussed. GurlsTalk’s embrace of real female experiences helps me to heal and understand my own experiences. There is power in storytelling.