If you don’t, Who will?
Below is an email I sent out in late February 2024 for International Women’s Day, but since I never posted it to this blog, AND since the post is still valid and important, I wanted to reiterate its message.
As I woke up in the wee hours of the morning, which I’m prone to do lately, I couldn’t help thinking about Trystology and the significance of this month, especially with International Women’s Day approaching on March 8th. In these uncertain times, it feels more imperative than ever to celebrate and uplift women. As the International Women’s Day website aptly states, “when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.”
From its inception 15 years ago, Trystology has been dedicated to the cause of Women’s Empowerment. This manifests differently for each of us, but at its core, it’s about elevating women and empowering them to assert what rightfully belongs to them: their bodies, their choices, their consent, and yes, their orgasms. I know, I know, I often steer the conversation back to orgasms, but it’s an undeniable aspect of our autonomy—our right to Own Our Orgasms!
Yesterday, as I sifted through my emails in search of updates on our favorite Bitches Against Bullshit t-shirts, a shocking discovery gave me pause. The owner of the company had become the target of harassment and shame for her unabashed and, in my opinion, brilliant social commentary. Lacey, with her unapologetic and mischievous flair, fearlessly speaks her truth. From the limited edition “Not Today, Mansplainer” Infused With “The Well-Earned Confidence of Free-Thinking Women Everywhere” to “Beach Please, I’M A MOTHERF’N MERMAID” and “All the Fucks,” Lacey and the Malicious Women Candle Company have won our hearts! Yet, despite her success, Lacey, like many of us navigating the tumultuous tides of 2023, almost lost her business due to the haters.
This International Women’s Day, let’s uplift women like Lacey who boldly speak their truth and refuse to be silenced. I am grateful for her refusal to succumb to the stifling dictates of conformity, advice be damned! I urge you to read her latest blog, “Dystopian Hellscapes: The War on Women,” a poignant reflection on the state of women’s rights in the United States.
As we commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8th, the theme of “Inspire Inclusion” resonates deeply within us. It beckons us to champion the inclusion of women and girls in every facet of life—be it leadership, education, or economic empowerment. Let’s pledge to foster a culture of understanding, value, and inclusion for women at both the individual and organizational levels. And as we embark on this journey of empowerment, let’s not forget the power of affirmations. On March 10th, let’s continue our empowerment journey with affirmations of self-love and worthiness. Embracing the powerful words “I AM” serves as a testament to every woman’s uniqueness, worthiness, and right to empowerment. Together, let’s forge a more inclusive world where every woman feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.
The AMAZING thing about this post was that I couldn’t know then that we would not be receiving any shipments of the Bitches Against Bullshit shirts in the coming months. Shirts that we had been sporting for the past few years… and that my customers started asking me daily “When are you going to get the shirts back in stock… I had no answer. They were SOLD OUT, and I wasn’t able to order them. Then in late August, when we had again had our 5th customer come in for the week… I wrote to Malicious Women and asked them “Can you help a girl out?” I told her “My customers are “bitches against bullshit”. We have an attitude, and love empowerment. And in this world we live in right now, this message NEEDS to get out!”
You won’t believe this, but Lacie, the owner, called me!
We are now the ONLY other store besides the Malicious Women Candle Company in Sonomish Washington who carry these AMAZING shirts, caps and candles! For this I am so grateful, as I’m so happy to be a purveyor of maliciousness to empower women to be Bitches Against Bullshit!