My Abortion #163: We Give Her a Name – ROAR

The Story Behind the Name

For many, the experience of abortion is tucked away in silence and shadowed by societal taboos. Yet, for the storytellers of our era, these deeply personal moments are being brought into the light, with names and narratives that resonate with strength and survival. 'ROAR'—not just an outcry but a declaration, becomes an echo across the lives of those who share in this collective narrative.

Literature as a Vessel of Revolution

In the pages of feminist literature, stories of abortion are not merely recounted; they are re-imagined. Authors and artists use their craft to construct potent expressions of agency and autonomy, challenging the status quo and paving the way for revolutionary dialogue. This is where hurt is remolded into healing, silence into speaking out, and names are given to experiences that were once voiceless.

The Witchy World of Ariel Ries

In her ongoing webcomic 'Witchy', Ariel Ries weaves a tale that parallels the struggle of authoritative societal norms with a fantastical narrative of witches and magic. Through the bristles of her pen, Ries crafts an Asian kingdom where witches wield their hair as the source of their powers—a poetic allegory for the power inherent in embracing one's true self.

Katie Skelly's My Pretty Vampire

Katie Skelly's 'My Pretty Vampire' transcends the boundaries of a visual spectacle to tap into themes of liberation and the thirst for true freedom. Like the vampires in her graphic novel, those journeying through the personal turmoil of an abortion seek to reclaim their autonomy over their own existence.

Sophie Yanow's Contemplation on Mortality

With 'What is a Glacier?', Sophie Yanow invites readers into a soliloquy on mortality and the fragility of life. Yanow's protagonists grapple with the foreboding inevitability of endings, mirroring the contemplative stages that often follow an abortion.

Sam Alden's Narrative in Household

An aura of disorder and disarray permeates Sam Alden's 'Household', where the loss of control and the crumbling of structure echo the feelings of chaos that can follow a life-altering decision like abortion.

gray Folie's Unique Voice in Drop Out

Adopting an unorthodox approach in 'Drop Out', gray Folie presents a narrative that is refreshingly authentic. Through their story of two girlfriends on a journey, Folie invites the reader to examine the rawness and vulnerability that accompany the road to understanding and acceptance.

Gabrielle Bell's Deadpan Humor and Depth

Gabrielle Bell's commendable talent lies in her ability to balance humor with deep, probing insight. Her comics serve as a reminder that within the stoic expression of our deepest trials, there is a space for the dry wit of resilience.

Turning the Page: The Journey Continues

Stories shape our understanding of experiences that we may not have lived through ourselves. They allow us to empathize, to learn, and ultimately, to connect. In giving a name to her story of abortion, a woman joins a vast library of narratives that span across cultures and timelines—where each testimony, like a book on a shelf, awaits its reader.