When the President-elect of the United States admits to molesting women, it makes headlines. Donald Trump’s 2005 brag— “grab her by the …”— still echoes. But for sexual assault survivors, these reports aren’t just sensational headlines, they are painful reminders of a traumatic past.
When the personal becomes political and private moments are subject to public analysis, how can women become empowered? For local artist Krysta Sa, 28, art, discussion and the company of others, provides strength. Sa has established The Love Below Society: creative safe spaces for women & girls, a series of free pop-up events and workshops, with the first event set for Thursday, November 17 at The Original Sub Shop on Broadway.
Finding your way
In May Sa, a Toledo-native, returned home from traveling and work on a short film in Brazil. Working as an art teacher at The Boys & Girls Club, Sa introduced a new program.
“We talked about music videos and representation— I can’t tell you how awesome that was to watch Solange or Nicki Minaj and talk about what a feminist is,” Sa explained. “The kids would pick out a music video they wanted, but they had to talk about themes.”
The program brought out stories of media representation, identity and experiential history. With The Love Below Society, these conversations continue.
“The Love Below Society is something I’ve wanted to do for sometime,” said Sa. “Essentially this idea is for survivors, and I want the community to be involved in raising strong, smart and
empowered women.”
In collaboration with fellow artist Nikki Eggerstorfer, Sa has created The Love Below Society to host reoccurring, positive events open to all women, not just survivors.
“The Love Below Society aims to create safer spaces and events for women and girls that promote creativity, collaboration and wellness,” explains Sa. “A safe space for women and girls is a space that welcomes female intuition without the concerns of the male gaze or objectification. By identifying these spaces as ‘safe,’ we our asking for the individuals attending our events to be respectful.”
Feeling it out
The Love Below Society primarily seeks conversation— not answers.
“The first session will be very experimental,” said Sa. “I will lead an open discussion group called Feeling Feelings, featuring a few guests who will talk about a specific feeling associated with their experience as a girl.” (Feeling Feelings is open to all genders).
Like Sa’s art, which ranges from photography to printed clothing, paintings and other medias, Feeling Feelings will be led by the desire to improve. “The art that I make and care about is a kind of alternative self-help… it’s therapeutic. That is the art I am interested in sharing,” Sa explained.
Lady’s night
After the Feeling Feelings workshop, the sessions will be limited to those who identify as women and girls.
“I think this will be a very cool event, but I also want people to tell us what they want to hear. There’s no right way to feel bad, which is why we need a safe space. We live in a
society where women aren’t supposed to
express anger… and f*ck that.”
5-9pm | Thursday | November 17 | All are welcome from 5-6:30pm
From 6:45-9pm | the events are for those who identify as women and girls only
The Original Sub Shop & Deli | 402 Broadway St.
419-243-4857 | [email protected]
See “The Love Below Society” on Facebook.
