That Girl from Derwent dwells on the value of religion this Christmas.
That Girl from Derwent has learned a few more things about prejudice since moving up North.
That Girl From Derwent reckons if you're going to be offensive, you should find a better reason.
That Girl from Derwent considers why it is that some words have wider implications than others.
The launch of ‘Tell’ this Friday, an anthology of anonymously submitted sexual experience, will offer university students and staff the possibility of accessing a fresh and unusual form of sexual expression.
Sex is offered to us in a number of different packages in modern literature, ranging from fantasy, romanticised descriptions of mutual ecstasy, journeys of self-discovery to darker horror stories of sexual abuse. But it is often difficult as a reader to step away from the self-consciousness of these descriptions. Even in autobiographies the author is unlikely to explore all of the intensely personal or even boring aspects of their sexuality.
The reason why ‘Tell’ is so powerful is because the anonymity allows people to write without the need to illicit a reaction. This is sex through the eyes of people who have no need to dress it up, gloss over it, or put on a good front. That is not to say that there aren’t steamy descriptions (there certainly are!) but they are coupled with a sense of realism and lack of embarrassment.
The range of experiences submitted to ‘Tell’ is a testimony to its intention: to offer people a space in which to talk about sex in whatever way they want to and include every variation on the scale of sexuality and a plethora of different emotional responses.
It is profoundly moving to read a person’s little thought or poem and feel a pang of recognition. Sometimes it is also shocking to read something that has no place in one’s own consciousness. It is hard to read the few pieces that look at abuse and other negative experiences of sex. But it is only through reading about them, in their honest, heart-grinding difficulty, that we can attempt to hear the voices of those whose hardships should not be forgotten or dismissed.
If you’ve ever wanted to find an account of sex that doesn’t try and sell you anything, this is it. To read it is to experience many voices speak to you as though they were closer to you than a friend, without knowing where the voices come from. I wrote for Tell as part of the Women’s Committee and seeing my section was also wonderful as it is easy to never speak openly about sex, and even easier to lie about it.
To write as well as read ‘Tell’ is an extraordinary privilege that is not to be missed, so I urge you to come along to the launch, so we can all enjoy this wonderful book together.
The Launch of ‘Tell’ will be this Friday, Week 8. 6-8pm in The Courtyard. Tickets are £3 from Vanbrugh stalls 12-2 on Friday or OTD. This include a glass of wine (or non-alcoholic beverage) and a copy of 'Tell'.
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