OURGENDERREVOLUTION

Stories of Transformation 2018 Middle/Junior High School Writing Challenge Stories of Transformation are poems and writings to create a future where everyone is valued, where everyone is safe, and where Pressed Against the Glass everyone can thrive. Idaho middle school and junior high school students were invited My body, an object I’ve learned, to write on one of six themes - We Choose All of Us, Belonging Portrayed in the media Accepted to Beloved Community, Restoring Wholeness, Our Spirit, and Our as a prize I am beautiful just like you Humanity, Together We are Stronger, Living in Abundance and My other qualities Not only on the outside Harmony, and Earth is Sacred, Water is Life. Hidden under a disguise On the inside too At the heart of these writings, we seek to end our culture of I didn’t choose to wear domination, extraction, and violence, and create a world with social I rise above your labels equity and collective liberation for all human beings - a world I was born with my mask I am strong, brave, kind rooted in interdependence, resilience, and regeneration. Breaking free That’s not on my body The 9th Stories of Transformation publication was compiled from My unsolicited task It’s inside my mind over 2,000 student submissions. Congratulations to Idaho’s middle school and junior high school student authors whose selections are published as well as the Stories of Transformation Award recipients Aspen Palmer Moscow Middle School who displayed critical thinking and excellence. Tiffany VanArsdel – Teacher A special thank you to Idaho’s teachers who encouraged their 2017 Stories of Transformation students to discover new insights through writing and to the judges who read the amazing submissions by thousands of young people. — Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence

Cover art inspired by “Pressed Against the Glass,” 2017. North Junior HIgh School – Artists: Kailey Owen, Brinn Waibel, Sasha Kingston and Sydney OURGENDERwww.ourgenderrevolution.orgREVOLUTION Teacher: Hiram Miranda We Choose All of Us We commit to bringing Gender and Violence We do not live single issue forth a world rooted in lives: we see the limitations We are a people who choose Gender is one of the core interdependence, resilience, of single identities of gender, A world where everyone is ways we learn to identify and and regeneration. sexual orientation, race, ability, valued, where everyone is safe, expresses ourselves. Gender class, religion, immigration and where everyone can thrive. We will live into this new is socially and culturally refugee status. A world where love is love and story of Idaho with sacred constructed — it’s something kindness is everything. responsibility, in silence, we learn — not just something When identities like gender, Nothing less than this. We look to the stars for lessons we inherit though our biology. race, religion, and many others Every day we choose love and of interconnection, are linked to power, control We learn and create our gender in this love everyone belongs to And abiding spirit. and domination, many people through our relationship to beloved community. We believe in the wonder of are devalued just for being ourselves and our interactions Everyone. what wholeness can look like; who they are. When people with the people around us. the small glimmers of this are devalued it creates harm, We are whole human beings. And, even though much of place, first; and then the soft including hurtful words, We believe in our collective gender is socialized, it is still voice, growing stronger and discrimination, and eventually humanity and our deep very real; it shapes each of our clearer, until this world is fully physical violence. connection to all living things. experiences in profound and realized. We will create the world we different ways. We can change this by want to see and move forward Our choices have power. redefining what gender means Unfair treatment, harassment, or with courageous love and We will be bold. to us and valuing everyone discrimination based on gender mutual responsibility. We invite you in. in our diverse communities. or gender expression is wrong We choose all of us. We can interrupt and end all We are all part of this story. and creates the conditions for forms of hate, oppression, When believe when we Join us at gender violence – abuse and and violence and create a imagine together, we can www.WeChooseAllofUs.org sexual assault – to occur. world where everyone is achieve the unimaginable. safe, everyone is valued, and everyone can thrive. Stories of Transformation Award

We Choose All of Us

When we choose all of us, that means no one is left behind. No one. Whether they’re gay or straight, or their gender or race. Every single person is important. No matter who they are. No matter where they come from. No matter where they’re going.

When you choose to see someone’s full humanity, You’re not just choosing to see their problems, You’re choosing to see their victories. You choose to see They. Are. Human.

Abigale Berg Hawthorne Middle School Jordon Hofman – Teacher

7 Stories of Transformation Award Stories of Transformation Award

Told To

He feels like He was born in the wrong body She feels like We are All the Same She loves the wrong gender I came here for freedom, They both feel like I was going to lose my mind, looking for wisdom Normal is out of reach Don’t want to lose my family Both People call me alien, drug lord; Don’t know how to contemplate that’s what the new president roared The judgment of others I’m normal, I’m good They dress to fit in But I’m misunderstood He dresses to stand out The only thing I want to say is, “we are equal” They love because they’re told to We are hard working families, good people! She loves because she wants to Together we can build a new future. You wouldn’t notice unless they told you Don’t judge them Hugo Cabrera North Jr. High Even if you’re told to Donna Hale - Teacher Kat Clark Hillside Jr. High Mike Baker - Teacher

8 9 Stories of Transformation Award Stories of Transformation Award

I am capable of doing what I can now A World Without Labels Because of the women who have come before me We are placed in boxes The ones who pounded their fists-- Limited in what we do because of where we come from To the cries of those who fought for equality We are locked inside our own bodies The ones whose blood and tears Constricted in our acts and thoughts Stain the soil where we now walk It’s inhuman For without them Imagine if we could break free I could not build upon where they wrought Let the restrictions fade into the deep depths from which they came So that the women who come after me We could only be judged on what we hold inside Do not live like the women who came before me Not what everyone presents us to be A world without labels Lindsey Crandall Fairmont Jr. High Now wouldn’t that be something. Adam Phillips - Teacher Joshua Emara South Jr. High Amber Strickler - Teacher

10 11 Stories of Transformation Award Stories of Transformation Award

Being a black girl

Being a black girl Beldagi, My Home is having gold but everyone telling you it’s copper. Beautiful hills and green grass is having a voice of a lioness, Elephants, and cobra snakes, and birds but never allowed to roar Life was great or you will be too loud, Deepen, my name, was given by a priest too angry. All of the community speaks Nepali is being on the verge of extinction Gods, we believe in different ones as they steal your courage, I miss my community lips, hips, and tell you it’s outdated. Is to continue the tradition of defying odds, Deepen Mangar South Jr. High breaking, then remaking society’s rules. Tracy Zarate - Teacher A black girl is strange, Terrifying and Beautiful.

Charlotte Iradukunda South Jr. High Tyler Bevis - Teacher

12 13 Stories of Transformation Award Stories of Transformation Award

Dear Ancestors,

I don’t know about you I am layers of But I’m scared Dirt and rock. I’m so scared I imagine my face is beautiful, I’m scared for my future But I have yet to find a mirror I’m scared for our future That I can see myself in. The people’s future I’ve lived in darkened space The Earth’s future For over four-million years, Sometimes Still I am not respected. I just want to go back in time Your ears I want to see how it was Are filled with nonsense. I just want to understand All I ask is that you, How did our Earth turn to be this? Teach the future, I might have never known you That I am here. But please But someday, Remember me I won’t be. And please understand That we could use your help Ava Tyler Hillside Jr. High Jenna Thomas Julie Davis - Teacher Meadows Valley School Devon Barker - Teacher

14 15 Stories of Transformation Award

Solo el amor de una madre Assumptions Solo el amor de una madre confiar cuando nadie más lo hace, You’re never alone. Solo el amor de una madre te cuidará cuando estés en peligro, Stereotypes stand meaningless, we’re human. Solo el amor de una madre te amara cuando nadie te quiere, This life, won’t last, Solo el amor de una madre mantendrá fuerte, Go along with a day without Solo el amor de una madre mantiene la comunidad unidos. Assumptions, stereotypes, Only the love of a mother Without taunting people for gender, or race, Only the love of a mother to trust when nobody else does, Become unidentifiable. Only the love of a mother will take care of you when you are in danger, All smiles, be different, be unique. Only the love of a mother will love you when no one loves you, Voices will share a compliment. Only the love of a mother will keep strong, Kinds of all age, gender, and race, can come together. Only the love of a mother keeps the community together. They will share peace.

Edwin Vargas Rebecca Abbe Meadows Valley School Crossroads Middle School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher Robert Zumbrun - Teacher

16 17 My People Kindness.

My people are the ones who stick their fists in the air and protest as the kids who are normally picked on and teased walk in the halls the wrongdoings of this nation. All eyes fall onto them But they don’t see any judgmental gazes. My people are the ones who do not stand for sexism, racism, They only see acceptance in their eyes. lgbt+ phobia, or anyone who stands for hatred. They only see compassion

Rachel Alonso No one yells at them for being gay, trans, non-binary, asexual, Fairmont Jr. High anything. Nicole Jones - Teacher They just accept it.

Rachel Alonso Fairmont Jr. High Nicole Jones - Teacher

18 19 Belong. We are all the same Regardless of… when I said to you that I was into girls, you saw my leg shake and How we look, tears run down my face, you said it’s okay, that I was not a different What we believe, person, I was still the same person as I was yesterday Our sexuality or genders, And I knew that I was safe. Our past and future, I knew I belonged. Our skin colors,

Rachel Alonso Our style or taste, Fairmont Jr. High Regardless we are all the same Nicole Jones - Teacher We are all humans.

Alisha Arndt Crossroads Middle School Anna Kreiger - Teacher

20 21 Earth

Earth is our home Together We are destroying it We leave colossal footprints in the atmosphere and the oceans Together, we are a community. The oceans are drying up Together, we are the future. The animals are going extinct Together, we are valued. The air is thick, it slows us down Together, we eat. Where did it all go Together, we are peaceful. The animals, Together, we are strong. The people, Together, we are golden. The oceans, Together, we are not alone. It’s all gone Together, we are one. Destroyed by only us, Together. The humans Konrad Benner South Jr. High Jack Bales Amber Strickler - Teacher Moscow Middle School Tiffany VanArsdel - Teacher

22 23 Dear Great Grandmother When we stand strong

Dear Great Grandmother When one falls we have others to help us get back up The world is different now When one gets back up and watches another fall People are being judged Then helps the other up For who they really are When this keeps happening over and over Everyone has to be the same Then soon all of us But why can’t we be different Will stand strong Why am I forced to act a certain way Dear Great Grandmother Chloe Brooks Meadows Valley School We need your help Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

Sadie Berry Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

24 25 Connection Things Not to Say to Someone That’s Been Sexually Assaulted

Water connecting us all to the Earth “You were asking for it.” Running, snaking along the banks “Boys get raped too.” Winding through canyons “What were you wearing?” Tumbling, washing down from the peaks of mountains “Boys will be boys.” That stand like unwavering sentinels “Did you make this up for attention?” Keeping watch over all of us “That was a long time ago, just get over it.” Water, connecting us to each other “Well you know what they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Making us feel whole “It could have been worse.” A bond between us that Maybe instead of teaching girls that molestation is normal, is unbreakable and everlasting we should teach boys not to sexually assault. Water reminds me of her Beautiful, calm, quiet Lucy Brown South Jr. High Tyler Bevis - Teacher Dartanion Brown Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

26 27 Water is life Welcome Everyone To The World Without water we would die When you come to this world you should be accepted We need water to survive But some people aren’t accepted We have water everywhere Just because they are different In water you hydrate, you play, you grow But different is good Without water we slowly lose ourselves Good is something we have in all of us We need water to survive It can be hard for others to see In water I swim But let us try to Swimming I feel happy, weightless, and free Welcome everyone to the world Water gives us life

We are lucky to have water in our lives. Connor Brusso Meadows Valley School Emma Brumfield Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

28 29 Our World

In society’s “perfect” world I am allowed To only like pink You’re Not Alone I am okay To play with dolls You aren’t by yourself, we’re all together I am supposed We fall apart without one another To be frail We change the world, that’s all of us I can only One by one, we’ll all make a fuss Be the same Our hearts are true, we’ll say what we believe But in society’s former world Never backing down, we won’t retreat I was allowed You are different, that fact is true To only like blue We’ve all grown up together, and feel like we’ve known you I was okay Strong and fierce, that’s what we are To play football Brave together, never afar I was supposed Hannah Clay To be tough Moscow Middle School I could Tiffany Scripter - Teacher Be unique

Keeahna Clary Moscow Middle School Tiffany Scripter - Teacher

30 31 The Truth of Gaia (Greek Earth Goddess) Only Eyes Mother Earth Imagine, this same world. Protector of all The same people, the same faces, the same bodies. Whose trees stretch towards the sky Imagine all that your mind notices, is the two eyes looking back at you. And roots embrace the underworld. They don’t see gender, race, or size. She is the symbol of balance, Just two eyes, looking at two eyes. Of sacrifice, revenge, and regret. If all you see is a spherical montage of color, Giving all that she has Would you care? And watching as her children betray, Would it matter to you if they were something different? Poison her, Or would you notice that you’re the same. And leave her to rot. Yet she keeps moving forward, Ashton Cooper Beyond her past and into her future. Eagle Middle School Natalya Winkle - Teacher Waiting for no one And letting nothing stop her.

Alec Cottrell West Jr. High Travis Lynn - Teacher

32 33 I was made of glass Why Judge? delicate and thin LOUD, with the words of our President, they broke me apart Telling the public transgender people are not allowed in the ARMY. shattered by my pieces We feel pain, sadness, and weakness, never to shine again We see the world turning on us. but I picked myself up We work, and try anything we can, glued all the fragments back together We are pushed away and judged, all the cracks still show We cannot get through to show how we feel, yes this is “Loving Community”, some gaps still need to be filled in We are “Belonging here” and “Loved” but now I am whole What about “We the people”? ready to love again

Mykenzie Crawford Lindsey Crandall South Jr. High Fairmont Jr. High Amber Strickler - Teacher Adam Phillips - Teacher

34 35 Mountains

In the Mountains It’s wide and open In the Mountains Water Hallow I feel wind wisping across my body Droplets splashed as the promontory overlooked the sea of In the Mountains many bright colors. You can explore She and the sea awakened like a morning bird, a glittering In the Mountains yellow in the far horizon brought her and her fellow ocean I feel whole dwellers upon the edges of soft blue ripples. In the Mountains There is beauty inside The sea creatures from far and near spiraled around her and In the Mountains closed in, encircling her in a consummate round of light and I feel love like my parents used to love me color that moved as one in chorus and synchronization. In the Mountains I can think Tessa Crook Sawtooth Middle School In the Mountains Shannon Glabe - Teacher I can be myself In the Mountains What happens, stays

Tazyrae Dischinger Salmon River High School Ashley Mayes - Teacher

36 37 Alone Together Together as one

Only dark shadows cast upon those who left. Only one had stayed, One can make a difference, but a group will make it bigger. afraid of leaving a one and only chance open. Not all agree; don’t let that get to you because most do agree. You are not alone, and neither is anyone else. The door creaked open, casting those shadows upon her. She Be strong, help each other out, anything is possible as a team. looked up into the sky at her bright ancestors, glimmering in the Be smart and creative, the sky’s the limit. dark night. Be nice and great. She forbade to let herself imagine a life alone, though she felt Be the friend that will change the world. alone at the time. Be who you want to be. But they were there, keeping her safe, together, watching over her. You are special!

Tessa Crook Robert Dransfield Sawtooth Middle School Crossroad Middle School Shannon Glabe - Teacher Robert Zumbrun - Teacher

38 39 The Bitter Truth Being a Woman

Truth I can’t be president Hates For it’s too controversial Excuses I can’t play football But Unless I fight for it It’s I can’t take a walk at night The Without some protection Tool that I can’t wear what I want Excuses Without getting objectified Racist acts I am a woman Instigators And I choose to be me Recognize Offending statements and B Edgar Les Bois Jr. High Never even Amy Myers - Teacher Try to justify

B Edgar Les Bois Jr. High Amy Myers - Teacher

40 41 Solemnity

Mexicano Spicy Gang Member, Rapist, and Thieves I am not spicy or opinionated because Americano of the color of my skin. Selfish, Arrogant, and Thoughtless I am not pure or perfect because of Medio Oriente the color of my skin. Terrorist, Bomber, and Evil I am not associated with food because Africano I am a certain color. Drug-Dealer, Violent, and Rude I am not pure because of the Stereotypes and “rules” color of my skin. Part of nature’s laws I do not wear certain colors Can’t escape race because I have to, I wear what I want. One day united I am not pure or spicy, One day of freedom I am mikaela. One day of humanity No one judging Mikaela Elkins No one hurting Moscow Middle School No one with sadness Tiffany VanArsdel – Teacher Everyone’s happy

Santiago Fernandez-Juarez South Jr. High Amber Strickler - Teacher

42 43 Imagine living in a whole new world, No one left behind A world without discrimination, No one left behind A world without judgment, A phrase they use in the army A whole new experience where we are all equal They say this because they are a team No one will judge you for your color They are Stronger together A world where we all support others So if they are stronger together then let’s We love people by the inside and not the cover Be stronger, let’s say We got through this Daniela Garcia South Jr. High We can get through everything Amber Strickler Audri Green Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

44 45 With you Hand in hand, light the night stronger, better. We can bond through four simple words We can go farther when we work together, Together we are stronger. standing side by side, right to left, standing together What do those words mean? cause we are better together. They mean we can have peace Stand, come together, work together. We can bond even if we don’t want to Equal as whole, one by one, equal to equal. We can look into someone’s eyes and say You matter, without you we will be incomplete Trinitee Gurley Fairmont Jr. High Adam Phillips - Teacher Audri Green Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

46 47 Light a Fire in Your Heart

Everyone blames other people for the world’s problems that’s the real problem Together we are Stronger We stumble and fall Even as I grow older, I need you to hold my hand because your love into a pit that we dug for ourselves, is the reason I have strength when I am weak. I love you to the moon blinded by selfishness and back my dear mother because you have always been there for me. Together, our love makes us stronger for all eternity. One thing lights the way out It spreads like wildfire Neekey Habibi Lighting up the darkness Fairmont Jr. High Adam Phillips - Teacher Love is our weapon against darkness It can change the world We can become stronger together; Put a stop to the suffering Choose Love

Kristen Halcomb Riverglen Jr. High Jeanette Griggs - Teacher

48 49 As a woman

As a woman, I am only worthy of $0.80, Compared to the $1.00 you make. Together we are! I am expected to be thin and beautiful, Together we must not hate, not bulky and plain. Together we must live, I can’t be muscular, Together we must love, Because that’s “unattractive.” Together we must trust, I cook, clean Together we are family, take care of you. Together we are friends, You’re the provider. Together we are life. generations after us, daughters will grow to raise their children like this. Ketner Haldorsen Meadows Valley School Unequal, Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher Rather we should teach everyone how important they are. men and women are powerful, And equal.

Shelby Hale South Jr. High Amber Strickler - Teacher

50 51 I watch

The wind howls as I look at the cliques outside DREAM I watch as beautiful girls make fun of shy boys A teenager told he has to like sports more than school Dream about a world where we are treated the same. A girl, alone because people say she’s different, Read in the news where we are treated the same. for liking another girl Earth would be different. And a baby, Always people will be treated the same. Cradled in their mother’s arms Move with kindness into my new world as it is already waiting for you. And I worry Is this the type of life Kohl Haynes Meadows Valley School That the baby would grow up Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher A world where there’s so much hatred and judgment?

Carol Hardinger South Jr. High Amber Strickler - Teacher

52 53 Unstoppable All alone. I am weak. To Live in Wholeness One heart Wholeness is a state of mind one breath It is when you are happy with yourself. one body You love your body, life, and everything you are blessed with. against all odds. Wholeness is enjoying all of the little things. All the mountains I must climb, When you are able to realize benediction all the people I must beat That means you are whole. they terrify me. You feel one with your spirit, mind, and heart. But with you I am strong To live in wholeness is to take all of these points, We win together, we lose together, we struggle together. Put them together, You lift me up and we fly on the wings of the eagles. And be unbroken. Because we are one team. Because we are stronger together. Alyssa Holtz Together we are unstoppable. Riverglen Jr. High Jeanette Griggs - Teacher

Ava Hicke Moscow Middle School Tiffany Scripter - Teacher

54 55 United Dear Those Before Me, Dear The Greats, United we stand The Grands, Together, never alone Is this what you wanted for us? When one falls We waste away The rest shall help to rise together Kept serenely in the clutches of solitude In the dark of the night With our thoughts And in the light of the day Our judgments To rise and be the light in the dark Our lies Where there is evil there is good Our grudges And where there is good there is a Or would you prefer us to rise together? Brightness, a shine To stand together? The challenges a society can face, Can only be overcome by the society itself Holly Johnson United We Shall Stand Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher Mashaal Jan Riverglen Jr. High Gretchen Schulz - Teacher

56 57 844 million lacking We Waste 560 Gallons 100 million dead We throw away 133 Billion Pounds Expectations We Have Our Extravagance I expected hate. We Still Find Time To Count Our I believed that you would think I was strange, Woes That I was a bad person How Sacred is our Earth? Or worse, How Precious Is Our Water? Less than human. Of Course We Care We Yell What I did not expect was ...At Each Other Smiles, But Support, 100 Million without clean water Love. 100 Million starve Are They Just Numbers? Liliana Krigbaum-Horn How Sacred Is Our Earth? Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

Sarah Johnson South Jr. High Tyler Bevis - Teacher

58 59 As a male Latino stereotypes hit me “His family sells drugs.” Deep in the woods “His family is poor.” Hidden behind a mountain “His parents own a taco truck.” Near the river From the eyes of the world I’m this brown skinned human The grass emerald, the sky azure I eat tacos Deer and cubs come to play I am very poor But they’re not alone I am from Mexico We too come to fall for the land’s charm I am here illegally The sense of peace From the eyes of my friends, family Stillness surrounding it I’m Mexican The clear skies I’m not poor Land to roam I play all sports In nature’s embrace. I’m helpful Earth’s heartbeat roars, I eat many types of foods Calling to those who dare listen I am here legally Showing them the pleasures of untold secrets Of life Brian Leon South Jr. High Stephanie Lancaster Amber Stickler - Teacher South Jr. High Tyler Bevis - Teacher

60 61 When I step outside into the forest Family is forever I smell the wind and everything it carries Family is forever I hear the trees and everything in them Those who pass on I taste the sky and all it holds Live forever in you I feel the river run around me In your heart, In the snowy mountains Mind and I smell the fresh pine Soul I hear the powder fall When you learn that I taste the cold bite my throat You will find I feel the wind rush past me True peace I see how I wish life could be Family will give you Strength Cadee Lindmeood Fairmont Jr. High Happiness Adam Philips - Teacher Love Family is forever

Nick McCarty Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

62 63 Together we are stronger. We all belong to a community Together we work harder. We all help create our community All of us are like arrows. We sometimes bring our community up Some of us hit the bullseye but with all of us together We sometimes bring it down it’s impossible to miss. We help create a strong community We are stronger than one. We help create a weak community We are all chain links, with more working together we We create charities for our community can stretch father to achieve our goals. We help our neighbors of our community Together we would be there for the falls and the wins. Everyone belongs and helps create our communities But we will make with no one left behind. Creating and belonging to a community Together we’re one. Is what brings our world together.

Zachary Martindale Naquan Maurice West Jr. High Fairmont Junior High Travis Lynn - Teacher Adam Phillips - Teacher

64 65 Open Me with ease

You look around, I see but don’t respond surrounded by people, your peers. Because I know I don’t belong You’re trapped, you’re beyond your peers, I’m for freedom and happiness beyond what they can think and what they will ever know, But everybody seems so lifeless and it’s torture I’m attracted to confident souls I’m writing now, to you, I think… and I ask of you, Especially the ones open your mind, expand the possibility of others’ thoughts, With rips and folds Realize that you could be wrong. Understand how large you could Because I believe be, or small, That I was sent here Open your eyes and see… open yourself for people like me. To hear Their stories Malachi McMillan Moscow Middle School Ari Meikle Tiffany VanArsdel - Teacher Riverglen Junior High Gretchen Schulz- Teacher

66 67 Dear Ancestor The Mountain Speaks

Dear ancestor, from some distant time The mountain speaks What would you say to me if you could see me now The mountain calls Would you just look in disgust, or ask how things are in mine? The mountain sleeps Dear ancestor, what do you fear The mountain dreams Do you ever wonder what will happen to your family? Underneath its rocky surface Which way will they go, left or right, driven by love or tears Lies its terrible power What path you take A fiery birth What you see With the urge to devour What you do The mountain shakes That will lead to me The mountain falls

Diesel Messenger Diesel Messenger Meadows Valley School Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

68 69 Because of this world Because of who I like I am too scared to speak my mind I am evil Because of this world Because of who I like I am too scared to walk in my own neighborhood I should die Because of this world Because of who I like I make less money because I am a woman I don’t deserve kindness Because of this world Because of who I like Hate overpowers love I will fail But I believe in a world Because of my choice to Where we are all equal and Be gay and bi Where love is the key to success Ahnyana Mills South Jr. High Ahnyana Mills Amber Strickler - Teacher South Jr. High Amber Strickler - Teacher

70 71 The desert. Opposite An infinite expanse of sand and lifelessness. He does the housework, Dead. She puts a roof over their heads. But add a single drop of water and they will come. When the kids go to school, he sends them off with paper sacks, Hope. handwritten notes, and cookies made with love and care. They will come from everywhere to scavenge what you left behind. She’s greeted after work by her ecstatic kids jumping on her back, Resilient. loving smile from her husband, reading by the fire, and a warm Nothing is wasted in the desert. homemade meal. Femininity, masculinity, Natasha O’Dell South Jr. High Why let society’s standards get in the way of what we love to do? Tyler Bevis - Teacher Jenna O’Hearn Moscow Middle School Tiffany VanArsdel - Teacher

72 73 Do Not Ignore Forest Do you see them on the streets In the forest I feel strong All alone I feel safe among the trees With no place to call home I can express myself freely They are families And not worry about who sees Children and adults I can connect myself to nature They are struggling And let my worries go While we are content There, I am free We must share the wealth There, I am whole So all are happy

Do not ignore them Delaney Ott Help Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

Delaney Ott Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

74 75 Taking a risk Words

I always tell myself “Be yourself even if it means taking a risk.” Words are something we can’t live without. But that’s hard because a wall of words comes crashing down on me They’re good. Telling me that I’m not perfect. They’re bad. I’m sorry I don’t meet your standards of being a girl. They hurt. No, actually I’m not. They heal. Because I’m gonna listen to myself and take those risks But it’s you as a host who uses your words. because one day I will defeat that wall of words. As your mouth opens they come out one by one and as they break free it’s you who faces the bad or good Kayla Paine or the healing or hurting Moscow Middle School Tiffany VanArsdel - Teacher With your words.

Kayla Paine Moscow Middle School Tiffany VanArsdel - Teacher

76 77 Missing a loved one Humanity

Life is too short, Humans. But I know you will still be with me. Always fighting, As we leave the airport, Not really caring You will now be free. About what we do. Destroying and killing and hurting. As we snuggle on the couch, Is this just our human nature? We watch movies, Is this what our species essentially is? And as we hug, BUT, I always gave a little squeeze. There is still love within our hearts. You will always be my angel, We can work together to help And I will always remember you, Those who can’t help themselves. Now I’m looking back at a different angle, This is our nature, I will always call you grandma. Our real character, Our truth. Nicholas Perry Riverglen Jr. High Kindness. Gretchen Schulz - Teacher Hector Price Riverglen Jr. High Gretchen Schulz - Teacher

78 79 If only I could talk to Molly Understanding

If I could talk to you great grandma Molly, I don’t know where I’d If love is a beautiful thing, why do some hate it? begin. Maybe I would ask about your boat ride to America. Was it If anyone can do anything, why ask of my gender? long, cold? Maybe I would ask why you stopped speaking German If we all are made equal, why shun someone based on their color? when you came. Perhaps I would ask what gave you strength to start Because we don’t know what it’s like to be like those people. your own company as a single mom. You were such a strong, smart Because that lack of knowledge makes us afraid. woman. If only I could talk to you. So we hurt those we don’t understand. But if we let them explain to us, Olivia Reifschneider We can understand Riverglen Jr. High Jeanette Griggs - Teacher Lucy Reynolds Fairmont Jr. High Adam Phillips - Teacher

80 81 Everyone United

Everyone. Everyone is a strong word. We can’t choose the broken, the suffering, and the hurt It may not seem like a powerful word, but even more so why can’t we choose a world filled with but when it is put to thought, it means everything, peace and happiness because we are stronger together, a world that is safer and cleaner and together we are everything. A world where there are no more tears where everyone does everything equally and a world with love instead of hate Will Richards instead, its war, sickness, hate, suffering, death Meadows Valley School Devond Barker-Hicks - Teacher why can’t we choose all of us

Kily Rogers Idaho Virtual Academy Carrie Stuart - Teacher

82 83 My Sacred Place Why don’t people matter? Why is it easier to say millions are lazy A sacred place: And not doing their jobs A weeping willow, its slender branches swaying in the summer breeze. Instead of a few hundred being greedy A wide expanse of green grass, full of happy children. With their thousands of dollars? A home, its white walls and blue trimming protecting. Why doesn’t our earth matter? What if it isn’t physical? How is it possible to ignore That one person who makes you feel alive. Drying oceans and forests That one smile that holds all the world in its brightness. Instead of working harder to be eco-friendly? That one laugh that sounds more like an angel’s joy. It can change. It’s not the place, but the memories. We must change for the better;

Autumn Russell We mustn’t live in ignorance and self-pity. Moscow Middle School Tiffany VanArsdel - Teacher Nimue Savage-Cotton South Jr. High Tyler Bevis - Teacher

84 85

دع اﻟﺻﺑﺎ ﻓﻠﻘد ھداك زﻣﺎﻧﮫ Let go of the past, you’re not young anymore The Earth is a boy واﻟزھد ﻓﺣﻣدك ﻣر ﻣﻧﮫ اﻟطﯾب And the boy is strong. And those days are gone واﻗﻧﻊ ﻓﻔﻲ ﺑﻌض اﻟﻘﻧﺎﻋﺔ راﺣﺔ واﻟﯾﺄس ﻣﻣﺎ ﻓﺎت ﻓﮭو اﻟﻣطﻠب Piety and gratitude brought you goodness The boy is smart and nice, tall and big. واﺑدا ﻋدوك ﺑﺎﻟﺗﺣﯾﺔ وﻟﺗﻛن The boy has a brown skin color. You’ll find comfort in contentment ﻣﻧﮫ زﻣﺎﻧك ﺧﺎﺋﻔﺎ ﺗﺗرﻗب The boy has black hair and eyes. Giving up on the past is what’s needed واذا اﻟﺻدﯾق ﻟﻘﯾﺗﮫ ﻣﺗﻣﻠﻘﺎ ﻓﮭو اﻟﻌدو وﺣﻘﮫ ﯾﺗﺟﻧب The boy has a good day every day. Start by greeting your enemy, but be cautious ودع اﻟﻛذوب ﻓﻼ ﯾﻛن ﻟك ﺻﺎﺣﺑﺎ And careful of them all your life He has fun and he is happy. إن اﻟﻛذوب ﯾﺷﯾن ﺣرا ﯾﺻﺣب واﺣذر ﻣن اﻟﻣظﻠوم ﺳﮭﻣﺎ ﺻﺎﺋﺑﺎ He does not like to be bullied. And if your friend is disingenuous you should know واﻋﻠم ﺑﺎن دﻋﺎه ﻻ ﯾﺣﺟب They are the enemy and should be put aside He likes to be alone

Because there are no people to bully him. Don’t befriend liars as liars dishonor when they befriend He is Earth. And be cautious of befriending the cunning As they infest you like a scabies rash Ed Doh Say Be cautious of the arrow of the oppressed South Jr. High Tracy Zarate - Teacher And know that their prayer will not go unanswered

Fatema Shaker South Jr. High Amber Strickler – Teacher

86 87 i wish I want equal rights. I will try my hardest. i wish i lived in a world where you can be who you want. I won’t ever give up. girl, boy, neither, none of these are accepted. I dream of a world where we are the same people tend to be scared of the things they don’t understand. Where you can do what you want, be what you want, think what you want i wish Where I will declare for the world to hear “Everyone’s equal,” i wish i lived in a world where girls don’t have to be afraid. And the only sounds in the air will be exclamations of triumph. where the girls that hide don’t know who to tell Because we are all free. that their body has been violated. i wish Kembrie Souza we could learn to fit people’s needs. South Jr. High Amber Strickler - Teacher Kembrie Souza South Jr. High Amber Strickler - Teacher

88 89 Belonging We choose all of us.

Gender stereotypes are meaningless because each individual We choose all of us is a statement that says, we are united as one. person is their own. If every person did the same thing no matter Even though there may be cracks, we still make up the sidewalks; what, then there’s no point in having any emotion at all. A day with the path that we walk on. When we see people’s full humanity, we no assumptions, stereotypes, or biases is what everyone needs. To see them as humans, just like us. No discrimination, no judgment, know people for themselves and not their identity is why we show no hatred. To understand and celebrate all of us as humans, is just compassion. Why not show everyone that compassion? Gender having good morals such as empathy. We are all human. stereotypes are from the past, why not live in the present? Kenzie Sowell Filer Middle School Kenzie Sowell Sara Holley - Teacher Filer Middle School Sara Holley - Teacher

90 91 Wholeness, Happiness, and Health How do we get these sought-after things? We choose all of us, we choose how we think. Actions affect Some say money us mentally, actions affect how we speak. Words can hurt and Others say fame so can lies. No matter what you do, your actions will affect But I say give one thing back to the Earth every day what people think of you. We choose our path, we choose Look around you people. We choose all of us. And cherish the trees Cherish all living things Jazmyne Stephens And that’s a start Fairmont Jr. High Adam Phillips - Teacher Go outside, smell the roses If you so please Because out of all these little things Come three big things Wholeness, Happiness, and Health By making a small change every day

Avery Sterling Fairmont Jr. High Adam Phillips - Teacher

92 93 What’s the ocean without the moon? All The Earth without the Sun? What does that mean? The world without love? Man, Women and everyone in between Chaotic, cold, and sad Straight or LGBTQ+ But add them back, what do you get? Rich or Poor Peace, Warmth, and Happiness Working at a desk Together, we are stronger Or at a convenience store When we work together to become one All colors and sizes There is no stopping us Everyone, everywhere Imagine We all deserve to be treated right If we all worked together With no discrimination Combined our technology, our resources About the color of our hair We would be much more Whether it be dyed or natural Than what we already are With no discrimination Only if, we work together About the ink etched in our skin Everyone deserves love Avery Sterling That’s what all means Fairmont Jr. High Adam Phillips - Teacher At least to me.

Avery Sterling Fairmont Jr. High Adam Phillips - Teacher

94 95 My friends a thriving world The trees are my friends humans need certain things to survive, They call to me among them are food, water, and shelter, When the wind blows their long green limbs sway but we sometimes forget, Speaking of wisdom passed through their root that what we need most to thrive, They tell you where to go is in fact each other. If danger is ahead we are all humans, Without them we are lost yet every one of us is so unique, and it is time to honor our differences, Gracie Strickland Riverglen Jr. High while cherishing our similarities Gretchen Schulz - Teacher Alekya Tanikella Riverglen Jr. High Gretchen Schulz - Teacher

96 97 Stereotypes The Big Three

All the stereotypes need to stop Our minds, body, and spirit are, But our, All the assumptions Sacred. Mind and spirit, All the presumptions Treat them wrong and the balance, Need to be in the, They need to stop of the tree will, Present day, Men are not superior to women Decay. Present time, We need to stop these biased comments We need to restore, And, And detrimental remarks The balance of the mind, Present actions. Men are strong Body, Become more, Women are sensitive And our spirits. Mindful, Or We need to stop dwelling, In the world, Men are sensitive In the past, Around us. And women are strong And too far into the future. Or are we both? Krystal Tracy Crossroads Middle School Jenna Thomas Robert Zumbrun - Teacher Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

98 99 Because She’s a Girl they tell her she can’t Normal say she’s not strong enough, not fast enough, not smart enough I’m not an alien, because she’s a girl So why do people look at me like I am? they push her down The shadows of subjective opinions darken the minds of our youth, call her names Turning us into someone everyone expects us to be, put labels on her Ruining any modicum of originality. say she can’t accomplish anything By accepting our own personal insecurities but she rises up We allow ourselves to walk out of the boxes that they force us into. she fights up Because we don’t fit into the overarching societal proclamation; as she feels the triumph running through her veins, she Normal stands up And why should anyone? stands up for all the girls who think they can’t be amazing, Drew Underwood Moscow Middle School because of society who tells them that Tiffany Scripter – Teacher

Carly Turpen Riverglen Jr. High Gretchen Schulz - Teacher

100 101 El Arbol Se tu mismo

Desde una semilla crece un árbol. Nunca trates de ser alguien mas por lo que dicen El árbol con corazón muy grande. Se tu mismo nunca cambies por los comentarios que te digan. Todos dicen que es feo. Solo se tu mismo nunca trates de ser alguien mas, solo se tu mismo. Pero el sabe que es muy bonito por dentro Y veras lo que tienes por dentro un corazón muy grande. Con un corazón muy grande. Si tu eres tu mismo todos se daran cuenta de lo grandioso que eres El comenzó a crecer y empeza a ser mas bonito y mas bueno de lo ya era Be yourself “Se tu mismo no trates de ser Never try to be someone else because of what they say alguien mas solo por lo que te dicen Be yourself never change for the comments they tell you. nunca cambies se tu mismo” Just be yourself never try to be someone else, just be yourself. And you will see what you have inside is a very big heart. Leylani Vargas If you are yourself everyone will realize how great you are Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher Leylani Vargas Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

102 103 When we all have what we need There’s love When we all have what we need The Future You Make There’s hope Today on Monday, December 11, 2017 When we all have what we need I think about all the things that There’s trust I’ve done or gone through When we all have what we need That nobody knows about Happiness Nobody can save you from your past There’s forgiveness But yourself When we all have what we need But when I’m the worst I make people feel their best There’s no pain But when I’m the best I make people feel their best When we all have what we need Today I will be a great person There’s strength Today I will inspire people When we all have what we need Today be the person to inspire others There’s love Until the end Only then will we find the abundance Victoria Williams We find happiness Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

Sydney Weber Meadows Valley School Devon Barker-Hicks - Teacher

104 105 Understand

You can only understand Mother Earth when you see it with your heart Even cracked, she is a flower instead of your eyes Her bones grow and connect they can only understand Giving life to those who need her with their hearts Her sweet skin is the bark when you’re not hiding behind Her body is the land invisible bars, pretending to be Her hair is the flowers someone you’re not when you’re truly yourself Lilly Wilson and they see your heart South Jr. High Amber Strickler - Teacher they’ll understand

Emily Winans Riverglen Jr. High Jeanette Griggs - Teacher

106 107 * Stories of Transformation Award Hawthorn Middle School + More than one poem Pocatello Abigale Berg* Together or not at all Crossroads Middle School Society is crumbling, Meridian Hillside Jr. High School Falling beneath the waves, Rebecca Abbe Boise Alisha Arndt Kat Clark* Separated togetherness, Robert Dransfield Ava Tyler* No one is the same, Krystal Tracy Idaho Virtual Academy We are all humans, Eagle Middle School Meridian We cry just the same, Eagle Kily Rogers Stand together before we are consumed by the waves. Ashton Cooper Jaiden Wright Fairmont Jr. High School Les Bois Jr. High School Jaiden Wright Boise Boise Idaho Virtual Academy Rachel Alonso + B Edgar + Angela Farnes - Teacher Lindsey Crandall*+ Meadows Valley Trinitee Gurley Middle School Neekey Habibi New Meadows Cadee Lindmeood Sadie Berry Naquan Maurice Chloe Brooks Lucy Reynolds Dartanion Brown Jazmyne Stephens Emma Brumfield Avery Sterling + Connor Brusso Filer Middle School Audri Green + Filer Ketner Haldorsen Kenzie Sowell + Kohl Haynes Holly Johnson

108 109 Liliana Krigbaum-Horn Riverglen Jr. High School South Jr. High School Deepen Mangar* Nick McCarty Garden City Boise Ahnyana Mills + Diesel Messenger + Dasia Garcia Konrad Benner Natasha O’Dell Delaney Ott + Kristen Halcomb Lucy Brown Nimue Savage-Cotton Will Richards Alyssa Holtz Mykenzie Crawford Ed Doh Say Jenna Thomas*+ Mashaal Jan Joshua Emara* Fatema Shaker Edwin Vargas* Ari Meikle Santiago Fernandez-Juarez Kembrie Souza + Leylani Vargas + Nicholas Perry Daniela Garcia Lilly Wilson Sydney Weber Hector Price Shelby Hale West Jr. High School Victoria Williams Olivia Reifschneider Carol Hardinger Boise Gracie Strickland Charlotte Iradukunda* Moscow Middle School Alec Cottrell Alekya Tanikella Sarah Johnson Moscow Zachary Martindale Carly Turpen Stephanie Lancaster Jack Bales Emily Winans Brian Leon Keeahna Clary Hannah Clay Salmon River Jr. High School Mikaela Elkins Riggins Ava Hicke Tazyrae Dischinger Malachi McMillan Sawtooth Middle School Jenna O’Hearn Meridian Kayla Paine + Tessa Crook + Autumn Russell Drew Underwood North Jr. High School Boise Hugo Cabrera*

110 111 Support Friends Who Have Experienced Abusive Relation- Things To Say – Encourage your friend to get help from a trusted adult, and help ships or Sexual Assault them connect to the resources they need. Don’t judge your friend. Here’s examples of things to say: When someone is abused or sexually assaulted, they usually tell a friend first, if they tell anyone. Sometimes they don’t say anything, but you may notice something is “I’m here for you.” wrong and be worried about them. “I’m sorry this happened to you. No one deserves to be hurt.” While it can be hard to know what to do, you have a lot of influence in encouraging “It’s not your fault.” your friend to get the help they need. Here are a few suggestions to help a friend: “I am worried about you.” Start the Conversation – Begin a conversation from a place of concern, avoid “How can I help?” or “What do you need?” judgment or lecturing. Let your friend know what you’ve noticed and don’t be afraid to tell them you’re worried. Be sure your friend knows that no one deserves to be hurt Stay Connected – Your friend needs you to listen and be supportive. Respond with and that you aren’t blaming them for anything. understanding and empathy, not anger. Your friend may not want help from anyone. Understand what you see or hear may make you frustrated and upset. Don’t close the Listen and Be Supportive – Ask them to share anything they feel comfortable door of communication by threatening to do something they don’t want. Also, expect sharing, then really listen. It’s not your job to gather all the facts, just to support and that your friend may share and then not say anything to you for several weeks or even listen. Let your friend talk about the abuse or sexual assault in the way that they need months. Don’t pressure them to talk, just let them know you are available when they to. Make them feel safe with you as the person they choose to talk to and give them want to talk. time to share their experience. Know your friend may not recognize the abuse (which may happen through texts, on the phone, or online), might be afraid or embarrassed Get Support – Your friend may feel more comfortable talking about the situation to talk about a sexual assault, or may be confused about what happened to them. with someone anonymously over the phone, in that case, help them reach out to a lo- Also understand that your friend may not realize that coerced sex (when someone cal domestic or sexual violence organization, or one of the national support helplines manipulates, tricks, or guilts a person into sex) is sexual assault. If your friend didn’t listed on the next page. You can also call the helplines to get support in how to help want it to happen, then it shouldn’t have. If your friend was sexually assaulted, en- your friend. courage them to seek immediate medical treatment.

112 113 Where to get help National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474 or www.loveisrespect.org to chat with an advocate online National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-833-656-HOPE (4673) or www.rainn.org to chat with an advocate online National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org to chat with a crisis counselor online The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24 or www.thetrevorproject.org to chat online

How to get involved with Our Gender Revolution Learn how to get involved with Our Gender Revolution, a project of the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence, by going to www.OurGenderRevolution.org to learn more. For more information contact the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence 208-384-0419 or 1-888-293-6118.

This project was supported by Grant No. 2016-WR-AX-0008 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

114 115 OURGENDERREVOLUTION www.ourgenderrevolution.org