written by Brianna da Silva
Content warning: This post contains strong language.
An alternative theology: What if…
God isn’t an all-powerful Greco-Roman deity up in the sky, raining down hail and fire on those who displease him, and doting blessings on those who love him. Read more
written by Brianna da Silva
This is an open letter to friends and family and anyone else who has ever worried for my safety.
“Be safe!” is a send-off you sometimes give me before I embark on my next activist action, jump out of an airplane, travel somewhere dangerous, or do some other daring endeavor.
All I can do is shoot back a feral grin and say, “Sorry, I make no such promises.”
If you’re not the wild adventurer type, this mindset may be hard to understand. So, let me get vulnerable for a moment and share a bit of my soul.
written by Brianna da Silva
About three years ago, I sat outside my college campus, hiding under a patio umbrella from the sweltering Floridian sun.
I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. Not at first, anyway. But I couldn’t help but overhear the strange conversation between two boys a few tables away from me. Read more
written by Brianna da Silva
The epic fantasy genre is loaded with patriarchy. Just take a look around. You’ll see it in novels, movies, games, and art.
Patriarchy overwhelms epic storytelling, as all the important characters – including the protagonist, antagonist, and mentor – traditionally tend to be male. Female characters are usually resigned to the role of love interest or sexualized background warrior.
written by Brianna da Silva
Riddle me this.
Why do we think, just because some men in the fourth century collected an anthology of works they decided were the “inspired Word of God”, using a set of rigorous but man-made criteria, that God is done speaking?
Do we think God was like, “Oh, well, they put the Bible together… looks like I’m done!” and wiped his hands of revelation?
written by Brianna da Silva
I’ve recently begun speaking out as a feminist. Perhaps surprisingly, the most pushback I’ve received (so far) has been from other women.
Conservative Christian women, mostly.
When one of my conservative female friends praised Eve in Exile, a book that defends traditional roles, I knew I needed to read this book to better understand those women who disagree with me.
And boy, this book was a ride.
written by Brianna da Silva
I’ll be honest: It’s not often I see a female character in fantasy or science fiction that I truly love. One who is strong on her own merit, well-rounded, easy to identify with, and just basically badass, okay. But there are seven I’ve encountered (so far) that make my feminine-warrior heart happy.
This list is in no particular order, and entirely subjective. You’ve been forewarned. Read more