written by Brianna da Silva
December 8, 2017 2

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.

Read more

written by Brianna da Silva
July 17, 2017 1

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.

Read more

written by Brianna da Silva
June 28, 2017 1

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.

Read more

written by Brianna da Silva
June 28, 2017 11

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