About 7 months ago, I dropped the best video of my existence (in my opinion anyways) – The R Word. If you’ve been following, you know sometimes I write about more controversial topics, but this was next level. Not only is it “controversial”, but it was my first spoken word performance. While I’ve always been a writer, and I’ve more recently been sharing my poetry, this was my first time doing something like this.
I am still so shocked I wrote this, and I’m so glad people loved it as much as I did. No matter how many times I watch it – which has been and is A LOT – I never fail to get goosebumps. I started searching for more ways I could share my video, and I came across The Artists Forum. While they do focus primarily on film, they held a Spoken Word Competition for the first time this year! Literally, what are the odds?!
With nothing to lose, I decided to officially submit The R Word. After what seemed like forever to hear anything, I got an email. I AM A FINALIST!!! They were originally going to be holding the awards ceremony live in New York, but due to COVID, it is being held online. It sort of works out better that way as I will be officiating my childhood best friend’s wedding at the same time :O (catch me anxiously checking my phone every 5 minutes).
I debated on writing and posting this now, as I don’t want to jinx myself, but being a finalist is pretty dang awesome!!! Plus, they finally posted about it! While I wish there was a way all of you could vote for me, the winner is decided among a panel of judges. However, send me ALL the good vibes!!! I will keep you posted!
**UPDATED to add: The ceremony was rescheduled from 12/11 to 12/18, but unfortunately was rescheduled again to 12/28 at 8pm. If you’d like to watch the link is here. I’ll be anxiously waiting until then for the results, so keep sending me your good vibes and good energy! ❤
**UPDATED to add: The ceremony has been posted, and unfortunately, I didn’t win. However, that’s okay, because being a finalist is still AWESOME!! Thank you to everyone who sent their good vibes and energy, I definitely felt it all ❤
Below is a transcript of The R Word – however the video is much better so you should check it out 😉
The R Word
The word we’ve been told not to say for far too long.
Because it makes people uncomfortable. Or singles them out.
It comes with a statistic. A stereotype. An image.
The R Word
1 in every 6, women
1 in every 33, men
Every 68 seconds.
The R Word
It looks a certain way
I wonder if I may
Ask a question about the way we say
The R Word
We’re told it’s the clothes or the fit
Cause they just won’t quit
So, of course, we’re asking for it
The R Word
You drank too much
You took too long
You just want attention, and for what?
The R Word
But what about when
It happens with your friend
Or boys you thought were men
The R Word
Cause it’s not always the ones that you think
Who give you that creepy wink
And do the unthink… able
The R Word
Maybe it’s not hands tied
Or wide eyed and wide thighed
But you’re still left undignified
The R Word
And the worst part is
You think it’s okay
But it’s not. Cause it’s
The R Word
No means no unless you’re playing
Hard to get, and then you’re conveying
If I try a little harder, you’ll be paying. With
The R Word
But I meant what I said
And I said what I meant
And you did it anyway
The R Word
And now I lay awake
Wondering why me
What did I do to deserve
The R Word
You go about your day
And I walk away
While trying to downplay
The R Word
But my experience was real
And the way it makes me feel
Like a piece of meat for your sex appeal
The R Word
And I’m not alone
And my mind is blown
That as a society it’s like we condone
The R Word
Cause it’s not always blacked out and pushed down
Sometimes it’s hanging out and being around
But it’s 2021 now and it’s time to shut down
The R Word
Cause no matter how many times you ask, no still means no
Even if I say yes to lessen the blow
Cause with men you never know which way they’ll go
The R Word
But let’s call it what it is, cause I’m trying escape
And physically or not, I’m removing the tape
That’s been holding me back, from taking my true shape
Cause This R Word
Is Rape.
TRAUDTSTWOCENTS 
Glad you posted that. 💕🤞🙏. Good luck
LikeLike