We already have the Epstein list. We already have the list of women Trump has abused. We just need to believe the women (oh, and in Trump’s case, just look at his convictions).
They’ve all told us. Repeatedly.
The evidence isn’t hidden. The voices aren’t silent. The stories have been shared, documented, and verified. So why does it feel like we’re still waiting for someone to listen?
We live in a society where women aren’t believed or listened to. Where we have to carry our trauma like an inheritance we never asked for. Where our aggressors become presidents. Where our silence is forced through intimidation and dismissal.
“If our voices are essential aspects of our humanity, to be rendered voiceless is to be dehumanised or excluded from one’s humanity. And the history of silence is central to women’s history.” – Rebecca Solnit
We’re in this situation because we’ve constructed a culture of quiet compliance. When speaking up is met with “Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein?” – words designed to silence and threaten anyone who dares to keep talking.
But here’s the thing: silence doesn’t always look like silence. Sometimes it sounds like nodding along without understanding, like hearing without listening. And that’s exactly where we are.
There’s a crucial difference. Hearing is passive – it’s automatic. Listening is active – it’s about intentionally interpreting, understanding, believing, and acting on what we hear.
This culture doesn’t just mute voices. It distorts how we perceive those who manage to speak. Even when women are given space to talk, they’re rarely granted space to be truly heard.
Our voice is our legacy. So even if you aren’t ready, speak up. Even if it’s uncomfortable, show up and let your voice take up space.
You never know when another woman is holding her breath, waiting for someone to go first.
Read the full piece on my Substack for more on the difference between hearing and listening, and what we can do about it.
