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Jessica's Musings
Most Recent


Bigotry Isn't Just an Opinion: The Dangers of False Equivalence
One of the most insidious forms of minimizing language is the characterization of bigoted views as mere "opinions."

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 27, 20245 min read


When Harassment Masquerades as an Opposing Opinion
Another form of minimizing language is the mislabeling of harassment as a mere "difference of opinion" This obscures the reality of abuse.

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 25, 20243 min read


Fierce Love in the Face of Hate: Taking Action to Support the LGBTQ+ Community
Here are some actions we can take to ensure that hate, prejudice, discrimination and violence are given no space to thrive in our community.

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 24, 20242 min read


Is it Backlash or is it Hate?
When backlash crosses the line into hate, it must be immediately called out for what it is.

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 23, 20242 min read


Minimizing Language in Media and Public Discourse
Minimizing language are words and phrases that downplay the severity, harm, or unacceptability of acts of hate, prejudice, and injustice.

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 21, 20242 min read


Language: A Powerful Tool for Good or for Harm
Language is a powerful tool that shapes how we perceive and respond to the world around us.

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 19, 20242 min read


The Courage to Name Hate
I believe we must have the courage to name hate clearly when we see it, just as Lady Gaga did in response to hateful comments on the post.

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 17, 20242 min read


Finding My Womanhood: A Journey to Authenticity
Looking back, it's clear that I was experiencing gender dysphoria – the distress a person feels due to a mismatch between their gender ident

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 16, 202411 min read


An Open Letter in Support of the Drag Queen Story Hour at the Lancaster Public Library
Drag is not inherently sexual and drag queen story hours for children are not the same as adult-oriented drag shows.

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 14, 20243 min read


Dancing my way back to passion
After a year 'dancing' through hard moments as I navigated health challenges, I am returning to publishing content.

Jessica Jaymes Purdy
Mar 14, 20242 min read
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