Reading as Salvation
I found in books what I couldn't find in real life. A space where I was seen, where my voice mattered.
Roxane Gay
American writer and cultural critic known for her feminist perspectives and works exploring identity and media
All moments: Roxane Gay
- Women's History as Personal — Roxane Gay
Women's history is not just history. It's my story, your story, our story. It's personal.
- Writing From Pain, Not About It — Roxane Gay
As a writer, I must be able to transform my pain into something meaningful, not just documenting it but transforming it.
- No as Power — Roxane Gay
'No' is a complete sentence. Young women today say no and they don't apologize. That's radical.
- Finding Your Voice — Roxane Gay
I had to learn to speak even when it seemed no one was listening. That voice was my salvation.
- Culture and Resistance — Roxane Gay
Culture is where we struggle over who we are and who we want to be. It's a site of struggle.
- Being Yourself Publicly — Roxane Gay
Writing about myself required me to drop my defenses and be vulnerable. It's not easy, but it's necessary.
Related moments
- Documenting History — Questlove
As a documentarian, I feel a responsibility to preserve the history of Black music and culture
- The Power of Compassion — Michael Jackson
The most important thing is love and compassion. They override everything.
- The Art of Service — John Legend
As an artist, I see my role as serving humanity and raising my voice for justice
- The Humility of the Great — André 3000
I just play the flute in the park. I don't need a stage or an audience. The music is enough
- Humble Beginnings — Paul McCartney
Nobody believed in us at first. We just believed in ourselves and the music.
- Always Be a Good Human — Louis Armstrong
I've always tried to be a good human being. That's what matters.