Linda Calvin

Content note: This story discusses childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, alcoholism, and trauma. Last November, I decided to share a part of my story publicly on Kelly Young’s podcast, Badassery Life. It was not an easy decision. I shared my story of surviving sexual assault and abuse because I had been hearing from so many women about the load they carry. The memories. The silence. The way abuse shaped how they saw themselves, their self-esteem, their confidence, their ability to trust...

On Sunday, March 12, 2023, I saw William Shatner live at Clowes Hall in Indianapolis. I even splurged on a VIP photo op—because of course I did. But the photo never happened. And yes, I cried on the way home. Sounds silly to some. I know. But there’s a reason. And it runs deep. The Personal Stuff This part isn’t easy to share. It’s heavy. It has lived with me for decades. I am just not sharing with others, not because I was ever ashamed, but because others were. My family buried it, enabled...

I grew up in the in-between. People said it like it was a compliment. “I don’t think of you as a Black person, Linda.” “You’re so smart and articulate.” “You’re really Black? I wouldn’t have guessed that.” As a teenager, I had a woman approach me in the Washington Square Mall in Indianapolis, my hometown. I was standing outside of one of those photo booths, giggling at black and white photos of my friend and I making faces and striking poses. She walked up to me, reached out and stroked my...