"Radical Softness As A Weapon" Lora Mathis Writes What We're Too Afraid to Feel By Susan McLean

Edited 10/8/15 7:30 pm for updated citations and to correct a misattributed quote 
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Lora Mathis has been one of my favorite people for a long time. I reblogged their poetry on Tumblr a few years ago and decided to find more out about whoever was writing such beautiful words. I found someone, not much older than myself, using platforms as innocent as Tumblr and Facebook to share haunting words that kicked up the dust in my soul. Since then, Mathis has published two books, both of which I quickly purchased and treasure. Mathis works with Ink/Paper Press, Where Are You Press, and Persephone's Daughter to publish physical and digital works. 

Mathis has recently created the phrase 'radical softness as a weapon' to describe the phenomenon of 'abrasively feminine' content (think Virgin Suicides) to show what the femme ***please correct me if this term isn't as inclusive as it could be*** condition is like, as well as acknowledging how debilitating it can be to be a woman with mental illness. Mathis speaks more about this in this interview. Mathis says:

"radical softness is the idea that unapologetically sharing your emotions is a political move and a way to combat the societal idea that feelings are a sign of weakness. "

Self-portrait by photographer Logan Delaney, shirt made by Mathis

Add Mathis on Facebook for inspiration to be a better human being and please look at The Women Widowed to Themselves and consider supporting this incredible artist. Also, check out Mathis' website here.
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Note: None of these photos are ours. The first three from Hooligan Mag were found on Mathis' website here and the next three were from their Facebook page. The last photo is by Logan Delaney feat. a shirt made by Mathis.