The day had wound down and come to an end. For Bree, the day had been filled with serving customers, listening to complaints from people far more angry about the quality of the food they received than they probably should have been, and busy alleys at the grocery store. Being able to come home and…Continue Reading “Danny”
We’re on Hinge, directing men to the SMUTATHON site.
“It’s a hoot!”
“Interesting”
“Sounds lit”
Poetry, but not metered. Here, Haikus from AURORE writers. Ranging from the real to romantic.
Continue Reading "SEXKU: Erotic Haiku for the Internet Dating Nation"I manage not to blush too deeply as she starts ringing up my purchases. That’s progress, at least. I’ve been coming to this bookstore for the entire three years I’ve lived in this neighbourhood, and most of my purchases are from their incredibly well-stocked “romance” (read: erotic fiction) section. I don’t give a fuck when…Continue Reading “Erotic Literature [a smutty story by Coffee & Kink]”
The thrum of the crowd outside augmented the roar of voices from the television. Liam looked out the large hotel window at the massive gathering out on the streets, part of him wishing he was down there with the rest of them, awaiting the countdown until the new year. Every year, this was the biggest…Continue Reading “New Year’s Party”
This is a guest post from the wonderful @19syllables… Imagine biting into a pickled gherkin, crisp and fresh from the fridge, fished straight from the jar with your eager fingers, still dripping tangy droplets that you catch with your cupped hand as you raise it to your lips. Think about the moment just before you…Continue Reading “Pavlov”
Many years ago, in a student bar, a friend asked a strange question. “Why do you have to transport your body when you want to go anywhere?” We laughed. I mean, the answer is obvious isn’t it? And yet, the question has remained with me over the years. I imagine it has remained with my…Continue Reading “Out of Body Experiences”
I have had two abortions. Both experiences were incredibly emotional and difficult, but they could have been so much worse. I’m grateful I had funds to pay for the procedure, transportation and easy access to a clinic, and supportive friends. Not everyone is so lucky.
I was on an errand in New York City recently and passed by a woman on the corner, dressed like an extra in The Handmaid’s Tale, holding a sign that read “Praying to end abortion.” I was so shocked by her presence, I couldn’t think of the words I so needed to say to her. I promised myself if she was still there on my way back, I would say something.
My errand didn’t bring the words to me. But when I saw she was still on the corner, I looked her in the eyes, and said “You shouldn’t be here.” By here, I meant New York City, my city, the United States of America. Earth! This world. She had no business here. Only after did I notice the discreet sign across from where she stood. It was a Planned Parenthood clinic.
My first abortion was at Planned Parenthood, and at the time, it certainly felt like my only option. I’d heard through high school girl word of mouth that I could go there and not be judged or get in trouble. I remember leaving the clinic after the procedure in a fog, scared and ashamed. I cannot begin to imagine how it would feel to encounter unnecessary judgement after such a procedure.
On Friday, I will take an epic train ride to Montreal (the Handmaid’s Tale comparison is heavy!) to participate in SMUTATHON alongside AURORE author, Theda Bara, the Erotica Queen of Bellesa, Jayne Renault, and many more writers who have come together for the cause.
With our powers combined, we are hoping to raise $5K for the National Network for Abortion Funds, a thoughtfully researched recipient for our efforts. (I know this seemed like a love letter to Planned Parenthood; they are but different vehicles with the same destination.)
