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Mirror Memoirs is a national storytelling and organizing project intervening in rape culture by uplifting the narratives, healing and leadership of Black, Indigenous, and of color transgender, non-binary, intersex and/or queer survivors of childhood rape and sexual assault. This project uses storytelling and survivor leadership to illuminate the needs and wisdom of survivors at this vulnerable intersection, in service of co-creating the answer to the question: “What would have to be true for no child to ever be raped or sexually assaulted again?”

Our work is inherently intersectional, following the leadership and prioritizing the needs of those survivors who have been most harmed by systemic, historical and cultural violence in the United States. We are committed to building a world in which Black and Indigenous gender non-conforming children (and therefore all children) are loved, protected and cherished, and in which their wisdom, autonomy and humanity are respected. Given the well-documented history and legacy of state violence against these children and their communities, we are an abolitionist organization, committed to building safety and support through relational networks and cultural change, not through prisons, policing or state-run psychiatric institutions. Knowing child sexual abuse and rape culture will not be fully eradicated in this lifetime, our work is intergenerational, with a commitment to intentionally involve youth and young adults in the leadership and development of our organization.

Mirror Memoirs was founded by nationally-recognized survivor activist Amita Swadhin in January 2016, when they received a fellowship from the Just Beginnings Collaborative (launched by the NoVo Foundation). In February 2019, we received fiscal sponsorship from Community Partners, a non-profit in Los Angeles that supports over 150 emerging projects. In December 2020, Jaden Fields became Co-Executive Director, after three years of shaping the project as a Core Member.

We engage survivors in our core demographic through one-on-one interviews for our audio archive, healing circles, political education programming (including cohort-based training institutes and one-time panels and workshops), and our monthly Member Support meetings. Members may elect to become Core Members through attending a training institute, which qualifies them to be paid as workshop facilitators and keynote speakers on behalf of Mirror Memoirs. As of January 2023, 650 QTIBIPOC child sexual abuse survivors have opted in as Members.

Accomplices beyond our core demographic are invited to help us raise awareness and funding, as well as have input into our strategic plan and organizational development, by joining our Leadership Council (which includes a give-and-get commitment, committee service, and input into our strategic plan). Accomplices are also welcome to join our Abolition Book Club and a number of film screenings, panels, convenings and healing circles each year. Over 3,000 people have opted in as Accomplices by joining our mailing list, completing our member survey and/or attending an event.

Please consider supporting our work as a Sustaining Member by making a monthly recurring, tax-deductible donation. All donations are appreciated, and allow us to continue our work to end child sexual abuse.