redrosethorns journal

Conscious raising, frequently utilised by feminists, involves individuals sharing their experiences to enhance awareness of social, personal, and political matters. This method has proven highly effective in fostering unity, building communities, and shedding light on broader issues affecting diverse demographics worldwide. It's a means of expressing our identities and experiences, ultimately empowering us.

Inspired by this approach, redrosethorns launched an online journal publication aimed at facilitating conversations about mental health, gender, sexuality, self-care, and empowerment.

ISSN: 2978-5316 (online)

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to redrosethorns journal, click here.

Three wooden doors with ornate arches set in a pink wall, each showing signs of weathering. Stone steps lead up to the doors.

Trans Doors

Imagine child of seven barely pubescent eleven still forming sixteen standing

Gender/Sexuality

Ellen Riggle

Sep 261 min read

HyperVigilance

Enter a room pretend bold feel wary wearing the unconcealable

Gender/Sexuality

Ellen Riggle

Sep 261 min read

Twinkling fireflies illuminate a dark forest, creating a magical atmosphere with glowing yellow dots above green grass.

Cognitive Fireflies

There is art volleyball tests failed tests camping passed texting all around through over beyond within her

Mental Health

Daril Bentley

Sep 262 min read

Rusty window frame with cracked glass on an old wall. Visible green moss and chipped paint create a worn, neglected atmosphere.

As Ye Deities Scream (Sometime in mid-February, Around Thanksgiving)

I remember three different mountain bikes And submitting my poetry That no one ever likes.

Mental Health

Jordan Veres

Sep 261 min read

Blurred close-up of a person lying down, eyes closed. Dark hair strands prominent. Monochrome tone creates a calm, introspective mood.

Threnody for a Pig’s Eye (Hemlock or The Pill You Take Before Conception)

No one really cares And nobody ever knows. I’m afraid that’s the way The story always goes.

Mental Health

Jordan Veres

Sep 261 min read

Man in a denim shirt leans on a railing, gazing at the sea. Overcast sky creates a calm, contemplative mood.

Nothing In Pérez Galdós, Bécquer, Clarín, Alarcón, Juan Valera, or Fernán Caballero About This

Well Ruth, I can’t tell you what I’m thinking about, what we did now, It’s hard to see what all of this means

Mental Health

Guillermo Bowie

Sep 262 min read

Person sitting on sandy beach near ocean waves, with a backpack. Trees silhouette in the foreground. Sky is clear blue. Peaceful mood.

Epistle to the Thing I Left by the Sea (Inspired by a Balloon's Landing)

Dear my heart, How do you fare? I left you on the bank of the sea - and didn’t look back. I thought the turtles and crabs would covet you - for me, They’ll bury you deep down -

Self-Care

Olivia Mahabir

Sep 261 min read

Orange maple leaf floats on water with a shadow of a hand nearby. Tree branch reflections create a serene and introspective mood.

It's OK to Leave - It's OK

Golden hue of God’s first gift, melting into the evening trees, Reminding me what’s due - Informing me of what I need to do - Securing me of what I did - Believing in me in what I can do -

Self-Care

Olivia Mahabir

Sep 261 min read

A withered pink rosebud dusted with snow hangs against a blurred dark green background, evoking a sense of quiet melancholy.

Sonnet - Lethargic Seasonal Transitions

The sounds of laughter withers, Tis’ mind boiled and fried - the heart that searches and slithers, To begin again - under this new guide, of brains unfretted - full of wonder, melodies bleach the earth like lotuses.

Mental Health

Olivia Mahabir

Sep 261 min read

Hand holding a bouquet of yellow daffodils against a blurred outdoor background. Bright flowers with a natural, serene mood.

I’ll Host a Banquet with Only an Invitation to Me

To find myself again, northern winds that see - This sunshine blue sky that gleams,

Self-Care

Olivia Mahabir

Sep 261 min read

Abstract watercolor of a woman's face surrounded by flowing blue, pink, and yellow shapes, evoking a dreamy, ethereal mood.

An Ode to Women in Art

Your truth, Bathed in the essence - of everything not you, To you I see in my dreams - Of wanting to brush away tears, Of wanting to follow your curves, Of wanting you that’s without payment,

Gender/Sexuality

Olivia Mahabir

Sep 261 min read

Scenic view of the Grand Canyon at sunset, with vibrant orange and purple hues illuminating layered rock formations under a clear sky.

Conquering the Grand Canyon with My Uncle in My Heart

In the Grand Canyon, the warm, multi-colored, rocky canyon walls loomed above me with a terrifying and enticing presence. I was an ant, one of over a billion tiny parts of the magnificent canyon. Really, I was a guest. I embarked on an REI Level Five (the most advanced level) all-women backpacking trip, descending and ascending the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with my guides and the other participants.

Self-Care

Jenna Hensel

Sep 2612 min read

Pink paper heart stitched with white thread and needle on a black background, conveying a mended or healing theme.

Blessed

I’m sewing the letter-sounds together, letting the meanings fall like feathers under our feet, the people floating free as seeds, as the brave gracious dead who love me, as perfect words out there somewhere, enforced solitude a prayer unbroken

Self-Care

Carolyn Steinhoff

Sep 262 min read

Person with wavy hair holds white flowers, wearing a sheer black and red floral dress. Outdoor setting with tree and fabric backdrop.

As If I Was my Own Guru, I Tell Myself

we all make mistakes keep going - laugh at it all use as many tricks as possible speed up the troubling scenario bleach out the colour and make it small ascribe all the rôles to different animals

Self-Care

Janina Aza Karpinska

Sep 261 min read

A performer spins glowing fire poi in intricate patterns against a dark background, creating bright, swirling light trails.

Crazy Eights

There’s nothing more magnificent than the number eight, a sign of infinity, of everything is nothing but a dizzying loop, a swirling

Empowerment

Jenny Morelli

Sep 262 min read

Hand holding a pink polka dot paper cup with amber liquid inside. Neutral background, bracelet visible on wrist.

Apple Juice

When I get a whiff of apple juice, I’m instantly transported back to kindergarten and Miss Kaufman and the little snack wagon I got to pull down the hallway from cafeteria to classroom.

Mental Health

Jenny Morelli

Sep 262 min read

Pale-skinned figure with dark hair, wearing horns and rope headpiece. Dressed in black, with a somber expression in dim lighting.

Feral Female

Shut up and stay still, you fucking tease is the haunting taunt I’ve lived with for years, an unrelenting refrain I’ve endured for decades.

Gender/Sexuality

Jenny Morelli

Sep 262 min read

Triumph

What powerful weapons words can be. When used just right, they can topple the grandest and most ignorant leaders. For example, the word trump derived from triumph

Empowerment

Jenny Morelli

Sep 261 min read