Meet Brenda Vale, raising awareness about human trafficking

Wearing a dress daily as an act of self-care as well as a way to combat human trafficking around the globe.

I’m participating in Dressember to raise awareness about human trafficking through the lens of how the issue relates to art and mental health. I’m interviewing participants on the topic throughout the month. Learn more here.

Not interested? You can keep all other posts but opt out of Dressember posts here.

On the other hand, if you love this work, consider a paid subscription. I am donating ten percent of all December Substack income to Dressember. PLUS, for every five new annual subscriptions this month, I’m immediately subscribing to another Substacker to support other creatives writing about art and mental health.

What does Dressember mean to you? Why are you participating this year?

I'm currently on a healing journey that has led me to realize that I am disconnected to my femininity. I think that I will be able to connect more to my femininity and put an intentional effort to take care of myself by wearing a dress or skirt for 31 days.

And I can raise funds and awareness for a great cause well I do it! This is my first time participating in Dressember.

What does "mental health" mean to you? How does it relate to your own life and/or your understanding of the Dressember cause?

One significant part of my mental health is being aware of what I am saying to me! I have in the past said things to myself that I would never say to someone else.

I anticipate wearing a dress every day will remind myself of my own beauty and help me stay focused on the beauty around me.

Beauty is vulnerable.

And unfortunately in this world vulnerability is dangerous.

In what other ways do you think creativity and mental health intersect through the Dressember project?

I think it's beneficial to us all to keep learning and to try new things for our overall health.

I think Dressember is a good reminder that predators don't actually only target provocatively dressed women or women who flaunt their beauty. The victims are innocent and usually trust too much. It's important that we are compassionate towards victims.

What is the aspect of Dressember's cause that you most want to highlight?

I love that Dressember talks about providing aftercare. I am a hopeful person. I put much faith in the truth that we can heal from our pain and heartbeat.

What do you wish people knew about human trafficking that you suspect most people don't know?

It happens everywhere.

In your own words, how does wearing a dress every day for a month make a difference?

I believe that making this outward change in my life will not go unnoticed. I will be able to explain what I'm doing lots of times!

What do you want people to know about your specific fundraising team and goal?

Every little bit helps.

What else do you want to make sure people know about the Dressember cause?

Today we waste so much money in December to buy gifts for people that aren't needed or used. We need to start focusing on what is a better use of our money.

What's another random thing we might be interested to know about you?

I love God and I trust that He wants to heal me. And He wants to heal other women too.

And thank you for your heart to serve this cause with your talents!

You can directly support Brenda Vale’s Dressember fundraiser here.

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