Meet Kristy Howard, Healing Out Loud in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
"I’m not alone. You’re not alone. We fight this battle together, and for those who cannot fight for themselves right now."
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?
Choosing to participate in the Dressember Challenge has been an important part of my healing journey in a number of ways. It feels good to be at the point where I can creatively inspire and give back.
Have you participated in the past?
This is my first year to participate.
What does "mental health" mean to you? How does it relate to your own life and/or your understanding of the Dressember cause?
As a woman who has struggled with anxiety and depression, for me “mental health”is synonymous with growth, healing, and the journey toward wholeness. It’s never a static, single dimensional thing.
Dressember represents the pursuit and advocacy of mental health for women of all backgrounds, races, and stages of life. In our own unique ways, we all have baggage to work through and wounds that need to heal. Uniting together with thousands of other creatives to use our energies, talents, and skills to advocate for victims of human trafficking is powerful and healing in itself.
In what ways does Dressember allow you to express yourself creatively while raising awareness and funds?
I love style and fashion, and have always enjoyed wearing dresses. Dressember opened a door for me to do what I love best - dress up for no reason whatsoever - and give voice to silent victims who must be heard and helped.
In what other ways do you think creativity and mental health intersect through the Dressember project?
For many creatives, the process of stringing words or images or outfits together is a huge part of mental health. I need a creative outlet as much as I need sleep and nutrition.
The community of supportive women I’ve met through this initiative is noteworthy, too. It feels nurturing to be seen, cheered on, and supported by likeminded women I would have likely never met otherwise.
What is the aspect of Dressember's cause that you most want to highlight?
The power of giving back. When you’re struggling with mental health issues of any kind, the feelings of isolation, exhaustion, and hopelessness are very real. Breaking the silence also breaks the hold of isolation and me-centeredness. I’m not alone. You’re not alone. We fight this battle together, and for those who cannot fight for themselves right now.
What do you wish people knew about human trafficking that you suspect most people don't know?
The fact that most victims are sold or pimped by people they know and trust. It’s horrifying to realize that perhaps many victims literally have no one who could or would intervene. If we don’t, who will?
In your own words, how does wearing a dress every day for a month make a difference?
In a culture of casual, I think showing up in a dress speaks loudly. And as a reserved, introverted woman, it also gives me a prompt to speak up. “Oh you like my dress? Thank you. Let me tell you why I’m wearing it…”
What do you want people to know about your specific fundraising team and goal?
I feel so blessed to be on a team of passionate, beautiful moms. These women are in the trenches daily raising the next generation of humans, and they’re leading the way in using their platforms and skills to advocate for an important cause. Our goals stretch us a bit, but I’ve been surprised at how quickly friends and readers join the movement to give what they can.
What else do you want to make sure people know about the Dressember cause?
It’s not just a 31-day dress challenge! We can all give year-round. Even $5 a month counts for something.
Tell us a little bit about creativity, mental health, and/or the way that they intersect in your own life (outside of Dressember stuff) ...
As a mom blogger, I’ve learned to make space for and prioritize creative outlets as a part of my personal stewardship and self care. I’m a passionate communicator who happens to love fashion and beautiful things, so writing blog posts, crafting emails, and creating reels is something I’m missional about. If I heal out loud, fewer women will continue to suffer in silence.
What's another random thing we might be interested to know about you?
I’m a homeschooling mom, the proud mother of a female soldier in the U.S. Army, and a chaplain’s wife.
Contributed directly to Kristy Howard’s Dressember fundraiser here. Visit Kristy on her blog: Simply Kristy Lynn. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
