Meet Library Lady Life, Disneybounding through Dressember
Raising awareness about human trafficking through Disney fashion
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.
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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?
Dressember is not only a way for me to advocate for a cause I feel strongly about, but it allows me to do it in community - which I think is important. I am participating this year because it has become a part of my regular December traditions!
So, you’ve participated before - what have the best parts and the most challenging parts been?
Yes. I believe this is year 7 for me but I always lose count! The best parts are working towards something positive with other people and the most challenging parts are keeping going when you just get tired of dresses and outfits and everything!
What does "mental health" mean to you? How does it relate to your own life and/or your understanding of the Dressember cause?
My mental health is important to me. I believe that we have a mental health crisis in our country because so many people lack community support in their lives. Dressember is one way I can surround myself with a community of like-minded people!
In what ways does Dressember allow you to express yourself creatively while raising awareness and funds?
Our team, Dressemberbound, combines Dressember with disneybounding, which is wearing clothes that a Disney character might wear in “real life”. Every year we come up with 31 prompts for people to participate. Many participants aren’t Dressember advocates but their participation on social media helps bring more attention to the issue of human trafficking.
In what other ways do you think creativity and mental health intersect through the Dressember project?
I think we need creative outlets in our lives. Our brain craves creativity. This is a good way to end the year!
What is the aspect of Dressember's cause that you most want to highlight?
I definitely love the team aspect of Dressember. If I were doing this alone I would have quit a long time ago!!
What do you wish people knew about human trafficking that you suspect most people don't know?
It happens in your town. Even if you think it doesn’t.
In your own words, how does wearing a dress every day for a month make a difference?
I don’t think my individual participation makes a difference but all of our efforts together have made a big impact!
Connect with LibraryLadyLife on Instagram and Facebook. Donate directly to her Dressember fundraiser here.
