What Does Sexual Assault Have to Do with Democracy?

Content warning: This project contains detailed descriptions of sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and the impacts of all of the above on survivors. Section One: Transcriptor's Note ExigenceThis project came from lived experience.When our democracy lab cohort was brainstorming our projects, I imagined I might choose something related to information distribution, or perhaps something about the obstacles that rural voters face.What I found was that I could not stop thinking about the ways being a survivor of sexual assault and sexual harassment impacts my ability to participate in democracy.I believe that the maintenance of democracy and the project of ensuring equal citizenship are ultimately issues of justice.To what extent is our participation in democracy contingent upon our basic needs being met?In my experience, the two are inextricably linked.I simply cannot do the hard work of participating in the governance of a community or a society if I am actively experiencing an existential threat.To give a bit of background, here is an abridged account of my experience that I've shared as part of my work with the WCADVSA's Survivor's Advocacy Council:Experiments in Democracy 1.1 -----NICOLE FOSS is a queer poet, artist, scholar, survivor, and feminist killjoy.A double alumna of UW, she currently works for Common Outdoor Ground-a local nonprofit focusing on volunteer events for the sustainability of public land-and she serves as the board chair for Relative Theatrics, a nonprofit theatre company.Nicole is