S1, Ep2: Processing & exploring the impact of Sexual Trauma through writing with Winnie M Li

Welcome to the 2nd episode in this 1st series of the Growth Beyond Trauma podcast.

In this episode, I interview author, activist, and rape survivor Winnie M Li.

We talk about her two novels, Dark Chapter (2017) and Complicit (2022), and how they relate to her experiences. We also look at the themes of sexual violence that Winnie explores in both of these books but in different ways, illustrating the different paths, survivors might take in their healing journies. We also explore how survivors can start to use writing as a way of processing these experiences.

We discuss:

0:00 - Intro to episode and Winnie
3:57 - Winnie's connection and reconnection to Belfast as an outcome of her rape
7:07 - Winnie introduces her books and their influences
10:37 - Research behind Dark Chapter - "understanding how rape isn't an entry-level offence" and Winnie's personal journey of coming back to Northern Ireland
16:45 - Finding the humanity in her characters and processing experiences through writing
21:10  - The evolution of healing (and writing) and finding a sustainable path
23:26 - Winnie reads prologue of Dark Chapter (and finding the hope to still write, to "still be me")
30:20 - Loss of identity after sexual violence
34:11 - Discussion of Complicit - Winnie's personal experience of the film industry and influence of the "me too" movement
39:59 - The power of connection (or lack of it) after sexual violence
47:14 - The importance of writers to be part of the conversation around social justice and violence against women and girls (touching on Winnie's 3rd book)
49:50 - Clear lines creative writing guide
51:37 - Next steps and more information on clear lines
54:07 - Goodbyes and hope that we have inspired others to use art/writing as a way of processing trauma and finding healing


Additional Links:

Winnie's website: https://winniemli.com

TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/winnie_m_li_reframing_the_way_we_think_about_sexual_violence

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Special thanks to:

- Ormeau Baths for providing the equipment and location for filming
- Lisa Flavelle Cobain (Podcast mentor through Belfast Met Innovate Us Programme)
- Margaret McCabe (Buisness Development Executive, Belfast Met Innovate Us Programmer)

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If you would like to get in touch about any of the topics we have discussed today, have any topics or questions you’d like covered in future episodes or would like to know how I can support you on the next step of your healing journey, then you can email GBTpodcast@hannahmckimm.com

Disclaimer: This podcast is created for educational purposes and is not a replacement for therapy.