A spectrum tends to be a linear thing. You have something on side A, and the opposite thing on side B. In the context of living without children, parents are on one side, and non-parents are on the other.
But this pits us against each other as opposites. - Lisa Kissane
For our second Substack LIVE, I was joined by the formidable and incredible Lisa Kissane. Together, we discussed the inspiration behind her empowering piece, Every One of Us Is a Unique Work of Art - Whether We Have Kids or Not.
The Life Without Children fortnightly writer spotlights are new, and this was just the third one. There is something deeply special and privileged about hearing a writer speak about the inspiration and meaning behind their words.
If you haven’t already read Lisa’s piece, you can read it here.
As I say to Lisa during our conversation, after reading this gorgeous piece, I walked a little taller, shoulders back, with a bounce in my stride.
We discuss why people with kids and people without are so often pitted against each other. Capitalism. That’s it. But this pitting against each other hurts everyone, people with kids and those without.
And what exactly can be done to create more acceptance (and inclusion) of people without kids?
Ultimately, the essence of Lisa’s piece is clear - when we consider ourselves as a palette of colours, formed by our life experiences, instead of being defined by our labels, we invite greater connection and cohesion. Isn’t that beautiful?
As Lisa says, we are all unique concoctions of colour and vibrancy - we are all a masterpiece.
Useful links
Lisa mentioned the book 21 Miles by Jessica Hepburn. You can also find Jessica on Substack With Love from Jessica Hepburn.
Lisa quoted a poem by Stephen King We Did Not Ask For This Room which opens up with “We did not ask for this room or this music. We were invited in. Therefore, because the dark surrounds us, let us turn our faces to the light…”
I hope you enjoy watching this discussion as much as we enjoyed having it.
We have an exciting schedule of LIVE discussions coming up. Pop these in your calendar, and if you have any burning questions you would like posed to any of these writers, please drop them in the comments.
Thursday, 22nd May, at 18:00 (GMT+1) with Y.L. Wolfe
Discussing her article, Why Is Chappell Roan Getting So Much Hate for Acknowledging the Hardships of Parenting? alongside my own article The Real Reason Chappell Roan Is Being Dragged For Her Comment On Parenting.
Join this discussion via the LIVE link here.
Thursday, 5th June, at 18:00 (GMT+1) with Charlie Brown
Discussing her article, How Do You Grieve For Infertility When There Is Always Another Potential Route To Parenthood
Join this discussion via the LIVE link here.
Thursday, 19th June, at 18:00 (GMT+1) with Joe Guay
Discussing his article, I Wanted to Be a Cool Young Dad - Not Do the Actual Parenting
Join this discussion via the LIVE link here.
Thursday, 3rd July, at 18:00 (GMT+1) with Colleen Addison
Discussing her article What Is It Like, Being Childless?
Join this discussion via the LIVE link here.
If you know anyone else who may benefit from our words here at Life Without Children, please tell them about us.
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