When The Political Is Personal

by Jen Nedeau

category: Essay

Published May 07, 2009 @ 09:56PM PT

As a woman's rights blogger, it is often very hard to separate that which is the political from the personal. This is something I don't usually write about, but it is what often defines women's rights advocacy from other causes. Almost every woman can identify with some issue in some way. This makes any issue difficult to cover - not only as a blogger, but also as a woman.

For example, today I received my second round of the Gardasil vaccine. I share this, not to be voyeuristic, but rather to exemplify how I am dealing with the prospect of cervical cancer. My mother, grandmother and cousins have all had breast cancer, thus f there is one cancer I can prevent - I am going to try and do so. But, beyond this, the Gardasil vaccine, also protects against the future infection of four types of human papillomavirus (HPV): two of which are known to cause 70% of cervical cancer cases, and two more types that cause 90% of genital warts cases.

But then, suddenly, in my decision to try and avoid cancer, I realized that in talking about the shot, I had thrust myself into a conversation about female sexuality and STDs.

By publicizing this information, I opened myself up to criticism, questioning and suspicion.  Some immediately thought of sex: is she that sexually active that she needs to worry about HPV? (Not so much, but thanks for the thought). Some responded about the larger consequences: what a good way to prevent a deadly disease such as cancer! (Well, thanks - and I hope you do the same!). And some, well, just thought of themselves: thanks for getting vaccinated! Your decision makes us all safer! (So you're afraid I'm going to pass something onto you? Give a girl a little more credit. Sheesh.)

I decided to get this vaccine because cancer is scary. And I've dealt with far too much cancer in my short life.

And whatever your reason for receiving or rejecting the Gardasil vaccine - or making any other personal decision in your life that carries a pubic profile - I just hope that your decisions are based on your personal judgment and not the judgment of others.

Often times, this is what makes it really hard to do - to be an advocate for women's rights - is that the political is often personal, and there's just no way to escape it.

But it is my hope, that you don't shy away from living your life. Being authentic to who you are and the realities you face is the only way to reduce the stigma around what it really means to be a female - with all the messy, complicated, political and personal details intact.