My original intent was to wait until I had a more well rounded website so that when viewers came, it was adequate in it’s resources and comments, etc. However, taking into account the inherently communal nature I wish to foster within the site, I think it’s best that I release it to the world now.
I know it’s Saturday, the day where we do nothing, but if you have the time, please visit the site and let me know your thoughts.
It’s the exact same structure (read: the Structure theme haha!) as BecomingJennie. Not just because it’s my favorite – even though it is- but because it is the best format for what I am trying to create. I think over time, it will grow and become something much different aesthetically but that is in the future and we are in the right now.
As L.C. said in one of his comments in the last post, violence against one is violence against us all. This is my small effort to make some changes in the world we happen to inhabit. If we can openly discuss that which it takes to heal from rape, perhaps we can begin an entirely new dialogue on what it means to be raped. Perhaps, at least nationally, we can start rolling the ball of change.
The site is by no means complete. It is not comprehensive and I am excited to see it grow in the public eye. I decided to hit the “publish” button because I don’t think I can get a large amount of post-rape healing solutions if I do not openly discuss my own. So it’s there, the first one, on The Survivors page. Also included is my midterm paper which provided the inspiration for the project, Daily Meditations, Legal stuff (which I probably need haha), and The Mission Statement.
Please look around and give me your honest feedback. I am open to hearing anything, and would like this site to be the useful and healing resource that it’s intended to be. If you have site suggestions, links, articles, solutions, anything that you think would add to the site, let me know (here or there), and I would love to include it.
I just want to thank you all again for the incredible amount of support and love that you’ve shown me during the past three years, and especially, this past week. I would not have the confidence to take these strides if I did not have all of you as my friends. I love each of you, and want to do what I can to show that. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
xo
Jennie
Invisible Mikey
April 21, 2012
Nice variety of approaches for those in need, and the quotes are effective and inspiring. Offering assistance and information is a good way to convert compassion into action to help improve problems. In addition to the reading recommendations, which are great, what would you think of adding links or lists of therapeutically useful music, and/or diagramming different meditation practices/exercises? You have relationships with healers who can give you more info.
becomingjennie
April 21, 2012
Great suggestion Mikey! Thanks and I’ll start compiling things right now!
marlinnut
April 21, 2012
You are an amazing woman, Jennie, both as an example and an inspiration for those who think the journey is just too hard. Well done!
Michael
April 21, 2012
Looks like a terrific resource, Jennie. Thank you in advance and looking forward to checking it out more fully.
becomingjennie
April 21, 2012
Thanks Michael, I look forward to more feedback!
Pat Heenan
April 21, 2012
You are so amazing. It helps me knowing you exist. Weird thing to say but its how it is for me.
After Sex Rehab aired i was still confused about how I should view the attitudes of people in porn. People that seem so convinced that their jobs and lifestyle are a fearless, positive adventure free of social pressure, shame or taboo.
This is when I unexpectedly saw some footage of you looking depressed and lonely backstage at the AVN awards in a documentary I rented called “Naked Ambition”. The “film” is a tired bit of adult industry propaganda. Watching it I had to continue resigning myself to the truth I already knew. But I was surprised to notice your brief, silent appearence in the background saying more to me than the whole movie. I had some vague knowledge of where you must have been at around that time and seeing you there just invisible to the people that just gave you an award shouted to me:
“What a World of bullsh*t.”
It is so wonderful knowing that lonely girl is doing such good things today!
becomingjennie
April 22, 2012
I read this comment last night at work, and I started crying (not very good being a hostess at a restaurant/club haha, the crying hostess). You can tell so much from a person when they think nobody is looking. For some reason, I never thought this applied to me! I am honored that you saw the lonely girl I once was. And amazed at how alone I felt! Though I never would have known how to express that emotion… It’s a lonely life when nobody knows your name. *sigh*
Thank you for being here on this journey with me. And inspiring me to do the good things I am inspired to do.
Pat Heenan
April 23, 2012
You’re welcome. A thousand times you are welcome Jennie! And thank you for the kind, humble, brave honesty with which you share all of this. Your writing helps neutrilize a deep, bitter cynicism and disappointment in me that came along with my unhealthy attraction to women in the sex trade.
I’m glad that you have this safe outlet to express these things. Having been in 12step recovery for a while myself I see how many of the women I meet still remain quite “armored” emotionally.(Which is understandable. Meetings are always a mixed bag) It is powerfully refreshing for me to be feel included in a woman emotional life. I really couldn’t do what you have done on here.
michael92105
April 21, 2012
Dear Jennie–wow…I think you’re onto something really great here! I have to tell you that I am a bit envious at all you have contributed in such a short time. Sometimes just making it through the day clean and sober has to be good enough for me and then I look at what an example you are setting. It inspires me to be more. It truly is hard to imagine, isn’t it? I hope I can contribute in some meaningful way. I will keep thinking on it. Thank you and may God continue to bless you.
becomingjennie
April 22, 2012
Thanks Michael… This whole project helps me in a way that the BecomingJennie website had initiated three years ago. Expansion. The open sharing is so good.
As to your other comment about the “spiritually sick,” they will come, they always have. In fact, they’ve been here on this site plenty. I just don’t feed them. Don’t feed the sickness you know? They sickness quiets down and all that is left is what you see…the here. The now. Thank you.
I look forward to your contributions~ I know they will be meaningful.
michael92105
April 22, 2012
Dearest Jennie- a thought that has somewhat plagued me since you first introduced this wonderful project. You know as well as I, that there are a lot of evil, okay, “spiritually sick”, people in the world. I want you to be prepared for any criticism that may come your way in regards to how your previous profession may be construed to continue to add to this horrendous crime you are trying to help people heal from. Then I had this thought that wouldn’t this be a wonderful way of doing your part to make ammends for all the harm porn has caused women? I don’t know, just some thoughts…stay close.
Ryan
April 22, 2012
Hi Jennie, first…. I’m horrible at navigating my way through websites, so I apologize for maybe not putting my comment in the right place : ) My name is Ryan, I watched a few episodes of sex rehab a couple saturdays ago and was drawn into to it. I am an addict, who has attempted recovery, but who hasn’t worked at it and denied it. Watching the show rekindled a self-awareness of my addiction….. I did a lot of crying. The commitment and bravery you showed was inspiring and it gave me some hope for myself, and I wanted you to know that. I commend what you are doing; this site, your recovery, and your efforts for change. Keep up the good fight and all the best!
john28adams
April 23, 2012
Have good luck with your site gorgeous Jennie! I hope lots of people are helped by you. Have a great day!
Dave
April 25, 2012
Heya Jennie! Your site looks to be going off so strong. I can’t wait to watch it evolve just like I’ve watched you evolve throughout the blog. I’ve only been checking it out for a little while, but I have to say, your words really have been an inspiration to me. Im turning 26 soon and I’ll feel so often I’ve wasted my 20s in just a haze of anxiety and depression, Watching how you’ve kicked ass and allowed life to bring you a lot of love and joy makes me realize and know that I can do it too and that I dont have to be hard on myself for the time Ive wasted. That I can live and be at peace and make real, true,meaningful connections with people.
You’re an inspiring gal and I look forward to reading your book as well
Much luck on your site… and I wish I could come up with some helpful feedback for it… all that comes to mind is maybe putting hotlines on the front page that can be called for those who feel the need to just simply talk to someone?. Just a thought! Keep kickin ass yo 
becomingjennie
April 25, 2012
Great feedback about the hotlines Dave! And 26? You are at the exact age when I started BecomingJennie!It looks like you are totally on a positive and self-discovering path right now. I’ve heard that we spend each year of our twenties being someone different. Who will you be your twenty-sixth year? (excitement!)
You haven’t wasted any time. You’ve taken all the time you’ve needed to decide what you’ve decided, that you can live and be at peace and make real, true and meaningful connections with people. I don’t think most people get that at 26. We are a blessed few. Thank baby and teenage Jesus.
You are the ass kicker my friend. Keep on it.
walter bright
April 28, 2012
You made the right choice by moving forward… Never despise the days of small beginnings… And one more thing… It sounds like this project is not about you… It’s about helping others… and usually, if it’s in God’s hand it can only grow and be a blessing. Take care!
Victor
October 2, 2012
Hi Jennie, I believe this site is the right thing to do! Actually, the way you made it could also be useful for those who are facing all other kinds of difficulties in their lifes, who are struggling to find their ways through the frustration, fear and hopeless. Something that is really needed in our time, independently of country of living, age or social status…