Jessica’s Story

Unfortunately, this is not my only story involving sexual assault. This one was the third. One involved a complete stranger on a bus. Another one a “friend.” But this one was a turning point in my life, both good and bad. I was more involved into the photography scene in LA as a cosplayer and an art model. I collaborated with a host of a well known photography meet at the time and he took advantage of us being alone in an isolated area. I’m sure it was intentional. Premeditated. Despite the boundaries that were in place, despite not giving any form of consent. Being forced into circumstances I did not want to be a part of. It affected me in many ways, the way that I perceived myself and my body, and pent up anger and resentment towards myself for not protecting myself more at the time. I harbored those emotions inside me until it got to a boiling point and it came out. I felt the need to inform others. If I couldn’t protect myself, the least I could do was protect someone else. I was mostly received with support from the photography community, but as expected, there was backlash from a few others. The very reason why I initially hesitated to come out in the first place. But in my mind, my conscious is at peace for speaking out. Though it was far from easy.