Forget Wonderwoman.

I used to look up to Olympic gymnasts- because they were physically strong, mentally disciplined, and they kicked ass regardless of anyone’s opinion about their demeanor or appearance. All beautiful women. Made even more so in their determination to be elite. But now, I have over 140 specific heroes in mind.

One

Hundred

Forty

Women. Women who came forward despite the fact that for years they had been told that it would only hurt themselves to divulge this information. Some women who have already been brave enough to come forward and received no justice for what happened to them.

Women who deserve their own comic books- whose names should be flooding my timelines. The role models and guiding lights for every woman who’s ever been scared, who’s ever said no, who’s ever been stifled, censored, or unsure. We should sing your praises, we should tattoo your names onto our bodies and plaster them all over our cities. We need to remember you. Not for what happened to you, but for the strength and bravery you’ve exhibited this week.

When I hear his name, and the fact that I had to first search him in order to find you, my gut floods with that white hot sort of sickly and vomity anger that only a true monster and a real fear can instil in someone. A human being capable of stealing so much- from so many women. From strong, determined, ambitious girls who trusted him- as they should have been able to. As their parents did. He didn’t just abuse you- what he did should have broken you.

But you are not broken.

Successful, strong, upright, brave women.

Forget Wonderwoman.

I want to remember the feeling that flooded me when a female judge wasn’t going to give him a leg to stand on. I want to remember what it felt like for victims to become victors. You women are survivors.

After so many of you were manipulated into believing that what had happened to you wasn’t abuse.

After suffering in silence and alone for all of these years.

You survivors, you spokespeople of recovery and of revenge. You army of women who battled on your own front lines- separately. Not only in your own statements against him but in your support for each other have given meaning to the movement which has been belittled by so many people who haven’t been faced with this problem. Thank you- We love you.

Forget WonderWoman.