Kesha Rose Sebert, better known simply as Kesha, has not released any new music since 2014. In case you haven't already heard why that is, Sony is refusing to let Kesha release any new music unless she records it with Dr. Luke, the man who she has said sexually assaulted and raped her. He, of course, countersued her for extortion and trying to get out of her record contract. There has, of course, been a great outpouring of love and concern from her fans. However, the fact that this legal process has taken this long, and that there is even a debate as to whether her allegations should be taken seriously, says a lot about how internalized misogyny is alive and well in this day and age.

It does not matter how you feel about her music. It does not matter if she's a "party girl" or perceived as promiscuous. She is a person, and she deserves to be treated with respect. No outfit, gender, race, personality or reputation equals entitlement to someone's body. Rape is the only crime where there is any question as to whether the victim was "asking for it." Kesha was sexually and emotionally abused. The scrutiny she has received for coming forward is the very reason sexual assault and rape victims often choose not to come forward, which is psychologically and emotionally damage. No person no matter how "trashy" or "air-headed" deserves to go through that. Whether "TiK ToK" was your summer of 2009 anthem or you couldn't stand it should not determine Kesha's worth as a person.

Now, not only is Kesha being scrutinized for coming forward, which in itself is very difficult and takes a lot of courage, Sony has taken away her means of expression and livelihood. Music is one of the most cathartic art forms in existence. Kesha is amazing at making successful albums. It isn't as if she said she doesn't want to work for Sony at all. She simply doesn't want to work with Dr. Luke, the man who allegedly abused her. How is that an unreasonable request? No signed piece of paper is important enough to bind a victim to his or her abuser. Kesha has every right to take legal action against him. She has every right to feel safe and be able to work with someone else. No, I do not stand with Kesha because I love her music. I'm a casual fan at best. I do not stand with Kesha because she is a big celebrity. I do not stand with Kesha because she is a sister or a daughter. I do not stand with Kesha because she is a woman. I stand with Kesha because she is an inspiration to women and girls who have been in similar situations. I stand with Kesha because she is a person and deserves to be treated like one.