EMPOWERMENT
THROUGH EXPRESSION
THE PROCEDURE - PERFORMED BY SAMANTHA LEEDS AT THE RIOT STAGE’S “SPEAK THE SPEACH… I PRAY YOU”
I wrote The Procedure to process what it felt like to face spinal fusion surgery at 14. Everything changed so quickly, and writing helped me make sense of the fear while finding strength I did not know I had. Sharing this piece helped me take back the story of my body, and I hope it helps others feel less alone in their own journey.
I also performed this piece as my Secret of the Heart in The Riot Stage. It was one of the most personal things I have ever shared onstage, and it reminded me how powerful storytelling can be when it comes from a real place.
This Zine space is just getting started. Right now, it features my piece, a video of the performance, and a few videos and articles Second Skin supports. We are currently collecting submissions for our first full volume, which will be released at the end of summer. It will showcase writing, art, and performance from teens and young adults who have lived through physical or emotional challenges and have something powerful to say about it.