I am an ugly woman*
(In Sri Lanka where I was born and bred there is a vilifying notion that, feminists are ugly women who cannot attract men, so they criticize patriarchy out of frustration. Men have said that I am ugly to my face to silence me when I raise my voice against social injustices and sexual harassment. Here’s my response.)
I am an ugly woman
because I say ‘no’ to men
when I feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
I am an ugly woman
because I fight against
all forms of ‘harassments.’
I am an ugly woman
because I speak up and question
when I see inequalities.
I am an ugly woman
because I cannot be controlled
by patriarchal tools.
I am an ugly woman
because I am independent,
fierce, loud, and unapologetic.
I am an ugly woman
because I am not silent, tolerating,
and I do not reiterate toxic masculinity.
I am an ugly woman
because I love and care for myself
and I do not pamper haters.
I will be ugly by
dissecting and exposing the ugliness of the historical power,
the systems and civilization.
