Vilissa Thompson

Vilissa Thompson

Vilissa Thompson, LMSW, is a contributing writer covering gender justice at Prism. A macro social worker from South Carolina, she is an expert in discussing the issues that matter to her as a Black di

28 posts
photo of a disabled person with light brown skin and curly short hair sitting in wheelchair and looking at camera while using
Economy & Workers' Rights

Disabled students need better support from career services in higher education

Disabled students face different employment challenges than their non-disabled peers, and career services should be equipped to support them

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4 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
Q&A: Life-long educator Pat Kelsaw on aging and encouraging intergenerational bonds
Gender & LGBTQIA+

Q&A: Life-long educator Pat Kelsaw on aging and encouraging intergenerational bonds

‘Listening to the life journeys of my elders—women in my family in the South—gave me hope and instilled a sense of pride’

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9 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
Black female teacher with short grey natural hair helping teenager student. Both are wearing face masks
Education

As burnout worsens for educators, Black teachers face intersecting challenges

Many Black teachers and administrators have left the field as COVID-19 and hostile parents and politicians exacerbate heavy workloads and little institutional support

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11 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
Sick African American boy blowing nose while sitting wrapped in a blanket on mother's lap at home.
Gender & LGBTQIA+

Black mothers discuss continued struggles in year three of the pandemic

Despite pushes to “return to normal,” Black women and femmes struggle with isolation and lack of resources while trying to keep their loved ones safe

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7 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
For disabled women of color, telehealth has been a pandemic lifeline
Gender & LGBTQIA+

For disabled women of color, telehealth has been a pandemic lifeline

In the push to return to normal, waning telehealth options put disabled BIWOC at risk

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9 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
Attendees enter the convention center during Comic Con Special Edition in San Diego, California, November 27, 2021
Politics & Democracy

How events can prioritize disabled attendees’ safety

An interview with public health and policy expert Matthew Cortland on how events must consider disabled attendees’ safety and health needs

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6 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
Black women are celebrating their love of wine by creating their own spaces in the industry
Economy & Workers' Rights

Black women are celebrating their love of wine by creating their own spaces in the industry

Wine expert Sarita Cheaves encourages Black women to explore the world of wine and make it their own

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8 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
For Black queer femmes, redefining Blackness and queerness are revolutionary acts
Gender & LGBTQIA+

For Black queer femmes, redefining Blackness and queerness are revolutionary acts

Keah Brown and Imani Rupert-Gordon reflect on their journeys as queer Black femmes

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12 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
Disabled activists warn that a ‘return to normal’ threatens increased accessibility through virtual and hybrid events
Gender & LGBTQIA+

Disabled activists warn that a ‘return to normal’ threatens increased accessibility through virtual and hybrid events

The increase in virtual events alleviated some of the barriers marginalized people face when attending in person, and disabled activists want to capitalize on the momentum for greater accessibility

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7 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
Black disabled mothers deserve to be seen, especially on Mother’s Day
Gender & LGBTQIA+

Black disabled mothers deserve to be seen, especially on Mother’s Day

Ableism, misogynoir, and toxic narratives about parenthood can threaten Black disabled mothers’ parental rights.

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10 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
Centering Black love in the adult toy industry can empower sexual expression and autonomy
Gender & LGBTQIA+

Centering Black love in the adult toy industry can empower sexual expression and autonomy

Nefertiti Mitchell’s boutique allows customers of all experience levels and identities to explore adult toys and self-pleasure.

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6 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson
Black and brown sex workers are providing direct support to help BIPOC thrive in adult entertainment
Economy & Workers' Rights

Black and brown sex workers are providing direct support to help BIPOC thrive in adult entertainment

Adult entertainment industry veteran Sinnamon Love is determined to make the business safer and more sustainable for BIPOC performers and sex workers.

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9 Min
By: Vilissa Thompson

Showing 12 of 28 total posts

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