Every Sunday backstage at the 'Hermanos Vazquez' Circus Show, as we tour across America performing, we each take a turn to do a motivational speech to keep us going for '3 show Sunday'. This week, it was my turn, after 6 months of wonderful contributions from other performers.
I chose to speak what I know, and to recognise the work of a very significant group of people.
This is the first time I have ever spoken in public about anything that happened during that time of my life. 3 years ago, when I lay in hospital, I would never thought it would or could be possible for me to be where I am today. But I made it. Here I stand. I stand in a show costume, with all the freedom in the world, as proof of the potential of human survival.
Anything. Is. Possible.
This speech marks the start of the Liberty's concept coming into action, fighting forwards for the freedom of every woman, and every man, to be all of who they can or wish to be. Without cages.
Please share, and spread the word. Every read is appreciated, and all support is counted.
Love & Liberty!
Helen Victoria.
X.
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"I was, as some of you know, rather terrified to do a speech. I struggled to think how to put something together that would entertain and motivate. But then this week one of our team here announced that he and his wife are to have a baby daughter. A new life, yet to exist! This daughter is yet to unfold her chapters in this world. And with this train of thought, I found my speech.
Every pay packet that I have received since I began here in January, minus expenses, has been sent home to fund an ongoing 2-year legal battle I am facing from my previous life. I stand here today as testament to the potential of human survival. I can honestly say that I would not have been able to achieve any of it without the very thing that stands around us currently. Performance space. And within it, people like you, who, in backstage chats and Sunday humor bring to life the life I live.
There was one more element of my liberty that I must account for. That is the work of Women’s Aid, an organization in England that helps victims of domestic abuse to safer environments. They were the foundation from which I was able to rebuild. Without them, I would not be standing with you today.
With a little research, I found a sister organization here in Chicago. I found that they were asking for donations to buy emergency survival kits for women who have just made their escape. They need money for items such as toiletries and phone chargers. I cannot describe how much of a difference it makes for details such as these to be taken care of, speaking from experience.
In the last few days, I have managed to establish a small sponsorship fund from a few companies and anonymous donors who, when I wrote to tell them about our circus speech tradition, and some of my story, were more than happy to donate to sponsor our third show. The money donated will go directly to the Women’s Aid of Chicago.
Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, you can all consider yourselves a huge contributor to not only my life, as I have described, but to leagues of victims of domestic abuse in the very city we currently stand in. They are all someone’s son, or daughter.
LET US LEARN TO LOVE CERTAIN FORMS OF MADNESS. LET US RECOGNIZE THAT TO ALTER THE ESSENCE OF AN ARTIST IS TO QUELL THAT SEETHING GENIUS SO NECESSARY TO THE BEAUTY OF THIS PLANET.
Embrace your environment here. See the details all around you. And know that no matter how you spend the remainder of your short time left here in Chicago, you have each made a difference to a whole host of lives. Both in the circus ring, and beyond it’s walls."