Megan Dooley headlines the performance, “What is Love,” to confront and process the consequences of childhood sexual abuse and trauma. In this candid artistic dialogue in spoken word, she speaks up about the perception of love and the revelations of breaking through from it all.

Presented by Kayla Wagennman and Jacita Keys (in order of appearance)

About Peace Over Violence
Peace Over Violence, (formerly LACAAW), established in 1971 by pioneering feminist activists, is a sexual and domestic violence, stalking, child abuse and youth violence prevention center headquartered in Los Angeles and dedicated to building healthy relationships, families and communities free from sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence.

One of the first agencies of its kind in the country, POV has been committed to social service, social change and social justice for 41 years. POV’s innovative programs are comprehensive and include Emergency, Intervention, Prevention, Education and Advocacy services.

For more on Peace Over Violence –> http://www.peaceoverviolence.org/

Julia Price wrote “Painkiller,” initially for her cousin who became addicted to prescription medication and later heroin. Later, she realized that it was also for herself, as painkillers, like addiction, could be in many forms. “Letting You Go” was inspired by a breakup she had during a time she was physically sick back while living in New York. She found solace through her piano during a time when she couldn’t get out of the house.

For more on the interview:
Julia Price behind “Painkiller:”

“This is how you fall in love with a killer, painkiller. And it’s so good, now. But it won’t be forever, break me down, and then you make it better. This is how you fall in love with a killer.” — Julia Price

Julia Price behind “Letting You Go:” https://thelovestory.org/project/letting-you-go/

Singer, Actress, Producer, Andrea is a survivor of incest and sexual abuse. From this experience she has found a way to alchemize “that vicious venom into sacred vials of anti-venom” by infusing her art to consequently heal others worldwide through the many facets of her artistic expressions.

Hennessy

Singer and songwriter, Hennessy, wrote “The Letter” as a dedication to the people who she loves in her life. It is about wanting to reach out to the people we love most dearly but sometimes can’t or don’t know how to help.

For more on the interview:
Hennessy
https://thelovestory.org/project/behind-the-letter

Dedicated to Peace Over Violence: A nonprofit that aims for the elimination of violence against women and children.
For more Information: http://www.peaceoverviolence.org/

Videographers: Sherman Wellons and Adelie Buclier

Sponsored by: The Gibson and The Love Story Media, Inc.
In Association with: Peace Over Violence and Get Lit

For more information about our live events go to:
https://community.thelovestory.org

Josefina Bashout

Once a victim of sexual abuse and genital cruelty, Josefina recognized that she had become her own greatest healer and went on a mission to empower women to reframe issues around their Pussy and step into their feminine power the same way she did with a commitment to radical self love, herbal remedies, meditation, yoga, mindfulness, the Akashic Records, spiritual psychology and plant medicine.

After a massive awakening that shifted her entire perspective around the divine feminine and what it means to be an embodied woman, Josefina was guided through her own pussy reclamation process that helped her release 20+ years of shame, guilt, trauma, and codependent behaviors that held her back from designing her best life.

She is a certified Life Coach, Akashic Record Practitioner, Lifestyle Designer, Spiritual Psychologist & Holistic Healer who is trained in the ancient wisdom teachings of Mindfulness, Kriya Yoga, Tantra, Shamanic Healing, and Metaphysics.

For more on the interview:
Josie Bashout
https://thelovestory.org/project/behind-the-healer/ ‎

Dedicated to Peace Over Violence: A nonprofit that aims for the elimination of violence against women and children.
For more Information: http://www.peaceoverviolence.org/

Videographers: Sherman Wellons and Adelie Buclier

Sponsored by: The Gibson and The Love Story Media, Inc.
In Association with: Peace Over Violence and Get Lit.

Hanna Harris

Losing her dad to suicide, Hanna Harris channeled all that pain into spoken word. As one of the poets of Get Lit, Words ignite, an organization that brings classic poetry to the streets and street poetry into the classrooms. By engaging youth in great works of literature, in-school and beyond, teens engage in their own futures and unearth their potential.

You can find more information about Get Lit at GetLit.org.

Videographers: Sherman Wellons and Adelie Buclier

Sponsored by: The Gibson and The Love Story Media, Inc.
In Association with: Peace Over Violence and Get Lit.

Irma Beserra Núñez

At The Love Story Break Your Heart Open Showcase, Los Angeles Commissioner Irma Núñez speaks what it means to transform our pain into social impact.

Irma Beserra Núñez is currently a Member of the City of Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department; Founder/Owner of Doña Irma Heritage Arts (Preservation, Revitalization, Education, and Archive); Co-Founder/Co-Chair, Lead Advocate/Artist Spokesperson of the Coalition to Save the First Streets Mural Wall (1970s two story, 175 foot, 18 mural panel Chicano Historical Monument); Partner/Business Manager, Assistant Designer/Muralist, Graphic Artist of Ricet Don Juan Revitalization Innovation (Community Cultural Educational Tourism initiative); Founder/Chair, Lead Advocate/Instructor of the CA Coalition to Save Older Adult Education (Program for Older Adults, LAUSD Division of Adult and Career Education); and Steering Committee Member of the Coalition Against CSU Impaction.

Beginning at the age of 14, Irma has worked as a Visual and Performance Artist, Cultural Arts Educator and Archivist, Community Advocate and Spokesperson, Producer and Director, Media and Marketing Consultant, Fine Arts Curator and Distributor, and Artist Representative in the areas of Bilingual and Multicultural Education, Chicano and Mexican American Historical Preservation, Community Revitalization, Hispanic Marketing and Communications, Government and Community Relations, Aging and Health Education, Alleviation of Homelessness and Poverty, and other critical issues that impact our city and nation’s diverse multiethnic and multigenerational families and low income communities.

In 2012, Irma was honored by the L.A. City Commission on the Status of Women and then Council President, now Mayor Eric Garcetti, as his “Pioneer Women of the Year.” In 2012 and 2013, Irma was honored by the California Council for Adult Education with their “Excellence in Teaching Award.” Since 1972, Irma has received awards and recognition from city, state and national political and educational leaders and organizations.