A Vernon poet is launching their debut poetry book that addresses the #MeToo movement and the challenges survivors face. Jaz Papadopoulos will present I Feel That Way Too at the Caetani Centre in Vernon on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. The event is part of B.C. Culture Days.
Papadopoulos, originally from Winnipeg, moved to Vernon about a year and a half ago. They are a Lambda Literary Fellow, and this poetry collection evolved from their master’s thesis in creative writing. Published on Sept. 14, I Feel That Way Too combines narrative poetics with themes of art, philosophy, and childhood memory. The book critiques the forces that uphold patriarchal ideologies, drawing inspiration from authors such as Leanne Betasamosake Simpson and Anne Carson.
The trial of Jian Ghomeshi, a former CBC radio host acquitted of sexual assault charges in 2016, plays a significant role in the book. Papadopoulos vividly recalls the overwhelming media coverage of the trial, which affected many in their community during their time at the University of Winnipeg.
“I remember so many people in my community were emotionally impacted by this trial,” Papadopoulos said. “You couldn’t turn on the radio or go to class without someone wanting to discuss it. It was upsetting.”
This barrage of information led Papadopoulos to explore the impact of such an environment on survivors of sexual assault through poetry. They observed that despite public support for survivors, the realities often contradicted that support, causing emotional pain.
The book includes language drawn directly from the Ghomeshi trial, illustrating how media narratives can perpetuate harmful stereotypes about victims. Papadopoulos noted that media coverage can replicate sexism through careless language, portraying victims as unreliable and reinforcing damaging myths. They also recognized similar patterns in the coverage of the 2022 Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp trial, leading them to practice avoidance of that media cycle.
Papadopoulos urges journalists to consider the relevance of the information they present and to avoid sensational headlines that trivialize serious issues.
For survivors who read I Feel That Way Too, Papadopoulos hopes the book will offer validation. “The goal is to provide acknowledgment and acceptance, aligning with a Buddhist meditative thought,” they said. “You don’t need to resist the bad or confusing feelings.”
In addition to their writing, Papadopoulos has a unique background, having studied clowning during their university years. “I wrote my thesis on clowning as a nonviolent direct action,” they explained. They view experimental poetry as a creative counterpart to clowning.
With ten years of poetry writing experience, Papadopoulos looks forward to sharing their work at the launch. Besides the book event, they will also run a youth arts program called Creating Space at the Caetani Centre, which includes a seven-week writing and mixed media art workshop starting in January.
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