All of this. I was honestly shocked at the bullying masquerading as “think pieces,” the mental hoops these spiritual feminists jumped through to justify their jealousy…talking about privilege and disliking her tone. I know I’m a cranky gen X biddy, but Jesus Christ, I haven’t heard such whining since spending time with toddlers. To begrudge Glennon the RIGHT to join, to make money, to WRITE. My god. I hope (I doubt) they are ashamed of themselves. Glennon will be fine; she’s been through harder, but this app isn’t any better off.
Trust me this discourse has turned me into a cranky biddy, too. It’s shocking, you’re right. I think that’s why I can’t stop letting it simmer-I’m confused. So damn confused.
Great. Now I am even more obsessed with you. Brilliant piece, Kristen. A pic of my latest tattoo (the heart that grew flowers) was in said first substack post. I raised babies alongside her since Momastery. Survived the deepest lonliness as an expatariate, got sober beside her, witnessed all of her beautiful iterations, and in many ways she feels more like home to me than anything I have ever known. (A little obsessed with her, too, I suppose.) So I deeply appreciate what you are recognizing here.
Natalie, thank you for reading and for your words here! She is a guiding light to so many and what a gift as a writer to become a safe harbor for others as they navigate the rough waters. I hope she focuses on sentiments like yours rather than the negativity.
I didn’t know this happened, but I really appreciate your words and analysis. With everything going on right now it’s sad and strange to think writers bullied a writer from writing. We need human art and words now more than ever IMO.
Thank you, Kaileen. It’s fascinating to me how this situation has struck a cord. I think ultimately Glennon’s presence here would have been a major stride for the platform and it’s a shame some felt threatened by her “bigness.”
This is so powerfully written. I hope it serves as a much needed wake up call for us all that the patriarchy is still very much alive and well. And that we all need to take steps to address it head on.
Thank you, Louise! It definitely highlights some places we need to see more growth right? It’s been a fascinating conversation that hopefully opened us up to more awareness.
"If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?" My answer for a decade has been Glennon Doyle. She lives and shares her life in such a powerful, generous, authentic way that her work has helped me heal parts of me I didnt have language for.
Perhaps that's why it's so frustrating to lose such a talented, honest writer on here. Her writing has been a gateway to understanding myself and my emotions so much clearer, and I'll happily take long form content and a way to respond anytime!!!
Kristin, thanks for writing this. You know what else we need? Let's manifest a podcast episode of you two!!! I can't think of anyone who WOULDNT tune in.
Glennon is a leader in so many ways, and leaving makes sense to me for her, but a huge loss for all of us, and the platform as a whole.
I wanna come to that dinner!! Talented writers do exactly that, give us the language for something we’ve been trying to say for years. It’s a gift and one that she gives freely.
So grateful you are here and for all the ways you also share your story so generously with others! Manifesting that podcast episode too :) In the meantime, you need to hop on mine soon. ❤️
After receiving Glennon’s email inviting readers to her Substack, I had just sat down today to read her first entry. Imagine my surprise when the link went nowhere yet instead I found your beautifully stated commentary of an utterly ridiculous situation. How does something like this even happen? Glennon’s wisdom, insight, vulnerability, and generosity is such a gift and it is heartbreaking that she of all people was unwelcome here to share it. 💔
I would love to take a seat at that table with you sister. Love to you too x
And thanks for your beautiful, eloquent piece here. I had no idea that Glennon had left until you brought it to my attention. And I was one of the many who was delighted to see her here, and to sink into the balm of her long form writing. 💗
Women in the sobriety space making another woman in the sobriety space not feel welcomed seems like the opposite of what the space stands for. Reminds me of the old ways of surf culture: To creatively express oneself and connect with the ocean with your community. But then there is also a territorial culture along with it (at the best surf spots). Can someone who resonates with what happened here (Not making Glennon Doyle feel welcomed in Substack) explain to me why this is ok?
If I can attempt to explain my gut reaction and initial response which I then backpedaled on: On that other platform Instagram, there seems to be only room for a few in the sober space to shine, especially if they’re thin and beautiful and have a husband and kids who are also picture perfect. I have somewhat left Instagram for that reason. I don’t fit the mold. I’m not cool or popular.
But felt at home here with all of us who were maybe a little weird or on the outside in high school and have incredible creativity to share with the world. Glennon came here and I was so scared it would turn into Instagram and ANOTHER popularity contest - she’s a cool kid. But then I immediately used my skills in sober self-reflection to understand this was ridiculous and to take a deep breath. It was too late l…I will never forgive myself for contributing to her feeling unwelcome and unsafe here.
Well darlin, I think you’re cool as shit. I also think it takes a lot of balls to be honest about why this hit the way it did and jump into discussion about it. That’s how we all grow! What you wrote here makes sense and it’s real. I appreciate that. ❤️
I left social media completely back in 2017 and only returned (to Substack only) because I wanted to be part of liz Gilbert’s Letters from Love community. As everyone knows, Liz is one of Glennon’s closest friends and champions. I am seriously considering leaving Substack now because this incident is so depressing and negative. Still in shock. Glennon absolutely will keep nourishing us, you’re right. My question today is: do we deserve it.
The one thing that is keeping me inspired through this cluster is the beautiful writing coming from other women. I hope you’ll stay with us and keep sharing your stories. We need them!
Great piece but don’t agree. Women are allowed to protect their spaces. We took issue with the tone deaf marketing blitz and that one woman a community does not make. I keep reminding folks she teaches us to walk away from discomfort and she did.
Why is it bullying when women talk back but applauded when we silently retreat or cancel in real time? How has that created change and how will it, women’s rights are gone in 29 states. Clearly there was a disconnect, and it was loud because folks didn’t see warmth and openness. And that speaks volumes. Clearly not all women find her or her voice inspiring. White women need to think about the words safe and community and how that translates right now, because for many of us it didn’t translate to anything but discomfort.
I appreciate your comment, Liz. I’m just having trouble with how a successful writer launching her Substack and bringing in hundreds of thousands of wonderful readers is anything but a net good. Maybe you can elaborate on the safety concern?
If she had been “quieter,” if she had done it more “humbly,” if she had tiptoed in rather than skipping…why are we still asking women to shrink themselves?
This app is growing. That is what it’s designed to do. That growth will benefit everyone who’s publishing great work.
I forgot to address safety; protecting oneself from emotional duress is very different than the lack of safety many women, immigrants and trans individuals are feeling right now. So, even her retreat felt very privileged and white.
I guess for me it remains the issue around community as one being. We had and do have community building here. But when somebody comes into a conversation and immediately creates “strong boundaries” around the words open and vulnerable and blocks commentary, it kind of establishes their level of vulnerability and engagement. I just muted her because it didn’t feel or sit well. Other women clearly felt uncomfortable and for whatever reason even GD would have thought to honor that. Not everyone has had thousands of dollars of somatic therapy or access to that, and many don’t align with her cancel if it is uncomfortable culture. I think it speaks to women destroying one another no matter what we do, we can’t seem to win. If we express disdain we are difficult or bullies and if we retreat we protect really only ourselves. For me the tone was coming from a form of social media most of came here to escape. We aren’t trying to replicate meta, I came here in 2022 to simply have a place to put my words down. My computer then broke and it took a few years to actually come back. I think unfortunately her insertion onto the stacks felt anything but authentic and organic. Like I said, I simply muted but even that action somehow taught the algorithm to bring me the conversations, so who is to blame. Women or the technology? I worked my own feelings out in a poem called Yin, I didn’t mention her name, but I felt the need to write it out not just let it sit in comments on others words.
All of this. I was honestly shocked at the bullying masquerading as “think pieces,” the mental hoops these spiritual feminists jumped through to justify their jealousy…talking about privilege and disliking her tone. I know I’m a cranky gen X biddy, but Jesus Christ, I haven’t heard such whining since spending time with toddlers. To begrudge Glennon the RIGHT to join, to make money, to WRITE. My god. I hope (I doubt) they are ashamed of themselves. Glennon will be fine; she’s been through harder, but this app isn’t any better off.
Trust me this discourse has turned me into a cranky biddy, too. It’s shocking, you’re right. I think that’s why I can’t stop letting it simmer-I’m confused. So damn confused.
Welp, people always be peopling…and people will always show their asses in the loudest of ways. Their karma is theirs…it’s a head shaker.
Great. Now I am even more obsessed with you. Brilliant piece, Kristen. A pic of my latest tattoo (the heart that grew flowers) was in said first substack post. I raised babies alongside her since Momastery. Survived the deepest lonliness as an expatariate, got sober beside her, witnessed all of her beautiful iterations, and in many ways she feels more like home to me than anything I have ever known. (A little obsessed with her, too, I suppose.) So I deeply appreciate what you are recognizing here.
Natalie, thank you for reading and for your words here! She is a guiding light to so many and what a gift as a writer to become a safe harbor for others as they navigate the rough waters. I hope she focuses on sentiments like yours rather than the negativity.
A beautiful way to describe her writing Kristen!!!
I didn’t know this happened, but I really appreciate your words and analysis. With everything going on right now it’s sad and strange to think writers bullied a writer from writing. We need human art and words now more than ever IMO.
Thank you, Kaileen. It’s fascinating to me how this situation has struck a cord. I think ultimately Glennon’s presence here would have been a major stride for the platform and it’s a shame some felt threatened by her “bigness.”
This is so powerfully written. I hope it serves as a much needed wake up call for us all that the patriarchy is still very much alive and well. And that we all need to take steps to address it head on.
Thank you, Louise! It definitely highlights some places we need to see more growth right? It’s been a fascinating conversation that hopefully opened us up to more awareness.
I see it a little differently. Here's my nuanced take. From a fellow sober writer 🙏
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/p/glennon-doyle-is-not-a-victim
"If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?" My answer for a decade has been Glennon Doyle. She lives and shares her life in such a powerful, generous, authentic way that her work has helped me heal parts of me I didnt have language for.
Perhaps that's why it's so frustrating to lose such a talented, honest writer on here. Her writing has been a gateway to understanding myself and my emotions so much clearer, and I'll happily take long form content and a way to respond anytime!!!
Kristin, thanks for writing this. You know what else we need? Let's manifest a podcast episode of you two!!! I can't think of anyone who WOULDNT tune in.
Glennon is a leader in so many ways, and leaving makes sense to me for her, but a huge loss for all of us, and the platform as a whole.
I'll stay on Substack for writers like you!!!!❤️
I wanna come to that dinner!! Talented writers do exactly that, give us the language for something we’ve been trying to say for years. It’s a gift and one that she gives freely.
So grateful you are here and for all the ways you also share your story so generously with others! Manifesting that podcast episode too :) In the meantime, you need to hop on mine soon. ❤️
Thank you for writing this❤️
Thanks for reading, Karim ❤️❤️
It's frustrating to lose anyone willing to write their truth for people like me to read.
Spot on.
Thanks sister 🙏🏻
After receiving Glennon’s email inviting readers to her Substack, I had just sat down today to read her first entry. Imagine my surprise when the link went nowhere yet instead I found your beautifully stated commentary of an utterly ridiculous situation. How does something like this even happen? Glennon’s wisdom, insight, vulnerability, and generosity is such a gift and it is heartbreaking that she of all people was unwelcome here to share it. 💔
It is heartbreaking. Still trying to make sense of it and so far, I cannot. Thanks for reading, Kate. ❤️
Thanks Kristen, well said!
“Paris in the 1920’s, our version of the literary café where an unknown Anaïs Nin walks in and pulls up a chair”… yes please!
Holding this vision in my mind…join me? Love to you, dear.
I would love to take a seat at that table with you sister. Love to you too x
And thanks for your beautiful, eloquent piece here. I had no idea that Glennon had left until you brought it to my attention. And I was one of the many who was delighted to see her here, and to sink into the balm of her long form writing. 💗
A net loss for everyone that she felt she had to leave!
Women in the sobriety space making another woman in the sobriety space not feel welcomed seems like the opposite of what the space stands for. Reminds me of the old ways of surf culture: To creatively express oneself and connect with the ocean with your community. But then there is also a territorial culture along with it (at the best surf spots). Can someone who resonates with what happened here (Not making Glennon Doyle feel welcomed in Substack) explain to me why this is ok?
If I can attempt to explain my gut reaction and initial response which I then backpedaled on: On that other platform Instagram, there seems to be only room for a few in the sober space to shine, especially if they’re thin and beautiful and have a husband and kids who are also picture perfect. I have somewhat left Instagram for that reason. I don’t fit the mold. I’m not cool or popular.
But felt at home here with all of us who were maybe a little weird or on the outside in high school and have incredible creativity to share with the world. Glennon came here and I was so scared it would turn into Instagram and ANOTHER popularity contest - she’s a cool kid. But then I immediately used my skills in sober self-reflection to understand this was ridiculous and to take a deep breath. It was too late l…I will never forgive myself for contributing to her feeling unwelcome and unsafe here.
Well darlin, I think you’re cool as shit. I also think it takes a lot of balls to be honest about why this hit the way it did and jump into discussion about it. That’s how we all grow! What you wrote here makes sense and it’s real. I appreciate that. ❤️
❤️❤️❤️aww Kristen thank you!!! That means a lot coming from you 🤗 all we can do as humans is figure shit out and better next time! 🙏🏻
I left social media completely back in 2017 and only returned (to Substack only) because I wanted to be part of liz Gilbert’s Letters from Love community. As everyone knows, Liz is one of Glennon’s closest friends and champions. I am seriously considering leaving Substack now because this incident is so depressing and negative. Still in shock. Glennon absolutely will keep nourishing us, you’re right. My question today is: do we deserve it.
The one thing that is keeping me inspired through this cluster is the beautiful writing coming from other women. I hope you’ll stay with us and keep sharing your stories. We need them!
Great piece but don’t agree. Women are allowed to protect their spaces. We took issue with the tone deaf marketing blitz and that one woman a community does not make. I keep reminding folks she teaches us to walk away from discomfort and she did.
Why is it bullying when women talk back but applauded when we silently retreat or cancel in real time? How has that created change and how will it, women’s rights are gone in 29 states. Clearly there was a disconnect, and it was loud because folks didn’t see warmth and openness. And that speaks volumes. Clearly not all women find her or her voice inspiring. White women need to think about the words safe and community and how that translates right now, because for many of us it didn’t translate to anything but discomfort.
I appreciate your comment, Liz. I’m just having trouble with how a successful writer launching her Substack and bringing in hundreds of thousands of wonderful readers is anything but a net good. Maybe you can elaborate on the safety concern?
If she had been “quieter,” if she had done it more “humbly,” if she had tiptoed in rather than skipping…why are we still asking women to shrink themselves?
This app is growing. That is what it’s designed to do. That growth will benefit everyone who’s publishing great work.
I forgot to address safety; protecting oneself from emotional duress is very different than the lack of safety many women, immigrants and trans individuals are feeling right now. So, even her retreat felt very privileged and white.
I guess for me it remains the issue around community as one being. We had and do have community building here. But when somebody comes into a conversation and immediately creates “strong boundaries” around the words open and vulnerable and blocks commentary, it kind of establishes their level of vulnerability and engagement. I just muted her because it didn’t feel or sit well. Other women clearly felt uncomfortable and for whatever reason even GD would have thought to honor that. Not everyone has had thousands of dollars of somatic therapy or access to that, and many don’t align with her cancel if it is uncomfortable culture. I think it speaks to women destroying one another no matter what we do, we can’t seem to win. If we express disdain we are difficult or bullies and if we retreat we protect really only ourselves. For me the tone was coming from a form of social media most of came here to escape. We aren’t trying to replicate meta, I came here in 2022 to simply have a place to put my words down. My computer then broke and it took a few years to actually come back. I think unfortunately her insertion onto the stacks felt anything but authentic and organic. Like I said, I simply muted but even that action somehow taught the algorithm to bring me the conversations, so who is to blame. Women or the technology? I worked my own feelings out in a poem called Yin, I didn’t mention her name, but I felt the need to write it out not just let it sit in comments on others words.
Beautifully written and said. I agree with you & am deeply saddened too.