Editor’s Note: See Jane Write now publishes personal essays by writers who identify as women, non-binary folks, and our allies. Learn more here.

By: Tina Bausinger

But who cares about Southern women?

I paused. Was this really a question? It seemed to be.

I’m reading an email sent from the dean of my graduate school, who is also my instructor. I’m working on my topic for my doctorate studies, and it includes southern women’s voices. Is it possible he’s being serious? Is it possible I must explain that yes, people care about Southern women?

This question I continue to answer two years later.