Shakespeare himself used over 99 different iterations of the word in his writings, giving credence to the longevity of its powerfulness.

It’s also a word that is oft-used to dehumanize  women whose strength and independence is intimidating or threatening to others.   Although such an antiquated term these days is met with laughter, as was this phrase, when it was first thrown my direction, the underlying connotations are something I would like to reclaim, recycle and repurpose.

Many years ago  I was called a “Whore Who Brews Beer” and while I certainly was working in the craft beer industry at the time, I was not, in fact, a brewer, nor was I participating in any physical activities that are defined in the dictionary under the entry: whore. So, my friends had a good laugh at the story and over the course of time, they would encourage me to “make a T-shirt” to wear or sell.  

However, it is important to me that my actions have some significance or purpose, and at the time, those pieces were absent.  I sat on the idea for many years and then it all came full circle for me after the detonation of the #MeToo awareness movement in the craft beer industry.  Being called a “Whore Who Brews Beer” was (sexual) harassment.  It was directed towards me in an effort to demote my professional accomplishments and dehumanize my personal life.  My goal was to “own it” and use it as a branding conduit to help support victims of sexual harassment in the industry and promote education of safe work places.

Therefore, a percentage of proceeds from sales of merchandise will go towards any number of entities that are doing this much needed work.  These organizations are strongly vetted for their authenticity and productivity of this mission.