Editorial

The sixth issue of Empire Times is themed around secrets and confessions. So, let’s start with one – this isn’t our original editorial. What was supposed to introduce you to a piece that lies inside, about an editor’s experience with being stalked, will now be replaced with carefully watered-down allusions to censorship and what could have been. Dear reader, we do not like to keep secrets from you. The editor was inspired to tell their story by an article published in On Dit earlier this year, entitled ‘Fuck your Stupol’. The article discussed the ugly side of student politics, and the violence committed against her by men within her own faction. The author of this piece remained anonymous, citing fear as a key factor. Our editor was pleased to see that On Dit had aforded a space for survivors to share their stories, but at the discretion of our Association, they have not been allowed to tell their own story the way they believe it should be told, here in Empire Times. Thus, our editorial, and the article itself, needed to change. Do not be alarmed when you see sections of what was a thoughtful and impactful piece redacted. But why is telling these stories so important? Well, because is 2022, we are still silencing victims in the name of protecting the reputations of abusers. But also, because when people speak up about their experiences, it creates space for others to share their own. We speak solidarity into existence, and we create space for our sisters. So, we want to thank the original author for coming forward. We are glad her story is out there, and the institutions she entrusted with her secrets held space for her. Within this issue, you have trusted us with your secrets, your confessions. You have poured your heart out in poetry and helped us deconstruct stigma; honours students, Hannah and Charlotte provide us with a crash-course on their thesis topics, while Evangelia explores the words and labels attributed to her by society. As always, you will fnd political correspondence with Flinders political factions, as we approach the upcoming student elections. Here, you will fnd out what each faction considers to be their greatest sin, and Editor Jess takes you through her favourite secret date spots in Adelaide. We hope you enjoy issue six.