The Dreamers, Believers and The Truth Seekers – Jenn Kaytin Robinson

By: Brittany Dailey & Lisa Steinberg

On the heels of the announcement of MTV’s cancellation of the series “Sweet/Vicious,” we knew that we had to continue to share stories and give voice to victims of rape and assault and show them that they matter. The stand out series was like a beacon and form of empowerment providing heart, levity and perspective and it was taken away way too soon from television. We don’t just get one person’s account of their attack, we get a myriad, because every situation is unique and it’s important to be able to tell as many stories as possible

Two vigilantes bringing their own brand of justice to accused rapists on their college campus. Plot twist, they’re females. In one sentence this is the premise of the show “Sweet/Vicious.” This wasn’t your average MTV series as it gave a platform to those affected by sexual assault in various forms. The series revolved around Jules (Eliza Bennett) and Ophelia (Taylor Dearden), two college students who secretly are campus vigilantes that target sexual assailants. Not only did the show tackle the emotional effect these heinous crimes have, it tackled the flaws of the justice system in regards to reporting. In a time of victim blaming and shaming, and this series showed us all that no should be enough. The woman at the helm of this well done and vital show? Jenn Kaytin Robinson.

Why “Sweet/Vicious?” Why a show about sexual assault centered around female characters? In interviews, Jenn Kaytin Robinson has discussed the importance of kick-ass female driven shows and the desire to see female characters that are relatable and not feeling represented on television. Females who are “weird and broken,” but also strong. Females who are multi-faceted. Who aren’t the side character or that guy’s girlfriend. Actual, full-fledged females with layers. Characters that women can relate to. Women that you may know in your own life. We can all be empowered, broken, brash, brave, wild and weird all at the same time. And that’s okay. May we become a generation of “Nasty Women” who aren’t afraid to ask questions, speak up when we are told to be quiet and fight for equality in all of its forms. We can fight the patriarchy and be proud of who we are as a whole. It’s important to have female perspective and distinctive voices in the creation process. As far as the topic of sexual assault, Robinson has said that her desire to write a show for and about empowering women, turned into telling stories that are important to women. Women fighting for other women, against sexual assault. The topic of sexual assault isn’t a new one. But it’s display in television is almost always a plot device, like in an episode of “Law and Order” – unpacking a story of sexual assault or rape and not just showing the assault itself but the lasting effects that event irreversibly has. Showing the way that this trauma is dealt with by the survivor as well as authoritative figures and people that are in that person’s life.

“Sweet/Vicious” explores all of these aspects and to a level that has yet to be seen in the media. Jenn made sure to do her research, in order to not only make the show as authentic as possible, but to give justice to real survivors. From watching every documentary possible, to listening to podcasts where women shared their stories, what Kaytin Robinson created with “Sweet/Vicious” goes beyond the series. What you take away from it is your own, but hopefully it inspires you to be your own superhero. Not necessarily in the same sense that the characters in the series are, but may it inspire you to seek out ways to aid others and be the light within the darkness that seeks to drag you down. When we talk about empowerment we don’t necessarily mean in the same context as these characters, but the strength in knowing your self worth and using your voice for a greater good and not apologizing in any way for it. Owning who you are and being comfortable in your skin takes a lot of courage and “Sweet/Vicious” showed its viewers that women will not be shrinking violets. Jenn created characters that you could root for even in their darkest moments. Women are like phoenixes, out of the ashes we will always rise.

Not only is she the creator, but she advocates on the topic as strongly as she does for the show. She has taken to Twitter to not only promote “Sweet/Vicious” and interacting with fans, but survivors. This show isn’t just bringing this topic to light in order to make people more aware, but it’s for the survivors. For the men and women who have been personally victimized and have dealt and continue to deal with the fall out of what happened to them. Of being told that their feelings aren’t valid or that they needed to move on. Jenn has continually outpoured her support, her love and the constant reminder that “we stand with you and we believe.” In the wake of the shift in political climate, she has not backed down from not only voicing her opinion on whatever heinous issue has come up but showed her support during both the Women’s March and the Muslim ban by showing up to protest. When the GOP wants to enact new healthcare bills but considers getting an STD from a rape as a preexisting condition, or men want to blame the victim without taking accountability for their horrific actions, we need women like Jenn who are there fighting the patriarchy and making sure that women’s healthcare and reproductive rights are just as much a priority. Jenn continues to shine the light on the importance of providing the physical and emotional support victims desperately need by donating money and promoting the charitable organization RAINN. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. It created and prayers a National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than one thousand local sexual assault service providers across the country. They also operate that DOD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. Kaytin Robinson has also supported independent artists by purchasing fan created “Sweet Vicious” merchandise with benefits providing aide to assault victims either through RAINN or other organizations and encouraging others to make a broader impact through their actions. By raising awareness and being a catalyst for others to become advocates, Kaytin Robinson has left a lasting impression on audiences and hopefully other show runners as well. Recently, she promoted a fundraiser for the Trevor Project, which aids queer youth who are struggling with depression and suicide. While promoting, she stated that she has a monthly donation setup with them. This comes as no surprise as Jenn has been a vocal ally for the LGBTQ community. More so, the fandom has asked if she would be open to more LGBTQ rep in the show in which she has expressed that she would want to provide that, as well as tackle LGBTQ issues, male victims, racial issues and bullying – different types of injustices that are happening in this “college ecosystem” that are in direct correlation to world issues. Yet MTV made the decision to not give “Sweet/Vicious” a second season. Yes, we’re still mourning the news. Jenn has not given up on trying to find another home for her show and continues to advocate and give due justice to so many important stories that should, and need, to be told.

Creator of an important show? Check. Advocate for survivors? Check. Advocate in general? Check. Real life hero? Double check.

Jenn Kaytin Robinson is more than deserving of being talked about and given her own soap box, or in this case, spotlight. She’s changing the media landscape, as well as being a real-life advocate. We have the utmost respect for her and we champion behind her 100%. We will continue to rally behind her and bang on the doors of Netflix and whoever else so that “Sweet/Vicious” can be given a well needed and deserved second season. This show is the most relevant show on television to date and the need for more stories to be told is a must. There is no one we trust more or who we want to bring these stories to life, then Jenn.