Some of the former gymnasts also shared a similar sentiment. She is quoted several times as saying something along these lines to the victims during their impact statements: 1 “You’re never wrong to speak your truth.” And then again when I read more about the judge who presided over Larry Nassar’s case. Recently I heard the phrase again while watching the documentary about the USA Gymnastics sexual abuse scandal - At the Heart of Gold. It’s much easier to just say “thanks for speaking your truth” and leave it at that. We know that’s scary.” But that takes longer. Thank you for showing us how you see the world. I think they meant “thank you for telling us how it is for you. I’m all for that.Īnd in the case of the aforementioned essay, I took the comments for what I think the commenters meant. When Oprah says “Speak your truth,” she’s giving a voice to the voiceless and encouraging those who have historically been under the boot of the oppressor to rise up and show us who they are. It’s important that you tell your story.” And I agree. When Oprah says “speak your truth,” what I think she means is this: “ Speak up! Let your voice be heard. I also understand and appreciate the sentiment behind it. Whether or not she actually coined the term, it’s Oprah who helped make it so ubiquitous. Well, that is to say I know who made the phrase popular. Being an ardent Oprah fan, I know where the phrase comes from.

There are memes and self-help how-to’s, admonitions on the interwebs and pinnable quotes. It’s not my favorite but it’s everywhere.

I appreciated the kind words but I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of the phrase. When I posted this essay earlier this year three or four different people said this - or some form of this - to me: “ Thank you for speaking your truth.” I do not think it means what you think it means.”

You keep using that word