“Courage Is Contagious” | Maria & Ana Maria

Who were those brave women who cornered Senator Flake in the elevator? Ana Maria Archila and Maria Gallagher became famous overnight for sharing a deep, personal secret on national television. In the days and months that followed, the duo became targets of abusive messages and violent threats, highlighting a culture that is founded on keeping women quiet. For Maria, who is just 23 years old, she had never said the term “sexually assaulted” out loud. For Ana Maria, the moment was about reclaiming her shame; it was an example of how women across the country are bringing democracy alive—in hallways, in coffee shops, in airports, and in elevators. In an emotional and poignant conversation, the pair sit down to discuss why it is so important to listen to survivors, and how the conversation around consent needs an overhaul.

This is Dare I Say, the podcast from HarpersBAZAAR.com, where we sit in on unfiltered conversations between the most influential women of our time—those daring to make the difference we deserve

Trigger warning: This episode includes conversations about sexual assault.