Halsey recited an incredibly emotional poem about sexual abuse at the 2018 Women’s March

On Saturday, January 20th, many took the streets for the 2018 Women’s March. On the anniversary of Donald Trump’s inauguration, feminists across the country came together to peacefully show their support for women’s rights. However, this year, the rally took on extra meaning in light of the #MeToo movement. Several celebrities made appearances and moving speeches at the New York Women’s March, including Halsey.

The musician has opened up about her miscarriage and mental health struggles in the past. And at the 2018 Women’s March, she shared an intimate portrait of her own experiences with sexual abuse in the form of a poem. Called “A Story of Mine,” Halsey’s recital was heartbreaking and deeply moving. She expressed feelings of distrust, betrayal, and unease. (Warning: the description contains graphic language.)

In the poem, Halsey described several visceral examples of sexual abuse in her life. She described visiting Planned Parenthood at the age of 14 with a friend who was raped by an adult at an after-school program. Next, she described being 7 years old and being a victim of sexual assault, not old enough to really understand what was going on.

Halsey’s words are so powerful.

"The stairwell beside apartment 1245 will haunt me in my sleep for as long as I'm alive," she said.

Halsey continued. At age 17, she said she had a boyfriend that would pay for “everything.” And in return, he would force her to provide sexual favors, sometimes hurting her in the process. Finally, she ended the heart-wrenching poem with an example of assault that occurred just last year.

"It's 2017 and I live like a queen, and I followed damn near everyone of my dreams. I believe I'm protected cause I live on a screen."

But despite her fame, someone she trusted touched her inappropriately and without consent.

Watch Halsey recite the full poem below.

here is my entire “A Story Like Mine” poem from today’s #WomensMarch2018 in NYC tw: rape / assault. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/l3fji73woM

— h (@halsey) January 20, 2018

Thank you, Halsey, for sharing your story with us. There’s truly strength in unity.