Most of our articles focus on the medicalisation and stereotyping of plural systems, including our own. We have extensive trauma and dealt with dissociative amnesia after an incident of severe abuse—but we believe we were born plural, work together cooperatively, and have no desire to be cured. This experience has led us to question, challenge, and reinterpret medicalised multiplicity and dispel unfair stereotypes. It is possible to be a trauma-linked system, have individuated system members, and function during the day. If it weren’t for our system, we wouldn’t have made it out alive in the first place.
Disentangling Multiplicity, Integration, and Dissociation, by Jack Dawkins, Yavari Caralize, Vova Romanov, and Fiona Romanova (2023). Jack, Yavari, Vova, and Fiona distinguish between dissociative senses of self and multiplicity, as well as integrating trauma and therapies intended to “cure” multiplicity.
Only Meteors Are Impactful, by various Prometheans (2023). In this audio play, Hess, Jack, Vova, Zip, Yavari, and Jamie mock a variety of misconceptions about multiplicity, including two-dimensional “types of alters,” the idea that systems have to have astronomically high IQs, and ableist interpretations of what it means to be a functioning system. (They manage to take a few swipes at absurd management-speak, too!)
Mutually Emergent Association, by Jamie Dawkins (2019). A proposed alternative model for trauma-based multiplicity that focuses on long-term well-being without condemning plurality in and of itself.
Deconstructing Structural Dissociation, by Jack Dawkins (2019). A thorough review of—and rebuttal to—Onno van der Hart, Ellert Nijenhuis, and Kathy Steele’s The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization (2007), a book that presents a reductive, narrow view of Dissociative Identity Disorder and multiplicity generally.
Flying Toasters Not Required, by Jack Dawkins (2017). A criticism of the idea that plural systems must have mystical powers or high intelligence in order to be valid.
Fictive Identities, by Noël Dawkins (2017). An explanation of fictive identities from a nonsupernatural perspective.
Three Problems with Medical-Model-Only Thinking, by Jack Dawkins (2017). A set of problems that arise when multiplicity is forced into a strictly medical explanation.
It’s Not Just a Social Media Thing, by Jack Dawkins (2015). An exhaustive critique of the myth that multiplicity originated on social media platforms like TikTok and Tumblr.
Divisions in Plurality, 3.0, by Jack Dawkins (2015). An updated version of “Divisions in Plurality.”
Subjectivity versus Delusions, by Jack Dawkins (2014). Contrasting multiples’ subjective experiences with clinical delusions connected with thought disorders (e.g., schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder) and manic episodes in bipolar disorder.
Against “Taxonomies of Alters,” by Lilly Ghia-Wilberforce (2013). A criticism of the idea that members of plural systems have to belong to circumscribed roles.
Plurality, Scepticism and Civility, by Richard Ghia-Wilberforce (2012). An appeal for reason and civility when talking about subjective identity.
Plurality for Skeptics, by Em Flynn (2011). A list of explanations and rebuttals to common concerns about multiplicity.
Divisions in Plurality, 2.0, by Jack Dawkins (2009). An update to the original “Divisions in Plurality.”
Oh No! It’s the Plural Police, by Hess Sakal (2009). Questioning the idea that there is one proper way to be multiple.
Sniglets!, by Hess Sakal (2008). Descriptions of how some non-plural people can express stereotypes against multiples.
Divisions in Plurality, 1.0, by Jack Dawkins (2007). An explanation of toxic dynamics in the plural community in 2007. Still up here for historical reasons.
Dissociation and Assumptions, by Richard Ghia-Wilberforce (2007). An article questioning the idea that all multiplicity has to fit into the DID paradigm perfectly.
The Littles Stereotype, by Lilly Ghia-Wilberforce (2007) An article addressing the stereotype that all children in systems have to fit a particular model of behaviour.
EVIL DEMON ALTERS!, by Hess Sakal (2007) – warning for animated GIFs. A criticism of the “evil demon alter,” especially when applied to system members who are neither evil nor demons.