For those of you not familiar with PostSecret, here's the 411.
It all started with a man named Frank Warren. Long story short, in 2004, Frank started a small project that eventually led to what is now known as PostSecret. The original postcard looks like this, inviting whoever found it to send an anonymous postcard with a secret of theirs to this address.
Now, with over 500,000 secrets sent in, PostSecret has grown larger than Frank ever imagined. He posts a selection of secrets every single Sunday, and the advertisement-free blog has over 750,000,000 views. He's published more than 5 books, each a unique portfolio of secrets he's received. The Smithsonian's National Postal Museum opened an exhibit, PostSecret: The Power of a Postcard, in August of 2015 to run through September 2016. Frank frequently tours all over the world, each PostSecret Live! show incorporating audience members, providing a touching, unique, and memorable experience.
For the past 12 years, this community has grown and become a safe place for millions of people. The secrets come in on carefully crafted postcards, pieces of paper, photos, newspaper clippings, and range from silly confessions to deep, personal, family secrets.
PostSecret provides a deeper level of understanding and acceptance to its community. Because of the wide range of content, it has touched people, families, communities, tribes and identities that often feel alone or unheard.
While some secrets are heartbreaking...
They also offer hope to those who are going through similar struggles
They confirm that there are still genuine people in the world
They're completely anonymous
But sometimes through photos or handwriting, someone will recognize it,
Or the writer will see it and reach out to Frank much later, sharing reactions and what has changed since writing it
PostSecret has been a sanctuary for many, including myself. It's taught me that I'm never as alone as I think I am, that there is someone out there who understands and relates to even the weirdest thoughts I've had.
Frank doesn't keep out controversial topics, which is why PostSecret has helped such a vast audience; the postcards range from racial issues, sexuality, gender identity, cultural appropriation, adultery, porn, suicide, mental illnesses, physical disabilities, theft, religion, the list never ends. Nothing is taboo, which is why PostSecret is captivating and inclusive to anyone and everyone.
So, thank you, Frank, for changing my life, and saving countless others. I'm sure you never expected a local project to spread like such wildfire. I've been inspired, I've sobbed, I've laughed until I cried, but most importantly, I've learned to love myself. Thank you.
