Jacqueline
LeKachman
Writer, Editor, Teacher
About Me
I am a New York-based author and editor who writes about family, sex, and other things that keep me up at night. My personal essays and reported pieces have appeared in The Washington Post, The Guardian, HuffPost, Women’s Health, Business Insider, Newsweek, Salon, Slate, and more. I pursued my MFA in creative nonfiction at The New School and my master’s in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
My memoir-in-progress explores how my mom's compulsive hoarding and my early introductions to intimacy led me to become celibate for over two years. During that time, I tried to comprehend the roots of my nonconsensual sexual experiences by investigating the long-hidden secrets that shaped my family. In giving up sex, I ultimately found what I had lacked for most of my life: understanding and agency.
My Work
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'I Haven’t Had Sex In Two Years, And It’s The Best Decision I Ever Made'
Women’s Health
I lost my virginity when I didn't want to because I chose 'sexual compliance' over self-advocacy. Here's what I've learned—and what I want other women to know.
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I Thought I Knew My Mom. Then I Found A Grainy Polaroid That Forced Me To Reconsider.
Huffpost
"I stared, dumbfounded, as two questions formed in my mind. First, who was this person? And second ― why didn’t I know her?"
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I'm close with my aunt, even though she and my mom are estranged. Our relationship has taught me about all 3 of us.
Business Insider
"You have mail," my mom called from the kitchen.I bounded over to fetch a purple envelope. One glance at the familiar return address label confirmed my hopes.
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Experts Say Family Estrangement Is Often A ‘Last Resort,’ But Can Be A Necessary And Healthy Option
Women’s Health
Plus, when to set boundaries versus cutting ties.
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My mom's hoarding got in the way of our relationship. As an adult, I understand what led her to that point.
Business Insider
"Just looked through my cards," my mom texted me. "Can't wait for this year's creation."
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I Thought My Parents Hated Their Marriage—A Picture Revealed the Truth
Newsweek
While cleaning my grandmother's basement a few years ago, I stumbled upon a grainy Polaroid of my parents in their twenties. I stared, dumbfounded.