Screenings of documentaries, panel discussions, and performances, are some of the events the Women’s Center has planned for the spring semester.
“These events provide an educational opportunity for our students,” Sara Peters, UTC Director of the Transformation Project, said. “A lot of people have a perception of feminism and feminists, that they’re loud, obnoxious, and ornery just to be ornery. We want to educate students on the women’s movement.”
In recognition of Eating Disorder Awareness Month, the center will screen America the Beautiful, a documentary where filmmaker Darryl Roberts speaks with everyone from advertising and fashion professionals to average people on the street in an attempt to discover precisely why some people are willing to put their lives on the line in order to become physically attractive. The screening is Monday, February 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Benwood Auditorium. A panel discussion will follow the screening. Admission is $5.
Events continue with a production of The Vagina Monologues, presented in partnership with The UTC Women’s Action Council, to benefit the Partnership for Families, Children and Adults Crisis Service and the UTC Transformation Project. The Vagina Monologues is a play by Eve Ensler consisting of a series of women’s stories of intimacy, vulnerability, and self-discovery. Show times are Thursday, February 24 and Friday, February 25 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, February 26 at 3 p.m. in the UC Auditorium. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds will be donated to charity.
“There’s a lot of stigma surrounding the show, but it’s really candid, funny, and touching,” Hollie House, UTC student and director of this year’s production, said.
The Women’s Center will be screening Sin by Silence with a panel discussion to follow. The documentary film depicts the lives and accomplishments of women within the California Institution for Women. These women, led by Brenda Clubine, created Convicted Women Against Abuse (CWAA), the first inmate initiated and led group in U.S. prison history. Clubine has since been released from prison after her conviction was vacated, will be leading the panel discussion. Clubine’s daughter and another member of CWAA will also be present. The screening is on March 8 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the UC Auditorium. Admission is free.
The Women’s Center will celebrate Women’s History Month with a presentation from popular feminist blogger/writer, Jessica Valenti on Tuesday, March 22 at 8 p.m. in the Benwood Auditorium. Valenti is a blogger and feminist writer from New York City. She is the founder and Executive Editor of the feminist blog Feministing.com. Valenti’s first book, Full Frontal Feminism: A Young Woman’s Guide to Why Feminism Matters, in early 2007. Valenti has published her second book He’s a Stud, She’s a Slut…And 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know. Admission is free.
Two Friends’ story of sexual assault will be presented on Wednesday, April 6 in the UC Auditorium at 8 p.m. The presentation, Let’s Talk About “IT,” stems from Kelly’s experience with sexual assault while in college, it’s impact on their lives, the trauma of the resulting pregnancy and the critical role Kelly and Becca’s friendship played in the recovery process. Unlike any other program on the topic of sexual violence, Kelly and Becca use humor to both inform and inspire. Using their signature three step model, they teach participants how they can help reduce sexual violence. Admission is free.
