Vaginas!

When I was in college I was part of a small group of women who created a “Women’s Issues Forum” at Oakland University. In our first year we were able to get approval to perform The Vagina Monologues on campus by the V-Day organization. In one weekend we sold out three shows and were quickly recognized as one of the 'best groups on campus' by the awards committees. 

Being part of the monologues changed my life. I spent a weekend with Eve Ensler in Chicago and learned about the V-day organization and the celebration of Vagina Day every February 14th. Every year when I brought new friends to see the show I saw their faces when they left the room. We had opened up their eyes to think about things and parts that they had never thought about before. Seeing these monologues live is a safe place to laugh and learn and hear shared experiences of women around the world.

This year, Wayne state University is hosting a one night production of the Monologues on Thursday, February 7. The show is free, but donations are encouraged because they will all be given to Vista Maria, a home for runaway and troubled girls. I have known many people who work for this organization and I can tell you that they need the money to keep working with these young ladies. This production of the monologues will take place in the Wayne State University Community Arts Auditorium at 8 p.m. 

Performers include:
Alie Albert
Rasha Almulaiki
Fatmeh Baidoun
Alexis Berrera
Kaitlyn Bourque
Breon Canady
Fatin Dubaybo
Amelia Glebocki
Assata Haki
Whitney Hicks
Tracey Huff
Chloe Lundine
Katelin Maylum
Renee Seccombe
Krista Subic
Lura Smith
Tammy Stemas
Anita Vasudevan
Natasha Windless
Veronica Zahn 

A week later on February 14th (the 15th anniversary of V-Day), The Feminist Collective of Detroit is also hosting a dance party at the Temple Bar. Proceeds from this will benefit V-Day’s 'One Billion Rising', a global movement that states it “will move the earth, activating WOMEN AND MEN across every country. V-Day wants the world to see our collective strength, our numbers, our solidarity across borders.” This dance party will feature DJ Ladylike and admission is only $1 before midnight and $2 after midnight. 

These events are both a great way to learn, have fun and give back to the city of Detroit. 

~S