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FEMINISM IN MOTION 2024

By thomaspr on October 3, 2024 in Feminism in Motion

FEMINISM IN MOTION:

ANNUAL WGS EVENT SPOTLIGHTS Original Research and Critical DISCUSSIONS

WRITTEN BY MADELYN BYRD (she/her), WGS MAJOR, SPANISH MINOR

Intersectional feminism is among the ideals that have and continue to shape how we function as a society and how different marginalized communities can grow and thrive. Feminism in Motion is an annual representation of the countless aspects explored in feminist studies, ranging from political concerns and autonomy for women and AFAB individuals to the uplifting and amplification of BIPOC voices, LGBTQ+ rights and wellbeing, chosen family and kinship, and so much more.

As a Women’s and Gender Studies major and a longtime activist for LGBTQ+ rights (not to mention a member of the community myself), the current political uncertainty we as LGBTQ+ individuals must navigate was an issue of considerable concern when considering where to begin my approach to my research.

After taking a class titled “Honors Queer Civil Rights” and having in-depth discussions about new anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed in the South Carolina State House weekly with my peers, I knew that this type of proposed legislation and rhetoric would open the door for severe harm for LGBTQ+ South Carolinians. Hence, my research titled “The Effect of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation on Queer Mental Health in South Carolina” came to fruition in the Fall of 2023 with the help, mentorship, and kindness extended to me by Dr. Christy Kollath-Cattano.

Madelyn Byrd at Feminism in Motion. Byrd is the 2023-24 recipient of the Alison Piepmeier Endowed Scholarship and the 2024-25 recipient of the Ketner-Crunelle LGBTQ+ Endowed Scholarship. Photo credit: Reese Moore

I was honored to present my findings, which I derived from 5 qualitative interviews with local LGBTQ+ activists, mental health professionals, and educators, as well as a 45-question anonymous virtual survey with LGBTQ+-identified participants. A central question on this survey was whether or not the 25+ anti-LGBTQ+ legislation proposals in the State House in 2023 alone had an impact on whether or not LGBTQ+ individuals feel safe living in this state. 66.67% of respondents reported YES, and another 22.22% reported NO–only because they already felt largely unsafe and unprotected.

I opted to present this research at the 2024 FeMo event and the 2024 EXPO alongside countless scholars whose work significantly impacted my perspective and, in some cases, my heart. I opened my presentation at FeMo with a quote by bell hooks, but not before seeing Emily Currey and Abby Sidwell’s presentation, titled “All About Friendship: Reflecting on bell hooks’ All About Love: New Visions, and the Importance of Platonic Love.” Having learned about, and having found through the community in the WGS program, chosen family, this presentation moved me quite a bit. Emily and Abbey’s perspective on their platonic love for one another being something as substantial as any romantic relationship was moving to me. Friendship and one’s chosen family can be foundational for a life of true companionship, community, and love.

I was also moved and fascinated while observing the work presented by Sofia Wilkinson, titled “Unveiling the Purity Myth.” Though many believe the contrary, purity culture is something that goes hand in hand with the sexual abuse and exploitation of women and girls. Telling young girls that they must pledge, commonly to their fathers in a ceremonial fashion, to wait to have sexual relations until they are married is not only sexualizing women and girls but also telling us that our bodies are not our own. Sofia approached this problematic concept with a great deal of passion and care.

Feminism in Motion is a radically beautiful aspect of the Women’s and Gender Studies program at the College of Charleston for numerous reasons. Creating a safe space to uplift and celebrate marginalized communities’ voices and our creative and academic endeavors and come together as a community accurately represents what WGS stands for. Women and the LGBTQ+ community have long found comfort within the arms of their loved ones, a stronger understructure on the path to justice, and togetherness as a whole, and FeMo is just one example.

WGS Connect Summer 2024 Magazine

By thomaspr on October 3, 2024 in Announcements, Feminism in Motion, Land Body History Series, Student Spotlights, WGS Faculty & Affiliated Faculty, WGS in the Community

WGS is excited to share the Summer 2024 issue of WGS Connect magazine! The first ever magazine edition of our newsletter offers highlights from the Land, Body, History series, student research and art/poetry, and updates from alums.

We hope you enjoy this issue! WGS is already outlining the next magazine, and we cannot wait to share the next iteration of WGS Connect! In the meantime, be sure to check this blog site and our social media to keep up-to-date on Women’s and Gender Studies’ current events and spotlights.

WGS would also love to hear from you! Always feel free to reach out with ideas for the blog or magazine. We embrace all things collaboratively produced and will continue to embody that philosophy in all that we do.

Use the button below to view this special digital PDF, complete with embedded links and lots of great info on WGS students, faculty, events, and more.

WGS Connect Summer 2024

Student Spotlight: Mo Spragins

By thomaspr on February 22, 2024 in Student Spotlights

What is your hometown, your pronouns, and your major(s)/minor(s)?

I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC. Both of my parents met at NC State University and settled in Raleigh. My pronouns are She/They. Currently I am a double major! Women’s and Gender Studies (BA) is one of them and the other is Biology (BA).

What areas/aspects of women’s and gender studies (WGS) do you find most engaging/interesting/what are you most passionate about?

I find everything under the Women’s and Gender Studies program here fascinating. If I had to pick one topic, it would be Black feminism. I am currently reading “This Bridge Called My Back” and I feel that I have learned so much about the history of the feminist movement, which has not always supported or upheld all women, specifically Black women and people of color. The feminist movement historically has focused on a lot of white women’s wants and needs without acknowledging their innate privilege of being white — without taking a step back for Black women to take the stage.

Tell us about any extracurricular work that you’re doing (ex. volunteering/local activism), or any involvement you have on campus with clubs/organizations.

Currently on campus, I am pursuing conducting research with Dr. Arroyo over the summer and possibly another opportunity with my mentor on campus.

I am also a student worker at the Pride Center on 9 1/2 Glebe Street. At the Pride Center, I am the Q’rdinator of the Honors Engaged program that is partnered with the center and Honors College. I supervise student tasks, their volunteer hours, and events that the Pride Center hosts for the Queer community (although not exclusively if any others want to participate!). Along with that, I help Dr. Simmons with the Out To Lead program.

Outside of campus, I am a volunteer at MUSC’s Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and recently reached my goal of 100 volunteer hours. I am continuing my volunteer work there until I can secure a position as a patient care technician.

What impact have WGS courses had on you? and/or: Why should every CofC student take a WGS class before they graduate?

The WGST courses on campus have had such a huge impact on my life. My first class was Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies taught by Dr. Dominguez. The least I can say about that course was how eye-opening things became for me during and afterward. When I came to campus my first year, I was strictly a Biology BS major and was headed on a narrow pre-health tract. I attended a majors/minors fair that was held by the Honors College, which is when Dr. Dominguez and I first met. Dr. Dominguez understood that I want to be the kind of physician who listens to others and their needs; not excluding their past experiences and story. I want to look at things through an intersectional lens, and the field of Women’s and Gender Studies helps me to do so. I have met so many wonderful people along the way who have been so supportive of me. Lastly, Dr. Dominguez helped foster such a safe community in the classroom in which we could make mistakes and learn from one another. This gave me the confidence to come out as Queer, and I couldn’t be any more grateful. Truly. Thank you Dr. D.

What are your plans and goals after graduation?

Even though graduation is still a ways away from me, I have always had a passion for working with children, and I hope to do so as a pediatrician. More specifically as a physician assistant (PA) specializing in pediatrics.

I plan to apply to a few graduate PA programs, one at MUSC and one at UNC Chapel Hill.

Ultimately I hope to find calm in all of the chaos that is life and keep my center — my core values and defining memories — tightly against me. Hopefully, somewhere in there I get married and have a few kids of my own, but I can wait on that bit for now.

WHAT IFF?: Diaspora, Conflict Bodies, and the Power of Art

By thomaspr on October 31, 2023 in Land Body History Series

Did you miss our panel: Diaspora, Conflict Bodies, and the Power of Art? No worries! You can listen to the panel discussion on WGS’ podcast, WHAT IFF? The episode link is https://whatiff.buzzsprout.com/1962748/13814351

2023 HSS Scholar: Taylor McElwain

By thomaspr on May 16, 2023 in Student Spotlights

WGS is excited to share our HSS Scholars! ? Our other scholar is Taylor McElwain!

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Scholars Awards Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates the top two students in each of the 11 undergraduate major programs within HSS. Faculty, students, family and friends gather to celebrate our scholars – students who’ve achieved an exemplary academic performance during their time at the College of Charleston.

From Taylor:

Educational Highlights: During my time at the College, I was awarded the Outstanding First Year Writing Award for my essay on Iraqi refugees in Mosul. My most significant projects include research papers examining the differences in the use of sexual violence by militant groups, the implications of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda’s ruling that rape is a weapon of genocide, and how former colonial powers have enabled genocides in order to protect their economic interests. I’ve served as an intern for the nonprofits Enough Pie and the Charleston Climate Coalition as well as working as a research intern with the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre. Most recently, I worked as a refugee resettlement intern with Lutheran Services Carolinas. My poetry has been featured in the College’s literary magazine, Miscellany.

Research Focus: My research focuses include the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon during times of conflict and genocide, as well as a focus on the field of genocide studies, with emphasis on the Biafran genocide, the Rwandan genocide, and the Holocaust.

Future Plans: I plan to work in victim advocacy and women’s empowerment. I’ve been looking at jobs in Ukraine that would allow me to use both my Russian and my expertise on issues of gendered violence.

2023 HSS Scholar: Sarai Vazquez

By thomaspr on May 16, 2023 in Student Spotlights

WGS is excited to share our HSS Scholars! ? Our first scholar is Sarai Vazquez!

From Sarai:
Educational Highlights: When starting at the College of Charleston, I had no idea I would end up majoring in Women’s & Gender Studies. Though I didn’t declare my major until my junior year, it has since allowed me to understand my identity as well as the wisdom I will bring to the table as I navigate the world after graduation. At CofC, I have volunteered at the “”Yes! I’m a Feminist”” event and been a member of the Hispanic Latino Club. The wonderful community of WGS has both challenged me and encouraged me to view the world with an interdisciplinary perspective.

Research Focus: I have had the opportunity to complete an internship through Tri-County SPEAKS, a sexual assault advocacy and resource center. As an outreach intern, I was part of the team leading the Bar Outreach Project. Our mission was to educate and introduce training to the personnel of many Charleston bars on sexual assault and its prominence within the bar atmosphere. I have also served as a volunteer advocate accompanying survivors at MUSC for exams and working the 24HR hotline.
This internship has confirmed my passion to advocate for intersectional healthcare and to serve the disadvantaged.

Future Plans: My goal after graduating from the College of Charleston is to continue pursuing outreach and nonprofit work that will cultivate change around me and prioritize those in need. As an educated Latina, I have the purpose to disrupt and inspire, and I intend to do just that after graduation.”

What IFF?: Queering Trauma Recovery

By thomaspr on May 1, 2023 in Announcements

A new episode of What IFF? is out! We are joined by two trauma-informed experts to break down the misconceptions about sexual assault, trauma recovery, and patterns of serial perpetration. Katie Mai, LMSW, is a therapist with the Sexual Assault Services program at MUSC. Lyn Maples is an outreach coordinator and victim advocate with Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S.

Together, we analyze data on victimization to better understand what’s happening in our culture. Then, we use that knowledge to create supportive practices for survivor healing and improve educational tools to change social attitudes about gender-based violence.

To speak with a victim advocate, call the Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. 24-hour hotline at 843-745-0144 or the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.

Music by Clean Mind Sounds
Podcast Producer: WGS student, Bria Ferguson

Feminism in Motion 2023 Program

By thomaspr on April 13, 2023 in Feminism in Motion

Feminism in Motion (affectionately nicknamed “FeMo”) began in Spring 2018 and is our annual celebration of student scholars and their work on gender-related projects. Students prepare micro-presentations and informational posters to showcase the projects they have been working on throughout the year. These projects, which span disciplines and subject areas, make for a diverse showcase of the WGS program’s best and brightest!

This year is our 5th annual FeMo! We hope that you can join us on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at the Stern Center Ballroom. The event is 3PM-7PM. Feel free to drop-in or stay the entire event!

Feminism in Motion 2023 Program

Welcome Gathering for WGS Community Leader in Residence

By thomaspr on February 23, 2023 in Community Leader in Residence

Please stop by our welcome reception next Tuesday 2/28 to say hello to Mika Gadsden, our inaugural Community Leader in Residence. We will have light refreshments from 4:30-6pm. There will not be a formal program, just time and space to engage with each other and with Mika!

We hope you can join us.

Student Spotlight: Sara Solan

By thomaspr on February 8, 2023 in Student Spotlights

What is your hometown, your pronouns, and your major(s)/minor(s)?

My hometown is Franklin, TN. I use She/Her pronouns. My major is International Studies.

What areas/aspects of gender activism and/or advocacy for women and girls you find most engaging/interesting/what you’re most passionate about?

I am most passionate about advocating internationally for women’s and girls’ rights; I am specifically interested in education. Malala Yousafzai has been one of my biggest inspirations for years.

Tell us about any extracurricular work you’re doing (ex. volunteering/local activism), or any involvement you have on campus with clubs/organizations.

I am the Founder and President of Cougar Refugee Alliance (CRA). I started this club at the College of Charleston in Spring 2022 because I saw the need to support Afghan refugees arriving in Charleston. I had worked with refugees back home in Nashville, and I knew how vital our help was in helping them transition to self-sufficiency in the United States. We have worked with Lutheran Services Carolina, our area resettlement agency, to assist over 80 Afghan refugees who have arrived in the area. In our first semester we grew rapidly to 75 members. CRA held a fundraiser, a school supply drive, and helped to coordinate and staff childcare during a Cultural Orientation for all recently resettled refugees. Our advocacy will continue as refugees from various parts of the world will be resettling in the Charleston area.

I also serve as a student representative of the College’s Task Force on Refugee Resettlement. This campus wide collaboration arose from some of my initial discussions with Dr. De Welde about what I wanted to do for my activism project as a Ketner Emerging Leader. Comprised of faculty and staff from across the College and student representatives, this taskforce focuses on coordinating campus involvement in local refugee resettlement efforts such as by establishing “Circles of Welcome” for families. I help to lead and coordinate student involvement with task force initiatives, and am a student liaison with Lutheran Services Carolina.

I am also a Charleston Fellow and an International Scholar, active in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Charleston Hillel, and the Chaarg Fitness Club.

What does being a Ketner scholar mean to you?

Being a Ketner Scholar means actively working to create change in the local community to promote acceptance. I think it means to have courage to step up and advocate for those who do not have the same privileges that I do as a white American woman with the ability to attend college. It means going out into the community and making a hands-on impact.

What are your plans and goals after graduation?

After college, my goal is to work for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or for a refugee resettlement agency. I hope to apply what I learn from the International Studies program to work on policy change to make refugee resettlement a more efficient and effective process.

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