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.
