Join SafeZone for another “201” series workshop for their In the Zone series: “Let’s Talk About Gender” – January 15th from 3:00-4:00pm in Stern Room 409.
Learn more about gender identity, gender expression, and expand your knowledge of terminology. We hope to see you there!
Reception to follow in the Drug Discovery Lobby
FREE event, open to the public!
We sat down with WGS and Public Health double-major Kristen Graham to talk about how she came to study WGS, what areas of WGS she’s most passionate about, and her work with I-CAN.
I chose to major in WGS because I knew my own intersections within my identity and I wanted to expand beyond my own understanding to help other black women fight the systematic oppression that has been trying to silence us. I thought this major would pair well with my public health major to focus on the policies and mistreatments plague black women and women of color in our country.
I am most passionate about Black Feminists Theory and Queer Theory. As a black Pansexual woman I’ve started my journey to being proud of all of my identities through the critical thinking WGS classes and professors have helped me gain.
I am apart of the coalition Intersectional Cougar Action Network (I-CAN). Our purpose is to organize and collaborate with students throughout multicultural and marginalized communities. We strive to uplift student voices throughout those communities by directly contacting administrators and faculty to address the harms we face. I am now I-CAN’s Curriculum Committee chair. I m also representing I-CAN and what we stand for on the QEP committee with SLI and the Ad Hoc curriculum committee addressing diversity concerns. As well as volunteering with the Elizabeth Warren campaign.
I believe WGS classes aide one to think critical of gender, sexuality, race, class and other social identities. I think every person on campus should understand how our social identities have impacted the way our nation’s history has been taught, as well as the way in which structural and cultural systems are still impacted today. It’s a lot deeper than personal biases, and students should take at least two courses to enrich their understanding of diversity, intersectionality, and equity.
I’ve really been considering working at an NGO or as a lobbyist after I graduate. I really want to effect positive change in our federal and local policies that reflect diverse population in which it governs. I especially want to advocate for Black women and the LGBTQ+ by using the connections and materials I’ve gained through my WGS classes. Mostly I want to dare to defy the restrictive culture norms society has placed on us by simply being my Queer self, changing and challenging what leadership even looks like in these spaces.
We sat down with WGS and Religious Studies double-major Jasmine Tindall to talk about how she came to study WGS, and what areas of WGS she’s most passionate about.
I chose to study WGS because it’s fueled my passion for social justice. It’s provided me with a foundation for understanding the root cause of different oppressions, which I think is the first step to making a better life for all.
I’m a double major in Religious Studies so a lot of my interests are focused on women’s roles and influences in religion. I’m really fascinated by the extent to which religion has not only reflected basic cultural assumptions about gender but has in turn helped shape, reinforce, and modify those expectations in today’s society.
On campus I spend a lot of time with incoming freshmen working as a Peer Facilitator and I’m a member of the Pre-Law Society. Some local activism I’ve enjoyed participating in is volunteering at Planned Parenthood and attending Charleston pride, as well as the Women’s March in DC. I’m looking forward to applying my passion for WGS at my internship in Rwanda and Uganda this summer! I’ll be working with local NGOs on socio-political health issues and studying different topics like psychology from social change & negotiating resources and gender in civic spaces.
There’s a common misconception that women & gender is for the sole benefit of women and women’s rights. I’d encourage anyone to take a WGS course because you’re actively opposing intersectional oppression, critically reviewing and learning how to see things from a multitude of angles, the field inevitably expands into other areas where oppression is highly present such as racism, sexism, exploitation and class difference.
Post-graduation I see myself continuing my studies of WGS in grad school to complete my masters and doctorate. One day I hope to pursue a career in academia as a feminist scholar. My dreams include but are not limited to: teaching abroad, publishing contributive research and writings within the WGS realm, and of course hosting my own TED Talks!
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New York is looking for a Summer 2020 undergraduate intern for their Women’s Rights Project! Interested? See the link below to learn more!
Any WGS student who create art – digital or traditional – or photography are encouraged to email our admin, Percy, at haaspv@cofc.edu to submit their works for consideration for the WGS Connect newsletter! Pieces selected may be highlighted within the newsletter or even used on the front page! Please email your artwork, along with the name of the piece and any additional information about its creation (materials used, etc) BY DECEMBER 15, 2019.
Thank you! 🙂
Interested in studying abroad and fulfilling your WGS requirements while you expand your horizons? Study abroad in Trujillo, a thriving center of tourism with a rich historical past! Study with faculty from CofC, become immersed in Spanish language and culture, and live with host families! The fall 2020 Interdisciplinary semester is designed for any student with an interest in History, International Studies, Environmental Studies, and Sustainability, Biology, and WGS! That’s right, you can get WGS credit while studying abroad! 🙂
November 14, 2019 – 5-6:30pm – RSS Room 250
Email GSEC@cofc.edu for more info about this awesome event!