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OUT TO LEAD

By thomaspr on November 18, 2024 in Uncategorized

OUT TO LEAD

WGS FUNDS LGBTQ+ Leaders FOR SOCIAL CHANGE PROGRAM AT COFC PRIDE CENTER

WRITTEN BY WGS ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR, PRISCILLA THOMAS ‘07 (she/her)

Building safe spaces and cultivating inclusivity for the College’s LGBTQ+ students is an ongoing process. Having recently completed her second year as Director of the Gender and Sexuality Equity Center (GSEC), Dr. Naomi Simmons (she/her) has launched several initiatives in her short time at the helm. One of the first changes was an on-campus rebrand to make this campus resource more easily identifiable to students. Intent on making the center’s name instantly recognizable and relatable, it is now the PRIDE Center.

WGS majors Mo Spragins (Out to Lead intern) and Laney Johnson ’24 (PRIDE Center intern). Photo credit: Reese Moore

This was just the start. As its website outlines, the PRIDE Center’s programs and services are designed to build, advocate for, empower, and nurture the LGBTQ+ campus community. Highlights include working with other CofC divisions to revise student housing forms and students’ capability to change pronouns across various operating systems, launching leadership programs, Honors Engaged, and winning a WGS-Mellon Impact Grant to fund “Out to Lead (OTL): LGBTQ+ Leaders for Social Change.”

Out to Lead is a newly launched program that provides a unique opportunity for LGBTQ+ students at CofC. Simmons noted the need for this kind of program, stating in her grant proposal that, “There currently exists a lack of opportunities for students in the LGBTQ+ community and students committed to the work of queer justice to pursue leadership development opportunities intentionally grounded in Humanities and Social Sciences.” The goal of Out to Lead being, “a multi-year, developmental partnership/internship with a community or campus partner that allows a student to gain hands-on learning and collaboration with cohort peers, WGS instructors and community leaders.”

This partnership between WGS and GSEC will enrich the leadership development of the Out to Lead cohort. Simmons outlines the program’s skills-building approach, “Each cohort of students selected for this program will take select courses in the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, receive guided mentorship in leadership skill development, engage in cohort learning sessions, and complete a Capstone project in WGS that demonstrates their ability to integrate critical reflection about gender and sexuality with actionable project development and implementation that puts their knowledge into action and expands their professional skills set.”

Embodying the core principles of the WGS program, Simmons was awarded a $9,000 WGS-Mellon Impact Grant to establish the Out to Lead: LGBTQ+ Leaders for Social Change program. One member of the program’s first cohort is Mo Spragins (she/they). Reflecting on being a part of the inaugural cohort, Spragins says, “For me, being able to be a part of creating OTL is very exciting. I love the idea of being a part of something bigger than myself that can help pave the way for other LGBTQ+ students at CofC. As a queer student on campus, I know how important it is to have a safe place that acknowledges and holds space for students like me. OTL is one of those safe places.”

In addition to fostering a new safe space for LGBTQ+ students, Spragins acknowledges the benefits of participating in this kind of innovative student program: “Throughout this program — which would be a four-year experience — leadership skills will be developed, and students will be presented with the opportunity of internships that can give them real experience and certifications. This way, queer students have an edge in the workforce and have a welcoming environment to support them since all of our partners would be queer-friendly organizations.“

Launching OTL from the ground up has been a collective effort. The spring 2024 WGS Intern for the PRIDE Center, Laney Johnson (she/her), was crucial in helping the program during its first semester. Remarking on the significance of this internship, Johnson says, “Working as the Women’s and Gender Studies intern at the PRIDE Center was the highlight of my semester and possibly even my time at the College of Charleston.” She elaborates, “As a transfer student from Pennsylvania, I was slightly nervous about finding my place on campus. The PRIDE Center has provided me with an amazing group of friends and coworkers whom I get to share parts of my identity with.” Johnson concludes, “I have found joy in assisting in event planning and spreading people’s awareness of the center! From Drag Bingo to our Ace Aro Archery event, I have had so much fun working to bring more visibility to the campus of CofC so that all students feel they have a place to be themselves. I will miss the PRIDE Center so much and will be forever grateful for the home it provided me!”

Johnson’s accomplishments go beyond event planning. Spragins notes, “Laney Johnson and I were allowed to organize OTL and bring it to fruition.” Having two WGS majors help create the foundation of a four-year LGBTQ+ leadership program at the college is monumental. WGS internships nurture professional skills, foster community connections, and prepare students to become active changemakers in society.

WGS STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES FUND: Katie Morand

By thomaspr on November 18, 2024 in Feminism in Motion, Scholarships & Awards

WGS STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES FUND

HELPING TURN STUDENT ASPIRATIONS INTO REALITY

WRITTEN BY WGS ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR, PRISCILLA THOMAS ‘07 (she/her)

In Spring 2019, our program launched the WGS Student Opportunities Fund so that students may apply for grants to support engagement in study abroad, internships, community-based learning projects, research, and other scholarly activities. Our generous donors in the community and on campus make funding for these opportunities possible.

Katie Morand presenting at the 6th annual Feminism in Motion symposium, April 2024. Photo credit: Reese Moore

During her time at the college, Katie Morand ‘24 (she/her) has continuously pursued studies where the intersectionality of Public Health and Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) are at the forefront. In her junior year, she conducted research to analyze survey data gathered by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Her conclusions were presented in Spring 2023 at Feminism in Motion, titled “Analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey on Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents.” In addition to general data summation, Katie critically examined the survey’s methodology and sample.

She noted problematic elements, such as the survey’s heteronormative language and limited data for STD and HIV testing. In addition, once the survey responses were broken down by age, race, and ethnicity, there was scarce data for marginalized groups. Katie found these inferences troubling as the YRBSS informs public health policy and sexual education curriculum. She called for inclusive research methodologies and shifting to comprehensive-based sexual education.

Katie’s knack for identifying negligent areas of research was just beginning. For her Honors College Bachelor’s Essay, Katie wanted to research contraceptive knowledge, an unsurprising topic for a Public Health and WGS double major, but with an unexpected data sample: college-aged men. She had to argue the significance of surveying this particular demographic. Katie supported her research project methodology, saying, “It employs qualitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of contraception among college students. Despite overwhelming evidence that males exhibit less contraceptive knowledge than females, there are no current studies with an all-male sample. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and practices among male undergraduate and graduate students at a mid-sized liberal arts institution.” Once she received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, all Katie needed was project funding.

As a WGS major, Katie can apply for the WGS Student Opportunities Fund. She did so and received funding for this research project in fall 2023 and Spring 2024. In the fall, funding went towards her Bachelor’s Essay research to provide interview participants with gift cards. In spring 2024, she received another round of funding for travel expenses to present her research findings at the SC Public Health Association 2024 Annual Conference, held in March in Myrtle Beach, SC. She also presented at WGS’s annual symposium, Feminism in Motion (FeMo), in April.

In her presentation at FeMo, Katie reflected on the limits of her study. Due to sampling challenges, all participants in her study were white. While she refers to men and women (male and female) throughout the presentation, she also took care to acknowledge cis-heteronormativity. She specified that future research must include a more inclusive and representative sample.

Katie went on to highlight key findings and implications from her in-depth interviews. A notable theme from interviewees is that women are their primary source of knowledge and comfort. One participant said, “I do not have a problem talking about it with women. I feel like women are more knowledgeable about it.” Another interviewee explained, “I have a long-term girlfriend, and she’s taught me a lot about how it works.” A third participant stated, “I feel a little bit more comfortable talking to another woman about it because most of my life, that’s who I’ve talked to about these things.”

This sentiment from multiple participants yielded this conclusion from Katie: “Understanding men’s perceptions and knowledge allows us to re-evaluate their role in sexual and reproductive health and design sex education programs accordingly.” For this reason, she argues that “Studies investigating contraception cannot continue to be focused only on women” and that these results confirm what previous research findings determined, “that women carry the burden of contraceptive knowledge and responsibility for contraceptive use.” Therefore, there is value in future research in this area that could go on to potentially inform and influence policy reform.

Fortunately, Katie was not alone in navigating this extensive research project. Dr. Christy Kollath-Cattano, Program Director and Associate Professor of Public Health and WGS affiliate faculty, was her faculty mentor. Reflecting on mentoring students like Katie on research projects, Kollath-Cattano says, “I came into this line of work because I love teaching AND research, so it is rewarding to be able to mentor students in pursuing their own research-oriented goals and passions.” She encourages students interested in researching to reach out to faculty, advising, “Even if you are unsure of where to begin, there are often opportunities to start small and assist professors with their ongoing projects, even informally. This may ignite a spark for taking on more or developing an individual project- the first step is coming to talk to us!”

Indeed, getting involved is always the first step that can lead to endless possibilities. For Katie, research has become one of several health and WGS-centric ventures. In addition to conducting research, Katie served as a peer facilitator and was a member of the College’s Student Health Research Team and Women’s Health Research Team. She also volunteered at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in the Labor and Delivery, NICU, and Emergency Departments and for the non-profit Feed My Starving Children.

Katie received a WGS Engaged Student Award and was one of WGS’s Humanities and Social Science Scholars for 2024’s graduating class. Since commencement in May, she has been studying for the MCAT. Katie’s goal is to attend medical school to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology. Her intersectional scholarship and the unique research opportunities she conducted during her undergraduate studies will serve her well in these future pursuits.

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.

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

Spring 2024 Course Brochure

By thomaspr on October 27, 2023 in WGS Curriculum

NOTE: Download PDF for most up-to-date course offerings for Spring 2024

Spring 2024 Course Brochure

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!

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 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.”

Alison Piepmeier Outstanding Student Award: Maddy Landa

By thomaspr on April 25, 2023 in Scholarships & Awards

Please join WGS in congratulating and celebrating Maddy Landa (she/her), who has been named the 2023 WGS South Alison Piepmeier Outstanding Student! Maddy is double majoring in Political Science and International Studies with minors in Women’s and Gender Studies and Spanish.

WGS South is a regional feminist organization that actively supports and promotes all aspects of women’s studies at every level of involvement (formerly SEWSA, the Southeastern Women’s Studies Assoc.). The Alison Piepmeier Outstanding student award is named after CofC’s beloved Alison, who was director of WGS for many years until her untimely death in 2016. Alison was “a fierce feminist, promoter of the field, and public intellectual; and a dedicated mentor. This award was created in gratitude and in honor of her memory.” (WGS South).

This award is intended to support the research and professional development or activism of undergraduate students. As a fearless activist and superb scholar herself, Maddy wrote a STELLA research proposal that earned her the award. She is working on a research project with Dr. Jordan Ragusa (Political Science) titled Gender, Race and Violent State Intervention. The project aims to apply an intersectional lens to the documented gender gap in support for violent state intervention on an international scale.

In nomination materials, WGS director, Dr. Kris De Welde, wrote, “Maddy is emblematic of the kind of student that honors Alison’s legacy. Maddy is a fierce activist, a generous colleague, and a whip smart scholar. All of her endeavors are squarely focused on identifying and resisting oppressions – from her on and off campus activism with Planned Parenthood Generation Action to her internship with our Gender and Sexuality Equity Center, her off-campus support of refugee resettlement and her diverse areas of research in and across WGS, Political Science, International Studies and Spanish. Maddy is truly a remarkable scholar-activist that is deserving of this recognition.”

Congratulations, Maddy! You have made us so proud!

What IFF?: Creating Communities for Change with Mika Gadsden

By thomaspr on April 17, 2023 in Community Leader in Residence, WGS in the Community

The new episode of What IFF? features the Women’s & Gender Studies’ Community Leader-In-Residence, Tamika Gadsden. As a well-traveled activist and grassroots mayoral candidate, Mika calls attention to current issues impacting CofC students and the Lowcountry. Learn how to be more active in your democracy through the support of local organizations, historical archives, and community relationships as catalysts for change!

Also learn more about What IFF? on Wednesday at Feminism in Motion! Bria, this season’s podcast creator and producer, will be presenting about the podcast. And hear more from Mika who will be saying a few words as well!

Feminism in Motion is being held in Stern Center Ballroom on Wednesday, April 19th from 3PM-7PM. Drop-in or stay the whole time; we hope to see y’all there!

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

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