"Emotions Move Us To Action"

V-Day is more than fundraising -- it's the wonderful people who dedicate themselves to the campaign. They are true Vagina Warriors. 

I'll be posting profiles of some of our Vagina Warriors so that you can see the people behind the scenes. 

Dominique

Dominique has played roles in The Vagina Monologues for several years, connecting the transgender community and V-Day at Westminster.

When did you become a Vagina Warrior? What inspired you to be involved with V-Day?

I first participated in 2009. I have wanted to participate ever since I first heard about V-Day (about 2002). Not actually having a vagina, I didn't feel worthy to participate. I got my vagina on Thanksgiving Day in 2003. I never had an opportunity to participate until a mutual friend of the director of the Westminster production introduced us. With two of my Transgender sisters, we performed the Transgender Monologue. Sharing the stage with all the other Vagina Warriors was one of the most
                                                                                                                    moving experiences of my life.

To you, why is it important to stop sexual violence?

I’m not only an activist against sexual violence; I'm also a survivor of childhood sexual assault. The fallout followed me well into adulthood and still affects me today. Although I'm a huge flirt, I rarely, if ever, date. Flirting is a mask I wear to hide how insecure, shy, and terrified I am of dating and intimacy. I want to help save others from the turmoil I have dealt with nearly my entire life.

What is your favorite monologue from the show?

It is too hard to pick a favourite. I love the transgender piece because it includes a marginalized community within a marginalized community. I also love the orgasm monologue. It keeps us in stitches. I also love the moving pieces that make the audience and cast members cry. Emotions move us to action.

Is there anything that makes you an outrageous Vagina Warrior? Any catch phrase? Accessory?

I don't know. I'd love to hear what catch phrase others would say about me. Perhaps I'm the vagina of many accents. 

If your vagina could talk, what would it say?

My vagina would say, "I wish we'd have had a better surgeon." Then, after some reflection, my vagina would say, "Where's my uterus? I want to have a baby grow next to me and to be born through me."
 

~Peace and Happiness~ 

Stacy

Vagina Warrior Extraordinaire

"Thriving in a Supportive Environment"

V-Day is more than fundraising -- it's the wonderful people who dedicate themselves to the campaign. They are true Vagina Warriors. 

I'll be posting profiles of some of our Vagina Warriors so that you can see the people behind the scenes. 

Stacy

Stacy has served on V-Day since 2008, beginning as Stage Manager for The Vagina Monologues. She's also been Assistant Coordinator 2009 and Coordinator 2010. Now, she helps out when needed, acting as advice-giver and gap-filler.

When did you become a Vagina Warrior? What inspired you to join V-Day?
A friend introduced me to V-Day the first year I came to Westminster. I was fascinated by the women running the campaign. They had a genuine and passionate energy about them. Each of us discovered we had a personal reason for working on V-Day. I hadn't faced my reason before V-Day and the other Vagina Warriors inspired the strength to begin that journey.

To you, why is it important to stop sexual violence?

I remain with V-Day because I've begun to understand the immense impact sexual violence has on our lives. In Utah, 1 in 3 women will be assaulted and, nationwide, 1 in 6 men will be assaulted.  Not to mention the thousands of victims worldwide, like the ongoing femicide in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We must raise awareness about sexual violence so that survivors can begin thriving in a supportive environment, rather than quietly suffering from their hurts. No one, absolutely no one, deserves to be a victim of sexual violence.

What is your favorite monologue from the show?

I performed "Because He Liked to Look At It" in 2010, so that's obviously one of my favorites. It's the only one where you voice both a man and a woman. Other than that, I'd say the Spotlight monologue each year always deeply affects me.

Is there anything that makes you an outrageous Warrior?

I have a hand-made vagina necklace. That's right. A realistic pink and white vagina on a necklace; her name is Elizabeth. VulvaLoveLovely on etsy.com crafts vagina and uterus-friendly gifts. You should check out her shop.

If your vagina could talk, what would it say? 

"Don't stop me now 'cuz I'm havin' such a good time!"

~Peace and Happiness~
Stacy
Vagina Warrior Extraordinaire

The Perfect Day

Using only V-Day donors, I could create a perfect day.

How about a nice relaxing spa visit to start off?  Let's begin with a Thai massage and finish off with an Ancient Volcanic Ritual (exfoliation! detox! hydrate!)

Image Source: http://www.utahbrideblog.com/



The Kura Door

"Tradition of healing and rejuvenation that incorporates the gifts of the natural world and the artistry of the Japanese approach to wellness and beauty."

www.thekuradoor.com

Next, satisfy my growling stomach at one of my favorite restaurants -- Mazza. 

  I always go for the Labneh, Muhamara, and Beesarah.



Image Source: http://www.cityweekly.net/

 

Mazza

Fresh, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine including Falafel, Shawarma, Kebabs, and Turkish Coffee.

www.mazzacafe.com

Right next door to Mazza on 15th and 15th sits the cute King's English. 

I bought one of my best books there, This Is Who I Am. Any woman who thinks and feels with her body deserves to read this book.



Image source: http://www.kingsenglish.com/

King's English Bookshop

Matching books to readers since 1977

www.kingsenglish.com





Finally, off to lounge in the Zen room at The Tea Grotto. 

Their selection of teas covers an entire wall! And man, do they know their tea. I certainly don''t know the different varieties of matcha green tea.

They'll also have a cameo appearance at The Vagina Monologues! With free tea samples!

I'll be first in line.

Image Source: YWCA



 

The Tea Grotto

Including free samples at The Vagina Monologues

www.teagrotto.com





~ Peace and Happiness ~

Stacy

Vagina Warrior Extraordinaire

Who We Are. What We Do.

 Since 2002, V-Day at Westminster has raised money for the Rape Recovery Center just blocks down the street and spreads awareness about sexual violence and prevention strategies throughout the community.  



The Vagina Monologues Poster

We started with a benefit performance of The Vagina Monologues and are now one of Westminster’s longest standing volunteer organizations.  In 8 years, students have raised over $60,000 total for the Rape Recovery Center.  Each year, V-Day also supports an international spotlight in an effort to end sexual violence worldwide. Previous spotlights include the Women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Women of Katrina.

Events such as a silent auction, an art auction, a knitting sale, a clothing swap, and, of course, performances of The Vagina Monologues raise most of our funds.

More events aimed towards creating a more aware and safe community environment free of sexual violence, such as The Clothesline Project, the "You Talk, I'll Listen" campaign, a Congo Teach-In, “These Hands Don’t Hurt Women,” the V-Men Workshop and Petition, and the Paint the Campus Red statistics, information and quotes display.

V-Day at Westminster is a completely student-run organization.  The V-Day committee is made up about 20 male and female students from a variety of majors and interests.  In addition, the committee involves the support of school clubs and sports teams; last year’s supporters included the Theatre Society, Social Science Club, the Knot-It Club, and ARWC.  V-Day also receives incredible support from Westminster departments, especially the Center for Civic Engagement and the Diversity Center.  Approximately 50 local businesses, local artists, the Rape Recovery Center and UCASA also support V-Day at Westminster.

 

"The Vagina Monologues" Cast, 2008



~ Peace and Happiness ~
Stacy
Vagina Warrior Extraordinaire

The Art of Business

On an icy morning at 8:00 am, 5-foot icicles dripped from the back of Sugarhouse Coffee. Once inside, Ben and I grabbed a couple drinks from the tired girl at the counter and went upstairs to our meeting -- The Art of Business. Beginning business owners began to filter in. They all seemed friendly and familiar with one another. Ben, who had been going to the group for a while, schmoozed and introduced me to a few people.

Carlos, a professor at Westminster College, and a couple of other women ran us through a lesson on retention and detention. A business could retain a customer by building loyalty: offering punch cards, frequent customer discounts, providing excellent service. On the opposite side, detaining a customer would be like shackling them to the wall. You kept them in line with difficult and desperate strategies (cell phone providers, I'm looking at you).

We both pitched V-Day like the professional Vagina Warriors we are. We must have been charming because several people approached us with donations offers. Scented candles, computer diagnostics, guided meditations, health consultations.  So, Ben and I are courting, once again, fabulous and generous people.


Yet, everyone's efforts have already pulled in these donations:

• Dinner for two at Rodizzio Grill
• Dinner for two at Trio Restaurant
• A gift basket from the Tea Grotto, including a free tea tasting at The Vagina Monologues
• Four free meal cards from Cafe Rio
• A $50 gift certificate to KURA Door Spa
• A $30 gift certificate to Mazza
• A $100 gift certificate to Takashi

Thank you to all of our donors!

~ Peace and Happiness ~

Stacy

Vagina Warrior Extraordinaire