"I Refuse to Stand Idle While This Happens"

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. 

Cris

Cris has rocked the "Angry Vagina" and "The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could" monologues in years past.

  

When did you become a Vagina Warrior? What inspired you to join V-Day?

I first became inspired to join the V-Day campaign after seeing Westminster's production of The Vagina Monologues. I was deeply moved by the stories of women that have survived sexual violence. I wanted to do something to raise awareness and work toward ending the violence. 

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

Every human being has a right to their own body. No one can tell you what to do with your body, especially if it is something to which you object. Unfortunately, many individuals continue to have their rights violated by others. As a fellow human, I refuse to stand idle while this happens. I'm only one person, but I will give all myself to the cause because sexual violence is one of the worst forms of terrorism on this planet. And just like the V-Day campaign declares, I will fight "until the violence stops."

What is your favorite monologue from the show?

My favorite monologue is "My Vagina Was My Village." It's not a funny piece, but it's my favorite because it is so powerful. I feel that it is easy for many of us to ignore what is happening around the world because we are in our happy American bubble. It's important for us to recognize the sexual violence that takes place everywhere, from the house next door to a country on the other side of the planet. 

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

I don't really have a catch phrase, but my vagina is my weapon of choice. :) I'm currently working on designing a rear window decal for my truck to promote the V-Day campaign for 2011. It should be interesting to see what kind of reactions I get from others. Any attention will be good. I want people to ask questions because it raises awareness.

If your vagina could talk, what would it say?

"Won't you be my neighbor?" It wants other vaginas to join the fight.

~Peace and Happiness~

Stacy

Vagina Warrior Extraordinaire

"Fun, Frisky, Upbeat, and Packs a Punch!"

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.  

Cassidy

An outdoor enthusiast, Cassidy finds time to explore the Wasatch and market V-Day 2011.

 

When did you become a Vagina Warrior? What inspired you to you to join V-Day?

I had two vivid V-Day revelations my freshman year. First, my roommate told me that she had immediately deleted an email about The Vagina Monologues because she was mortified by the title. This thoughtless reaction from a smart, fun girl who blasted songs that graphically described the female body (and things to do with it) just didn’t sit right with me. Second, I saw my first performance of The Vagina Monologues, and I thought, “I don’t know exactly what all this is about, but I know it’s powerful.” I performed in the Monologues my sophomore year, and my involvement has escalated every year since.

To you, why is it important to stop sexual violence?
The V-Day movement has adopted “until the violence stops” as its shorthand mantra; similarly, the reason V-Day resonates with me is it defends the position that sexual violence shouldn’t happen AT ALL. For
me, I guess the point isn’t the stats or the numbers. Regardless ofrates or sample sizes or survey conditions, I think that this issue affects more than just the individuals who are abused. Sexual violence and violence against women is a global problem that degrades societies from their cores, and the simple fact that it continues and we’re not outraged reflects our collective sense of social ethic and dignity. To me, it’s unacceptable.
 

What is your favorite monologue from the show?

"My Short Skirt" is fun, frisky, upbeat, and packs a punch. It promotes pride and ownership of your own body to insist that you can do anything. It provides a buoyant change of pace in the show and leaves everyone feeling empowered.

Is there anything that makes you an outrageous Warrior?

I really just want to talk. If through civil, compassionate conversation I can show people that their choices powerfully affect social perception, then, well, I’m satisfied.

If your vagina could talk, what would it say? 

“So many beautiful reasons I have to be happy how I am”

~Peace and Happiness~

Stacy

Vagina Warrior Extraordinaire

"Comfortable In My Own Skin"

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

Laura

Laura has worked hard and helped Publicity and Arts this year and last. She's played a major role in designing the show poster for 2011! 

When did you become a Vagina Warrior? What inspired you to join V-Day? 

I became an official Vagina Warrior two years ago when I participated in my first Vagina Monologues production.  I read The Vagina Monologues in high school and was one-third scandalized, one-third thrilled, and one-third amazed.  It was my dream to participate in the show.

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

Sexual violence isn't something that's openly talked about.  It's a topic for hushed corners and cop shows.  It's something that appears around the world, and it needs to be confronted.

What is your favorite monologue from the show?  

I love "The Vagina Workshop."  It was my first monologue, and it expanded my comfort level to no extent!  I definitely helped me grow and become more comfortable in my own skin.

 

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

Buying chocolate vagina pops for my mom and all of her friends last year was fun...

If your vagina could talk, what would it say? 

It would say..."Adventure time!"

~Peace and Happiness~

Stacy

Vagina Warrior Extraordinaire

"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