Have you ever attended a VDay event? If you are near a college campus I'm sure you have probably heard about it at the very least. Basically 10 years ago Eve Ensler began an event that went national which brought attention to violence again women across the globe. Please go and donate to these events near you. All proceeds are required to go to local organizations like women's shelters.
Every year the event has a theme. This year the theme is New Orleans. At the end of the evening you hear how "New Orleans is the Vagina of America" enjoyed when desired and thrown away in disgrace when we feel like it. Vaginas should never be subject to such treatment and neither should the proud region in the south.
Last year I was part of an ensemble at my previous college. This year I got to be in the audience. The entire concept is so empowering and the monologues are great to listen to. This year the new pieces are "Under the Burka" about women is Afghanistan who are required to hide until full length burkas and are frequently beat for minor "infractions". The other very interesting and moving piece was "They beat the girl out of my boy". It discusses what transvestites went through growing up in the wrong body.
Please understand that these pieces are meant to be empowering. Some individuals have been offended by pieces because they discuss sex, lesbians, transvestites, genital mutilation as well as other touchy subjects. Being open-minded is very important in society and especially in this production.
VERY IMPORTANT AND THE PURPOSE OF THIS POST:
On April 11th and 12th thousands of women and men will join forces in the Superdome in New Orleans to be a super VDay event in honor of New Orleans and the fight to stop violence against women.
"Carole Bebelle, Majora Carter, Rosario Dawson, Colette Pichon Battle, Jane Fonda, Paul Hawken, Dr. Denis Mukwege, Suze Orman, NYC Council Speaker Chris Quinn, Rha Goddess, Suheir Hammad. Azali De Van, Kerry Washington are just a few of the internationally renowned speakers and artists who will inspire us over the course of the weekend to take action so that together we can end violence against women and girls!"
For $10 a day ($20 total donation for worthy world-wide causes) you can be a part of the movement. Grab a bunch of people or go to the Superlove link above and find a ride on the ride board if you don't want to go alone. Together we can be a power force and let our voice be heard!
Oh, I saw the Vagina Monologues last Saturday, and it was AMAZING. I seriously loved it. Go V-day, go!!