Ask me about my vagina, my clitoris, my vulva; I dare you. When did vagina become such a taboo word anyway? Where did this negative stigma come from and how do we make it go away? What has people so afraid of these words that identify the female reproductive system? These words are not that hard to say… in fact, I personally think the pronunciation of these words is downright entertaining. Say it with me: VAGINA.
Vulva – If we’re talking about female external genitalia, this is the anatomically correct & accurate term.
Vagina – That’s what EVERYONE calls it. It’s common practice, common knowledge, but also medically incorrect.
Without vaginas, the natural creation of human life would cease to exist. Everybody knows somebody that has one and chances are that most people will come in contact with one at some point in their life. So why is it that when the Ovarian Cancer Action took a survey of 1,000 women, two-thirds of those participants, ages 18 to 24, said they’d be too embarrassed to use the word “vagina”?
Society has conditioned us to believe that women are meant to be subtle, mysterious and because of this a woman’s vagina has become a mystery to herself. Our vaginas are not mythical creatures. We have access to so much information about the vagina, clitoris and vulva, but people feel too awkward to talk about it. Women have sexual desires, women masturbate, women menstruate, and women need to be able to talk about vaginas!
Here at Minnesota State University, Mankato and around the world, there are some women that don’t just talk about vaginas; they perform monologues.
This week two performances of the award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues,” will be held as part of V-Day Mankato from 7-9 p.m. on both Thursday, Feb. 25 and Friday, Feb. 26 in Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Ostrander Auditorium.
The award-winning play is based on V-Day founder/playwright Eve Ensler’s interviews with more than 200 women. With humor and grace, the piece celebrates women’s sexuality and strength. For over 15 years, The Vagina Monologues has given voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public.
“If you’ve always planned to attend The Vagina Monologues here at MSU, Mankato, but haven’t yet been able to, this is your last chance! Next year we’ll be trying something new, so make sure to get your tickets soon! This production raises money to end violence against women and girls. It’s so important that we do what we can to support efforts to end this horrible worldwide reality. Your attendance of The Vagina Monologues can be just the beginning of your amazing activism!”
-Laura Schultz, Violence Awareness & Response Coordinator, Women’s Center.
The event is open to the public. Cost of the event is $5 for students (with your MavCard) and $8 for non-students.
The Violence Awareness and Response Program and The Women’s Center at Minnesota State Mankato are partnering with Minnesota State Mankato’s Department of Residential Life along with area organizations that include: the YWCA of Mankato, Cactus Tattoo, The Coffee Hag and Pub 500 to host V-Day Mankato.
V-Day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls. More information is available at www.vday.org.
Learn more about the Vagina Monologues from the amazing students involved in this year’s show:
- “I think everyone has some kind of hang up regarding their sexuality, be it with their desires, physical body, society’s expectations, etc. It’s been so amazing to face and conquer mine with this strong, intelligent, and kind group of women. I’m so honored to be part of show that encourages happiness through self-love and confidence.” -Sharee Buell
- “This is my first time being part of the vagina monologues and it’s scary to perform before a huge crowd so I’m really nervous. At the same time excited to perform and hopefully do my best!” -Zeinab Dahir
- “I like the vagina monologues because it gives me the opportunity to do the things that I always wanted to do but never felt comfortable with. It gives me the chance to engage in activism and bring awareness to issues like violence against women.” -Alissa Shape
- “I was so excited to audition for the Vagina Monologues. As someone who is minoring in Sexualities Studies, I am very invested in debunking myths about the vulva. There is a common misconception that “men have a penis, women have a vagina.” Correction, a woman has a vulva! Vaginas and vulvas are shrouded in mystery. Women are afraid to look at and to explore their own vulva. Most men are completely clueless about birth and exactly how vulvas/vaginas work. It is unfortunate that we can’t let go of antiquated, puritan ideas and realize the full range of sensation and pleasure that our bodies have to offer. The Vagina Monologues tells a diverse range of stories that are touching, hilarious and important. I’ll never forget the first time I went to see VMons. I was shocked by the incredible range of acts and ideas that the show had. It was wonderful hearing the actresses put their own spin on each piece and bring the story to life. Being in the show has been so fun! Every rehearsal we laugh as much as we practice. I think a production like the Vagina Monologues is important because it forces the audience to confront their fears and misconceptions about vaginas. Women will reflect on the first time they found their clitoris or the first time they saw their vulva. Men will think about their relationship to women’s anatomy and how their words and actions can so deeply affect the women around them. The Vagina Monologues isn’t particularly educational but it gets the audience thinking and laughing. Sex and sexuality doesn’t have to be scary or mysterious. Sex can be fun and fulfilling with the correct information and plenty of communication. It is my hope that the show gets people talking. I hope you enjoy!” -Leah Rost