Meet the Interns!

 It’s the beginning of a new semester here at Chico State and at the AS GSEC that means new interns! Our interns are the ones who make awesome events like The Vagina Monologues and Take Back the Night happen. Here’s the Spring 2014 line up.

  

 


Adrianna McCain-- Fun fact: I can pick things up with my feet.

  

 Ary Carvalho-Mires--  I can burp the ABC's! 

Brooke Silveria--I was raised by a pack of librarians.

 

Eliza Dyer-- I've been an organizer for the Chico Chapter of Food Not Bombs for over two years and I can't whistle or ride a bike. 

  

Emilee Hunt--I grew up in California but have family in Arkansas and claim to be southern despite having never lived there. I, by default, have a southern accent and have to control it whenever I talk! Country music, cowboy boots, southern food, and the regions at large (Arkansas/Memphis, Tennessee) are near and dear to my heart!

 

  




Jasmine Batchelder--I love the ocean, cats, Harry Potter, & black licorice.

 

  


Katrina Cameron-- is also editor-in-chief at The Orion and will intern at the Sacramento Bee this summer. She's been passionate about journalism, storytelling and writing for a very long time, so these are gratifying accomplishments for her."

 



Kristin Rounds--I wish I knew how to play the saxophone! It gives off a really cool vibe.

  

 Liz Alire--I am a certified yoga instructor.

 








 Lizz Cole—I LOVE Indian Cuisine. I could literally eat Indian cuisine every day for the rest of my life.

  

 

Maddy Leroy-- I've made a bucket list of restaurants I need to go to based on endless episodes of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

  
Nicole Sanchez-- I'm an animal lover and a vegetarian, who is deathly afraid of geese.

 
Rachel Ward—I’m borderline obsessed with Tegan and Sara, and the Rapinoe sisters. I want to be their best friend, line the same neighborhood, and watch our kids become best friends with each other someday.  




 


Sally Rodriguez-- I am a vegetarian and enjoy surreal art.

 

  

Rachel Schmit (Schmitty)-- I love adventure, taking off and discovering the unknown. Whether it’s getting lost in nature, or discovering a new place or city, you will never ind me in one place for long!

  







Travis Lull-- I've always considered myself a music person... Not the awesome kind that can play an instrument and actually make music, but the kind that just spends inordinate amounts of money on records and cassettes and excessive audio and listening equipment. My record collection grows all the time as my wallet seems to become progressively emptier; with the fulfillment and joy that all genres of music provide me, I wouldn't have it any other way.




 Each intern is a passionate activist with their own special skills and talents that will be an asset to the GSEC. We hope to see everyone at all our events this spring. Follow us on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ASGSEC.

VDAY 2014: The Vagina Monologues

Sarah Sullivan

Director

The Gender and Sexuality Equity Center

(530) 898-5724

asgsec.director@csuchico.edu

                                              

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01-31-2014

AS GENDER AND SEXUALITY EQUITY CENTER PRESENTS V-DAY 2014,

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

The Associated Students Gender and Sexuality Equity Center of Chico State presents V-Day’s ‘The Vagina Monologues’ in the Bell Memorial Union Auditorium on Friday, Feb. 14th at 7:30 pm, Saturday, Feb. 15th at 2 pm, and at 7:30 pm. Presale tickets are $10 for students $13 for general admission. All tickets are $15 at the door.

                                                                                                                        

Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at the University Box Office located at the corner of Third and Chestnut near the Chico State Police Station. Proceeds of the 2014 V-Day performance of The Vagina Monologues will be divided among V-DAY, The Associated Students Gender and Sexuality Equity Center, Catalyst Domestic Violence Services and Stop Trafficking of Persons (STOP).

The AS Gender and Sexuality Equity Center’s annual spring production of 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 more than twelve years, The Vagina Monologues has given voice to experiences and feelings not previously exposed in public.

This year the play is directed by local theater veterans Erin A. Tarabini and Cat Campbell. As fans of Eve Ensler and the Vagina Monologues, Cat and Erin are very excited to be working on this year’s production. They hope to put their own spin on a fan favorite and look forward to seeing the cast’s hard work pay off! The Vagina Monologues is performed by local Chico actresses.

This event is put on by the staff at The GSEC, which is an expansion of the Women’s Center as part of our efforts to promote human rights and the equal representation of marginalized students on Chico State’s campus. The GSEC provides a secure and identifiable space for students to collaborate, plan events, voice concerns and connect with the university while striving toward common goals of promoting equal rights and representation in our community.

For further information on the Gender and Sexuality Equity Center and the production, please refer to the information below.

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This Semester at the GSEC

At one of our last meetings for the fall 2013 semester, the staff asked the interns to do a quick write. The prompt was to start your paper with 'this semester at the gsec' and write with out picking up your pen or filtering yourself for 5 minutes. Here is what they had to say.

 

This semester at the GSEC

I made the best friends that I could ever ask for. I was constantly supported and loved. I had a kick ass time and felt like I made a difference. So many things in my life have changed and improved because of the GSEC. Activism and feminism has consumed so much of my life and I love it. I have learned so much about team work and responsibility. This semester at the GSEC I met people who I consider to be a part of my family. I fought the patriarchy and stood up for so many things I used to be afraid of standing up for. I realized that there are way more important things than running. This semester at the GSEC I felt like I mattered, I felt like stuff happened because of me. I did so many things I’ll never forget and met people I’ll never forget.

This semester at the GSEC:

Was a huge learning process for me. I learned what I’ve been wanting to learn for many years. I learned to say the word “masturbate” out loud. I learned why slut shaming is bad. I learned its okay to have a sex life, and to talk about it. I learned that consent is extremely important. I learned that rape and sexual assault are big issues. I learned that talking about it help heal. I learned that having a safe place and open-minded, non-judgmental people to talk to has helped me in many, many ways. I learned that sex and gender are different. I learned what trans means. I learned that GSEC has changed the way I see the world and myself and that I’m really said to leave. Lastly, I learned that condoms aren’t vegan!

This semester at the GSEC…

I met the most amazing group of people. I feel that I could be myself and apply all the things I have learned to an organization that appreciated them. I was able to be part of a group and develop more confidence about the things I believe in and work towards. I was able to be myself and through being myself include myself in an organization that thrived off of that. I was able to express my thoughts and work towards being the person I always wanted to be. This semester is something that changed my life for the better and something I will remember and use in the future towards wherever it propels me to go next. I am sad it is ending but happy for what I experiences in this year.

This semester at the GSEC…

I didn’t know what to expect. Entering a room filled with strangers, I didn’t know that I would exit with new friends. I learned so much about the world around me and about myself. I learned that the world can be a cold and heartless place where people are unknowingly socialized to subjugate or be subjugated. There are people who would rather turn away from those in need than help their fellow human because that’s the way it is. I learned that by talking too much, I’m not only a bother, but keeping others from talking.

But I also learned that there is a lot of good in the world, those who want to help and love one another despite our differences.

I learned that there are good people who can love me, no matter how much I talk.

I made friends at the GSEC, and I’m so happy to have been here.

This semester at the GSEC

This semester at the GSEC I have exceeded what I thought I was capable of in terms of building relationships, organizing events, and staying connected. This semester I have had the honor of getting to know 16 amazing activists, each of which has inspired me in a different way. This semester has made me so happy and has become more important and time consuming that many other things. This semester has made me sad for the time I can no longer say I work at the GSEC. This semester has challenged me to be a better more aware person, and to be a better ally to marginalized communities within the Queer community. This semester has taken me out of my comfort zone, has brought me incredible joy, and will never leave my heart. Never before have I had so much respect for a group of my peers or been so proud to be a part of something.

This semester at the GSEC

I learned that being comfortable to speak your mind is #1 priority in activism. If you can’t, something is wrong. At the GSEC I have made friends that are both amazing, and incredibly empowering. I have also discovered that I am both more flexible and more conservative that I thought. At the GSEC I have learned about procrastination, time management, and a lot about poster making. This semester I pushed myself and utilized the things I have learned in the outside experiences to deal with things in the office. This semester at the GSEC I experienced love, inspiration, beauty, frustration, full of anger, my potential and discovered what I want in life.

This semester at the GSEC…

Was my first semester at Chico. This semester at GSEC, I expanded my horizons to points that were limitless. I learned and I contributed and I participated and I engaged. I became active on campus, this semester at the GSEC, this semester at the GSEC, this semester of my freshman year. This semester at GSEC, I shook Eve Ensler’s hand. I saw Carol Queen in the flesh and I saw a different person in the mirror. This semester at the GSEC, I met some of the most amazing people in my life, who I will hold close to and cherish for the rest of my life. This semester at the GSEC, I learned that I am no longer a girl but a young woman and I must empower myself as a young activist to empower others. This semester at the GSEC was the greatest thing to ever happen to me by meeting all of you.

This semester at the GSEC has been the best decision I’ve made during the last 4 years here. I had so many amazing experiences that I would have never had without the GSEC. Probably the most amazing part of my internship was watching my own transformation into becoming a strong empowered woman that has learned not to take shit from anyone, but I also realized how privileged and thankful I am to be in this space. This experience with all of you beautiful, strong, unique, passionate women (and Remo) has changed my life and I will be forever thankful for these moments.

This semester at the GSEC

I met new friends some of which I want to hang out with every day forever. I learned a lot, not just about theory but also a lot about myself through my activism and experiences. I learned how to not be afraid to voice my beliefs, even to my family members. I learned that I deserve a better society to live in than the one I live in now. I learned that I have the power and tools to create that society.

This semester at the GSEC…

I grew. I grew and I grew and I grew. I found a place that I love most of all, a safe haven. I now have something to strive for – an ultimate goal. I always knew I wanted to get into activism, but now I know what I want that to look like. I am happy here. I have become better through this internship. Thank goodness. This has all been worth it, the stress, the long hours, lack of sleep. I’m blessed. Too bad I waited so long. What was I thinking? Now I know I can go further. Mt limitations are where I set them. Fuck the patriarchy. Fuck it! I’m feminist as fuck. I am an ally. I love the GSEC. I’m sorry it has to end but I’m happy it began J

This semester at the GSEC…

I cannot even believe the amazing people I’ve met. They are unreal. They have all been so wonderful and supportive and passionate and caring and they inspire me. I try every day to be a better person and I love being surrounded by people who push me to do that. I have come to care about the friends I’ve made here so much and that is probably the most valuable thing I have gained in my life from this. God it has been such a stressful semester. I’ve pushed myself harder than I have in a long time and I am so burnt out. But it was all worth it. GSEC is my safe place. I feel comfortable there. I feel like what I do is important and I am so appreciative of every single experience.

Spring 2014 Internship Fair!

Hannah Clause, Intern Coordinator

AS Gender and Sexuality Equity Center

(530) 898-5724

asgsec.ic@csuchico.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01-10-2014

THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS GENDER AND SEXUALITY EQUITY CENTER   INTERNSHP FAIR

CHICO, Calif.- The Associated Students Gender and Sexuality Equity Center (GSEC) is hosting the bi-annual Internship Fair to promote our three unit internship opportunity for the upcoming spring semester. The Internship Fair gives students a chance to learn about the GSEC's services and resources and meet the GSEC’s staff members. At the fair, applications will be available for our Women's Program, LGBTQ+ Program, and Intern Coordinator Assistants. Please come join us on Friday, January 24^th, from 2:00pm-4:00pm in BMU 005 and find out what working at an activist organization can do for you.

The Internship Fair provides the opportunity to network with fellow student leaders and activists. The GSEC staff will explain the application process, requirements for the internship, and the seminar course that all interns must take. This is a great opportunity for applicants to get questions answered and to see which program or coordinator they would like to intern with. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Three unit internships are available in both the Women’s and LGBTQ+ Programs where interns will organize events, contribute to campaigns, and positively impact the Feminist and LGBTQ+ movements. Three unit internships are also available as assistants to the Intern Coordinator where interns will write press releases, manage the advertisement of events, and coordinate social media sites to educate our community on social justice issues. All intern application information and materials will be available at the Internship Fair or by email request at asgsec.ic@csuchico.edu. Applications for the spring internship will be due on Monday, January 27^th, by 4:00 pm in BMU 005. 

The Associated Students Gender and Sexuality Equity Center [GSEC] is a student run activist organization which strives to empower all students through its two programs: the Women’s Program and the LGBTQ+ Program. The GSEC challenges societal norms that have been used to oppress and marginalize by providing opportunities for leadership, personal development, and referral services. We offer a safe and inclusive space where the campus and community can effectively support the academic mission of the university.

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Spring 2014 Internship Opportunity

Hannah Clause, Intern Coordinator

AS Gender and Sexuality Equity Center

(530) 898-5724

asgsec.ic@csuchico.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01-08-2014

THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS GENDER AND SEXUALITY EQUITY CENTER IS RECRUITING INTERNS FOR THE SPRING 2014 SEMESTER

CHICO, Calif.- The Associated Students Gender and Sexuality Equity Center is happy to announce that we are taking on new interns for the Spring 2014 semester. Three unit internships are available in both the Women’s and LGBTQ+ Programs, where interns will organize events, contribute to campaigns, and positively impact the Feminist and LGBTQ movements by utilizing their voices. Three unit internships are also available as an assistant to the Intern Coordinator where interns will write press releases, manage the advertisement of events, and coordinate social media sites to educate our community on social justice issues. Applications will be available in our office, BMU 005, and by e-mail request at asgsec.ic@csuchico.edu

We are looking for students who are passionate about social equity and motivated to work towards awareness and inclusion in our campus and community. In order to be better representatives of our student body we strongly encourage students with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. In looking to better our marketing and advertisement we are also seeking those who are detail oriented, have strong writing skills, or have PR/journalism experience. All majors are welcome.

Our interns enjoy the experience of collaborating and networking with other student activists on campus and in the community while working in our interactive office. We offer a diverse array of responsibilities and positions, allowing students to tailor their interests to office tasks in order to maximize their internship experience. Applications for the fall internship will be due on Monday, January 27^th, by 4:00 pm.  For more information or questions, feel free to visit our office in BMU 005, call us at (530)898-5724, or email us at asgsec.ic@csuchico.edu. 

 

The Associated Students Gender and Sexuality Equity Center [GSEC] is a student run activist organization which strives to empower all students through its two programs: the Women’s Program and the LGBTQ+ Program. The GSEC challenges societal norms that have been used to oppress and marginalize by providing opportunities for leadership, personal development, and referral services. We offer a safe and inclusive space where the campus and community can effectively support the academic mission of the university.

 

Taking Back the Night

We shielded our candles from the wind as we walked, protecting our shining beacons, our
symbols of solidarity, that guided us through the streets of downtown Chico. When they cat-called, we carried on, refusing to yield. When they questioned, we wordlessly replied with a plea to respect our cause, reaching out with a solemn glance to hand them a small flier. This was the culmination of the evening. It was the moment the name became real. Some of us carried our own pain. It tightened our throats and clung to us with an unrelenting grip, but we would not allow it to blind us. Not on this night. Some of us carried the pain of others. As we marched on, we held their hands, or we grasped the cold air as if they were near. We were driven on by the stories we heard in the dimly lit rooms of the BMU earlier that evening, stories from our own peers that tore at our hearts and pulled salty tears from our eyes until we wished we could stretch our arms around every single person and hold them tight. We were driven by the stories that we had known for what seemed like forever, those passed down to us with a cry or a warning or whispered to us in a vulnerable moment, those that made us look to the sky and with a hot-burning anger demand to know, “Why would they do this to her?” Finally, we were driven by the stories we knew would never be told. Yes, we were reclaiming a right we had never had and a space we had never been allowed. But we didn't want it just for tonight. We wanted it tonight and every night. We wanted to clear away that invisible fog, that intangible something in our world that sheltered our attackers and left us fending off blame. Even tonight it surrounded us, hissing “your fault, your fault, your fault.” But as we returned to the concrete expanse of the plaza, feeling an odd emotion we couldn't describe, we watched the bobbing lights roll in. 20 people, 30 more, 15 there, and another 10. Are we all really here for the same reason? They began to form a circle so large it seemed unbreakable. Yes, it must be true. Over 300 people are fed up. Over 300 people want this to end. Over 300 people understand what this night means. It was just then, as we met the eyes of each link in this giant chain of human beings, we realized we have never been alone in this. Tonight we took a piece of a star and held it in our pocket, feeling its warmth on our hands. Maybe, we think, one day we will take that whole blanket of night sky and wrap it around ourselves, knowing we are safe, we are safe, we are safe. For this, we speak out. For this, we listen. For this, we educate. For this, we fight. And for this... we march.

--Brooke Silveria

Trans

717 people. 717 people with families. 717 people with dreams and hopes.
717 people with good days, bad days, days of utter confidence and bliss. According
to transgenderdor.org since 1970, 717 transgender people have been murdered
out of hate and in the last 12 months alone, 73 murders have occurred in the
transgendered community. In 1998 a woman named Rita Hester was murdered
following her “Remembering Our Dead” event. Because of this, Gwendolyn Ann
Smith created the Transgender Day of Remembrance for November 20th
of every year.
Organizations such as The Trevor Project and Glaad and more than 200
hundred locations hosted Transgender Day of Remembrance events from vigils to
marches, to discussions. Chico hosted a screening on campus of the film Two Spirit
following the brutal murder of a young adult who had received acceptance from
those around him. There was also a very moving memorial in the commons of a
group of flags representing a portion of those who passed due to hate crimes. It was
incredibly powerful, despite being such a simple portrayal.
In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need to have a day to remember such terrible
events instead we could celebrate the people who were comfortable in their own
skin and were beginning to find or had found themselves.


-Whitney Urmann