2026 On Campus Events ~ WGST

 These are the on-campus events that I attended this semester. 

Recognizing & Preventing Human Trafficking - 1/20

I was really interested in this workshop after learning that two local women in Carolina Forest had been involved in trafficking five children, and one had died from abuse. Before learning about the Carolina Forest case, I never gave a thought to children being trafficked. I thought it was women who were trafficked. The billboards on Highway 501 raise awareness of trafficking in the Myrtle Beach area. The billboards depict women as the victims. But I, like so many, think that trafficking is done of adults. Attending the lecture taught me to be aware of signs of trafficking, such as a change of eating habits, being outgoing then quiet, and a change of clothing styles. Trafficking children for sex is rape. Children cannot consent to sex. 

Healthy Relationship Workshop - 1/29

This was a very insightful lecture. Understanding of creating safe spaces for women who are stalked by their ex-boyfriend/husbands, change of routine, making managers and coworkers aware of your situation, and getting a protection order or restraining order. I didn’t know that you had to have had a child together or live together to get a protection order, and that a restraining order is typically used when a boyfriend stalks or harasses you. A protection order can be for 100 years in rare instances. Typically, it is for six to twelve months, whereas a restraining order is issued for one year.

V-Day Poetry Slam - 2/12

I had a previous club commitment, so I arrived after the event started. What I did see and hear was wonderful. The attendees who sang or recited poetry did so in a warm and welcoming environment. Nobody judged anyone for their performances. It really was a safe place to be yourself. The performers I did see/hear had a lot of self-confidence to share a part of themselves with others. An up-and-coming guitar-playing singing student gave it their best, and I think next year they will knock the socks off the audience as they improve. It was fun to hear what they have learned to play on the guitar as a newbie. I really enjoyed their efforts. Next year, I hope to participate in the poetry slam.

Fly Dance Class - 2/18

It was fun to try the Fly Dance class. The environment was very comfortable; no uneasy feelings. Just a lot of fun trying to keep up with students in the class. I did not feel uncomfortable body or age-wise. It’s been a very, very long time since I did dance moves at the pace that was done in the class. It was fun, and I’d do it again!

What Were You Wearing - 3/19

The display in the student union building was incredibly powerful. So often you hear that a woman was raped because the clothes she was wearing were provocative. The outfits on display showed that clothing did not have to be provocative for rape to occur. A rapist does not attack their victim based on clothing. Sweaty running clothes, tee shirts & jeans, casual clothes, formal clothes, it isn’t the clothes. It’s a perpetrator wanting to inflict harm on his victim. It’s an act of sexual assault that does not discriminate based on what the victim was wearing.

The poem on the wall at the beginning of the display was so moving. I wished that I had taken a picture of it to recall the exact words she used. I just remember that I had to step away for a minute to let the words sink in on her story. I think the display should be done yearly, in the fall, to give awareness to incoming students that what you wear has nothing to do with sexual assault.

 

Why Sexual Desire is Never Just Personal - 3/26

This lecture was very thought-provoking. Maybe I’m early in my learning and understanding of some aspects of feminism. From classes taken thirty years ago, we were taught that pornography, sex workers, and adult film actors shouldn’t be shamed for their choices. However, if force or coercion is used to manipulate someone to perform sex acts, that is where it is wrong. I wished that Carol Hay had explained more in detail about her position on alternative forms of mainstream pornography. 

LGBTQ+ Safe Zone Training - 3/30

Attending the Safe Zone Training was enlightening to learn a few new facts that I was unaware of before the session. As a parent of a trans adult, I have had a lot of discussions regarding trans laws, policies, harassment, and the hate that many trans people experience with my son. I also belong to the Mama Bears group to support other moms of trans children.

Tea Time ~ Trans Day of Visibility - 3/31

This was a fun event. I sat at a table with Sophie, and we talked about so many topics related to trans and non-binary identities. Sophie spoke of coming out to her parents and their initial difficulties with their choices and the family religion. However, their parents came around and are very supportive. I learned of the Tea Time organization and the resources available to the community.