Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Speaking Out, Mariam J. Martinez

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Why can we not take action now? I asked myself this question when, as a program coordinator for the Women’s Center I decided to take part in the Vagina Monologues because I wanted to change them- monologues that are centered on the experiences of white, upper-class cis-gender women. [excerpt]

Fearless Friday: Ivana Lopez Espinosa, Ivana A. Lopez-Espinosa

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Today we honor Ivana Lopez Espinosa ’19, a senior Sociology major. Ivana is a student assistant at the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, belongs to the Campus Climate Study Implementation Group as well as and the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advancement group. She is also a student senator, Vice President of LASA, violinist in Symphony orchestra, an active participant in BSU, and a member of the newly formed Muslim Student Alliance. [excerpt]

Caravan I Do Care, Melanie Pangol

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A pair of legs that breathe in

Strong feet that has cross endless borders

Hands that have cultivated millions of trees

For you to take away the fruit

Traveling on the path of the wind

Coming without warning

Each day had begun enthusiastically and happily

Even though they hate us because we represent dreams of aspiration

Of being something more than just work labor

Of daring to dream as brown and poor [excerpt]

The Rapid Evolution Of Queer Language, Elijah Cormier

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**This essay contains terminology that may be considered offensive to some. Names have been changed to protect identities.

“You remember Kayla?”

“Kayla Riddle?”

“Yeah. You know she’s a boy now?”

“Oh no shit! Not surprised, kinda saw that one coming.”

As I sit with a high school friend on back porch of her trailer, I quickly realize that most of my middle-class, leftist/liberal friends would jump on how we phrase Kai’s coming out. But sitting here, helping Amber figure out how much dope she’d need to sling to make rent this month, calling out mildly transphobic language isn’t a priority. …