Firecracker Blog

We’ve come a long way, but the battle is far from over

By February 12, 2015April 21st, 20172,281 Comments

“…At last you’ll know with surpassing certainty that only one thing is more frightening that speaking your truth. And that is not speaking.” -Audre Lorde

It never occurred to me to be anything but a feminist. In the sixth grade, when Hillary Clinton ran for the Senate, I wore “Vote for Hillary!” signs taped to my chest. In college, I created and produced a sex talk show- the college’s first show needing a “Parental Guidance Suggested” warning, because I thought it was important to create a forum for being open and non-judgemental in regards to sexuality. I had never been a part of the Vagina Monologues before and had never seen the entire show. Firecracker had posted about wanting to be a part of it , and we made a pact to be audition buddies.

When people complain about feminists, or talk about how inequality doesn’t exist in regards to gender, first- I want to scream. and tear my hair out in frustration. When I’ve overcome that urge, secondly- I want to educate them. Yes, we have a come a long way, but our battle is far from over. We need to create and promote open communication about sexuality and reproductive health.  Currently, not even most our elected officials nationwide understand the mechanics of women’s bodies, let alone enough to encourage a healthy relationship with ones own body. We need to banish the belief that anything can dictate our worth, our ability to take ownership of our desires, or even just our interactions with others- be it the shape and condition of our bodies, or our past experiences.  We need to help foster an accepting and healthy environment for discussion. As long as sex is a safe activity between consenting adults, there shouldn’t be any cause for judgement on how those individuals decide to express themselves.

These are things I want to talk about. These are things I get to talk about through the Vagina Monologues, and not only through the show itself, but off stage with the group of amazing, empowering women that I spend my Sundays with. I have seen the show almost every week for the past three months- and I still tear up or cry almost every single time at one point or another while performing or watching others perform. This show has that power. We need to talk about these things. We need to talk about vaginas.

– Alex Bailey

Alex BaileyOriginally from New York, Alex is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh, with a bachelor’s degree in Audio/Radio and Television Production. Currently employed as a Legal Assistant, she devotes her free time to the Lansing Derby Vixens and Sistrum.

Get your tickets to MSU Vagina Monologues today!