The Mentalist Model and the Issue with Playing Devil’s Advocate to People’s Experiences

Today I'd like to talk about "Devil's Advocates." This is the person who is often situated in a place of both privilege and ignorance, but simultaneously has the confidence to suggest simplistic, often black-and-white, solutions and questions for an often complex and multifaceted issue. As an activist, woman of color, undocumented immigrant, and survivor of violence, I have…

Women of Color: Telling Our Stories, Our Way. A Portrait Series by Yoo-Jin Kang.

A portrait series from Women's Center student staff member Yoo-Jin Kang. These photos were originally presented at the showcase event for the Telling Our Stories project.   

“Don’t tell ME to Chill out”– Holding our Friends Accountable and saying NO to Rape Culture

A reflection written by Women's Center staff member, Yoo-Jin Content notice: This post contains information about a sexual assault. This past week has been both emotionally charged and draining all at once. I'm sure that Baltimore and its people have been in many of our thoughts, and I hope that we can keep the conversations going.…

Dear Survivor

As part of our 2015 Take Back The Night post-event, the Women's Center hosted a "Dear Survivor," letter writing activity. Inspired by the Dear Survivor Project and the book,  Dear Sister: Letters from Survivors of Sexual Violence students and UMBC community members were invited to craft their own "Dear Survivor" letter or message. Here's a…

UMBC’s Take Back The Night 2015- A Visual Recap

What an awesome night! Just a reminder for those who might not have been able to attend, there are many resources available to you, both on and off campus. Here are some links:  Voices Against Violence UMBC Counseling Center UMBC's Relationship Violence Response and Prevention Program (RVAP) UMBC's Title IX Coordinator and Info Women's Center…

Wish I could be [seen] in your world

A reflection written my staff member, Yoo-Jin Kang  As an Asian-American woman, I’ve always struggled with finding people who look like me in the larger media. You see, May is Asian Pacific Islander month, and regrettably, I am not sure who I can expect to be featured during this month because I am so unfamiliar…

CSJ Keynote RESCHEDULED for Wednesday!

Hi everyone! Please spread the word: our Critical Social Justice Keynote lecture is RESCHEDULED to WEDNESDAY, February 18th @ 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m

Valentine’s Day? How about Galentine’s Day?

A post written by Women's Center staff member, Yoo-Jin    This past weekend was the national holiday called “Valentine’s Day.” At its best, I think it can be a time for people to spend time together in an intentional and meaningful way. It seems that in our society, we are constantly on the run and…

Invisible, often liminal- Growing up as an Asian-American Immigrant Woman in the United States

Often when we talk about race in the United States, the classic picture is that race is polarized into two: black and white. Starting from a very young age, I had never truly understood these divisions, and felt confused as to where I fit in. If I was labeled into a color, it was always…

How do we even talk to abusers?

Hi everyone, it's me, Yoo-Jin!  This week I'd like to reflect on my TED Talk, Ray Rice, and abusers/ perpetrators of relationship violence. First of all, I couldn't have done this talk without the help of our coordinator, Megan, who brought her incredible insight and wit to help structure my talk. As I was preparing…