UMBC’s Take Back the Night 2016 Roundup

UMBC's Take Back The Night took place this past Thursday, April 14th. It was a very powerful evening, featuring a survivor speak-out, a march against sexual violence, and recuperating  with craftivism and community resources! Couldn't make it? Check out this recap from the evening! The night began with an introduction by the emmcees and march…

More Than a Band-Aid: LGBTQ Health Inequity

A reflection by Shira Devorah, Women's Center Student Staff  Going to the doctor is never fun; most people dread pesky checkups getting in the way of their day. While medical appointments can feel like a nuisance to some, for many people in the LGBTQ community, just seeing a doctor can be dangerous. Saying that structural…

A Feminist, Who Knew?

A post written by Women's Center student staff member, Carrie Cleveland I have never been one to label myself a feminist. I think it is because what comes into my mind when I think of feminism is the 1960s - 1970s pop culture version where women were marching in the street and burning their bras…

You Are Valid: Women Students with Mental Illness

 by Shira Devorah, student staff at the Women's Center (she/her)  Every student has their personal struggles that make being in college difficult - responsibilities and personal needs to attend to while also working towards a degree. Like many other students, I also face mental illness on top of every other responsibility. I struggle with major…

Speak: Knowing a Survivor Without Knowing Their Story

A post written by Women's Center Director,  Jess Myers *Content Note: Sexual Violence* 44% of victims of sexual violence are under age 18 Approximately 4/5 of rapes were committed by someone known to the victim. Sexual assault is one of the most under reported crimes, with 68% still being left unreported. Victims of sexual assault…

I Loved You Once – Reflections from NCCWSL on Authenticity and Leadership

The following post are reflections from rising-sophomore Nitya Kumaran who represented UMBC at this year’s National Conference for College Women Leaders (NCCWSL). When Nitya found herself in my office after attending the conference in May she was full of energy, passion, complex thoughts, and challenges for herself. I asked her to write some of what she…

On The Anniversary of the Campus Childcare Closing

I’m writing and posting this reflection on the first year “anniversary” of the closing of childcare center on UMBC’s campus. That was a painful and stressful time on campus for many families and their children. Thankfully, UMBC is committed to being a family-friendly campus not only in name but in actions and renovations to restore…

Transgender Day of Remembrance 2013

Today is the 15th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.  TDOR was originally held to honor Rita Hester, whose unsolved murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. The purpose of TDOR is…

Domestic Violence: Why women stay. A guest post by a Women’s Center community member.

This anonymous guest post was written by a member of the Women's Center community. Yes, this is a very complicated and broad topic for a blog, perhaps not so ideal for a short blog since this topic delves deep inside the psychological interplay of the domestic relationship. However, I’d like to share my two cents,…

Women’s Center Staff Video Contest Submission

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0uA0A8Od-0 For the kick-off of UMBC's Relationship Violence Awareness Month: Creating Healthy Intimacy, the Women's Center and University Health Services are hosting a video contest. From October 1st through 9th, students are invited to create videos that answer the question "What does a healthy relationship look like to you?" Videos can then be posted to…