The Vagina Sends a Message

There's something about the word VAGINA that discourages many; a t least we still have Eve Ensler's "Vagina Monologues," which is never shy to openly and loudly say the word "vagina".

The fraternity of Delta Psi Alpha brought the infamous "Vagina Monologues" to campus. The play was shown three times, once in Spanish, in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre.

Leslie Vergara, a TAMIU student, was one of the women a part of this colorful cast. Vergara has also taken part in other TAMIU productions. This was not the first time she had heard about the notorious play. She confessed, "The first time I heard of the Vagina Monologues, I was too young to even know what a vagina was. I just knew it was a play full of women who talked about…sex."

Other students had heard about this eccentric production before it arrived at TAMIU. "I had heard and seen many reviews about the play, and they were all good so I thought I should check it out," stated Christina Martinez, a TAMIU senior.

It is no secret that the "Vagina Monologues" are a success. As Delta Psi Alpha reports, raising close to $3,000. "The Vagina Monologues" was featured as the spotlight event for TAMIU's annual V-DAY, a movement that promotes an end to violence against women. The proceeds of this event went towards Laredo's SCAN program. 10% of the money earned went to the Women of the Republic of Congo.

"After seeing the play, I was so much more aware of all the things that happen to women everywhere," states Martinez. "I even walked out and purchased a shirt to support all that the ‘Monologues' stand for."

"I became involved with TAMIU's Vagina Monologues because of their philanthropic message," adds Vergara, "When I heard everyone else's monologue, I knew being involved in this play was also about spreading a message for women to remain strong against adversity and to love themselves, and of course, their vagina."

(Alyson Martinez may be reached at Alyson1007@dusty.tamiu.edu)