By Evelyn Gaffney

Cave of wonders? Pink canoe? Honey Pot? Vajayjay? Whichever you choose, there are about 200 words for “vagina.” But what is so wrong with just saying the word?

The same question is asked by the annual Vagina Monologues, a series of spoken performances taking place on campuses across the country and around the world. Each year, the Vagina Monologues come to Shenandoah, and students and staff are eager to get involved.

“I wanted to be a part of the Vagina Monologues to help raise awareness about sexual assault, domestic violence, and create a space where human biology is not a taboo subject,” said senior Breanna Stewart.

Written by Eve Ensler, the Vagina Monologues focus on the overall life experience of women around the world. The shows touch on sex, love, orgasms, birth, domestic-violence, sexual assault, genital mutilation, and more. Ensler’s intention was to use the vagina as another form of female empowerment, and to reduce the stigma that exists with the word.

“This show matters because vaginas matter,” said Events Service Coordinator and director of this year’s Monologues, Sarah Celec. “Vaginas are beautiful, incredible, and powerful: children are birthed through them, mind-blowing orgasms happen, and far too often there is terrible suffering because of them.”

Involvement in the program continues to grow each year, with more talent and more campus community involvement. It is clear that the Vagina Monologues are here to stay at Shenandoah.

“There is power in conversation and connection,” Celec said. “We need to talk openly and without shame about our vaginas. It is time to embrace the awe-inspiring power of the vagina.”

Feature photo courtesy of Amy Robertson