By Caleb Files
Today is Feminist Coming Out Day (FCOD), which is also the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day. The UMKC Women’s Center has had the opportunity to team with the National FCOD Team to bring this event to UMKC. The student staff presented this event to the campus community in the form of tabling this past week. Maritza and I got T-shirts and buttons, the digital camera and Women’s Center paraphernalia together and set out to let the campus know that Feminists are everywhere! The responses were mixed, from those who were totally against the idea to the two males who approached the table with enthusiasm and asked how they could purchase their “kick-a** shirts.” It was very interesting to me to see some women who completely agreed with all of our talking points yet when we asked them if they would self-identify as a feminist their response was one of negativity. These women seem to have strong religious values, which could be one of the reasons they were so scared to self-identify. However, there are indeed religious feminists and non-religious women who don’t identify as feminists.
It was great to see the outpouring of support by students and staff alike. Students were interested and Staff were excited to see our campus advocating a topic that they considered “outside of the box” and “daring” for us to approach on campus. If you would like to participate you still have time! The UMKC Women’s Center will be promoting this event throughout the month and we still have FCOD T-shirts available for sale. Feel free to send your picture and a small blurb of why you are a feminist to our e-mail: umkc-womens-center@umkc.edu.