USU’s I Am That Girl chapter kicks off

The recent cancellation of feminist Anita Sarkeesian’s Common Hour address due to a terror threat proves a woman’s group like I Am That Girl is necessary, said Sheree Haggan, the faculty advisor for Utah State University’s chapter of the organization.

I Am That Girl, which had its chapter kick off Tuesday night on the third floor of the Taggart Student Center, is a non-profit, international organization that seeks to empower women.

Jasmine Despain, one of the executives for the chapter, said the organization seeks to help women lift each other up rather than compete with each other. She said in this day and age, it is difficult for people to say what they want without feeling like they will hurt another person’s feelings.

“Sometimes it’s just so nice to go to a group where you know that you won’t be criticized for what you say,” Despain said. “People might not agree with you, in fact, but at least value you as a person and your opinion.”

Macy Keith, a senior majoring in interdisciplinary studies who serves as a chapter executive, said in modern society, women often tear each other down. She said society also makes them feel that they need to look and behave a certain way.

“We really need to start creating these spaces where women can just talk and whatever they want to say, they can say it,” Keith said. “And they will have a community that supports them and that is there for them, which is why I think it’s necessary to bring this here.”

Ashley Brown, a junior majoring in international studies, said she went to the event because she likes the ideals of feminism.

“I was just really excited that there was a opportunity to get with girls who feel the same way I do and empower each other and bring it out to educate the community,” Brown said.

Brown said the recent cancellation of Anita Sarkeesian’s speech shows that even in 2014, girls have a hard time expressing their feelings.

“And if they do, you get labeled different, negative things,” Brown said. “So it’s good to have a support system where it’s strong women who are fighting because we are strong women, and that’s what we’re meant to be.”

Marina Hernandez, a senior majoring in law and constitutional studies and sociology, said the cancellation of Wednesday’s common hour shows “feminism” is a bad term at USU. She said there is a misconception that it is about hating men.

“But that’s not feminism at all,” Hernandez said. “Feminism is about equality, and not just for women, but for everyone; for all groups, for any characteristic whether it be sexual orientation, whether it be gender, whether it be anything.”

Haggan said she prefers not to use the term “feminism” when talking about I Am That Girl. Rather, she prefers the term “humanist.” She said although the meetings are for women, the work the organization does is not gender exclusive.

“‘Feminist’ by definition can be misconstrued,” Haggan said. “And so if we’re saying you know, ‘feminist,’ we’re fighting for equal rights and equal treatment and equal opportunity for women and men, absolutely, that falls in line with what we do, but it depends on how you define ‘feminism.'”

Haggan said people who identify as male cannot attend the meetings because the purpose of the group is for women to be as open as possible.

“Girls are most honest and vulnerable when men aren’t around,” Haggan said. “That’s the importance of the discussion that we’re having within I Am That Girl, and so I want girls to feel comfortable and safe talking about these things.”

Haggan said though men cannot attend the meetings, they are welcome to attend lectures, outreach work and service projects put on by the group.

Keith said some of the service projects being considered include birthing kits for women at the hospitals, volunteering with the Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency – an organization that helps domestic violence victims – and planning fundraisers for different charities.

Haggan said women who are interested can attend the meetings every other Tuesday at 6:30 in TSC room 332 B. The next meeting is scheduled for October 28.

–topherwriter@gmail.com