This past weekend the "Sexuality Women and Gender Studies" (SWAG) department and "Voices for Women" organized a rendition of Eve Ensler's "Vagina Monologues." The series of monologues touch on women's issues such as sex, love, rape, menstruation, orgasm and genital mutilation. Ensler created the play after she conducted multiple interviews with women on subjects often too taboo to discuss.

Elexsa Perello

The word "c*nt" was screamed multiple times, moans were prevalent and I could've been rich if I had gotten $1 for every time the word "vagina" came up. But that was perfectly fine with me. Stand out monologues included: "My Angry Vagina, Hair," "The Woman Who Loved To Make Vaginas Happy," "My Short Skirt" and "Reclaiming Cunt."

Rosalita Capoldo

There were too many topics addressed that a simple summary of events would not do it justice. But what can be said, is that what these women did was create a space that is so important because a dialogue has to continue about so-called tabooed topics. Why are people still questioning women, "What were you wearing?" in regards to a sexual assault or rape? Why are women still afraid of societal backlash due to sexual confidence? How come women feel the need to be hairless mole rats?

The event was a place to laugh, smile, cry and relate in solidarity with fellow women and male allies. Subjects were sensitive and needed to be addressed. The overall message was to reclaim what was ours in the first place: ourselves. As women, we should be having these difficult discussions with women and men because otherwise violence, societal oppression and female discontent will remain "natural."

Overall, what I took from this beautiful production was that women need to band together, lift each other up, become allies, and to not take sh*t from anybody. Don't feel the need to get a bikini wax. Don't be silent about violence. Have sex. Demand reproductive rights. Remember "being a lady" is bullsh*t. And the next time someone calls you a c*nt, flash them a smile and say, "Thanks."

Anneliese Moon, Madison Fisher, Lizzie Berry, Hania Powell, Amanda Borja

Unfortunately, the "Vagina Monologues" at Rollins only happens one weekend every year so if you didn't get a chance to see it make sure you do next year! Eve Ensler's rendition is also available online.

For now, check out Hania Powell's monologue, "The Women Who Loved To Make Vaginas Happy."