V-Day, the University’s version of the international event that seeks to end violence against women, is fast approaching. And according to event organizers, although the day focuses on the same thing every year, things are a bit different this time around.
“[We’re] incorporating a much more sophisticated community outreach component, complete with different committees dedicated to different tasks, such as baking, crafting, interacting with Middletown businesses, and selling things,” said Miranda Becker, who organized the event last year.

V-Fest, the main V-Day celebration, will take place on Saturday and comprises two major events, the first of which is a crafts fair at 200 Church, where the proper materials for making bags, t-shirts, and other wearable goods adorned with vaginas will be provided. Later on, 200 Church will host a concert with four bands to raise additional funds for the cause.

“I know it will be great,” said event co-organizer Jon Booth. “The bands that are playing are really good, and there will be some fun crafts, and there will be dancing. It will be a good time. Better than Eclectic.”

The celebrations, however, go beyond these two events. This weekend’s three performances of “The Vagina Monologues” are also a part of V-Day activities. The shows are also fundraisers for local organizations that aim to end violence against women.

To keep people thinking about feminist topics, there will also be film screenings of vagina-related movies on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. The first of the two-day series will be “Self-Loving,” a movie made by a sexologist about female masturbation techniques. Thursday’s showing will be of “Itty Bitty Titty Committee,” a movie about young queer activism.

All those involved in the preparation of the events are enthusiastic and hopeful about its success.

“I know it’s Valentine’s Day so we’re competing with other events on campus,” said Monica Vitti, another V-Fest organizer. “But I’d like to see people get excited about the cause and really be positive about vaginas, because violence against women is such a reality. To see women and female-identified people and vaginas front and center in a really positive, fun way is what we’re aiming for.”