Vagina Warriors
Each year on opening night of the Women’s Center production of “The Vagina Monologues” we honor a student, a staff/faculty member, and a community member for their involvement in initiatives that address violence against women on campus and in society at large.
Megan “Micah” Kehrein
During hir first year in college at the University of Idaho, Megan “Micah” Kehrein was sexual assaulted. Ze overcame the stigma surrounding sexual assault and reported the incident to the University and to the local police, resulting in jail time and a two-year suspension for the perpetrator. After coming out later that year, Micah faced challenges in gaining acceptance from hir immediate family, and this has inspired hir to work towards legal equity so that all members of the LGBTQ community do not face stigmatization and discrimination in more areas that they have to. Micah’s activism is rooted in education. Ze shares hir experiences with others, both formally and informally, to increase awareness of the importance of feminist and LGBTQA issues in society. As a cast member in this year’s production of The Vagina Monologues, Micah hopes to share hir own story of healing, and also address broader issues in society that have minimized women’s and LGBTQ voices and influence. Even in casual conversations, ze speaks up and shares hir perspectives, regardless of how taboo or difficult it might be. For hir tremendous courage and willingness to speak up and report, as well as hir continued activism on campus and in the community, we honor Micah Kehrein as a 2012 Vagina Warrior.
Jane Lear
As the advisor to UI VOX, “Voices for Planned Parenthood” (a recognized student organization) since the group’s inception in 2000-2001, Jane Lear has found her passion and dedication in addressing issues of women’s reproductive health and safety. Her hope is that access to reproductive health care, offering the full range of care needs, is available to all people in every state in the United States. When Jane was a college student in 1971 and needed an abortion, it wasn’t legal in the state of Iowa and she had to fly to New York City for the procedure. Jane has marched in Washington, D.C. in 1989 and again in 2003 to protect women’s and men’s rights to choose and will continue to work to keep choice available. VOX works with a coalition of concerned campus student organization to inform UI students about issues concerning their sexual safety, health and choice and encourages students to participate in working toward social justice and equality. Jane hopes that through events like “The Vagina Monologues” college students and others will come to understand the anguish and pain caused by sexual assault and will work toward changing the campus party culture to one that doesn’t tolerate harming individuals. We honor Jane in her continued work as a partner and friend of the Women’s Center on campus and are pleased to name her a 2012 Vagina Warrior.
Tabitha Simmons and Katherine Sprague
Tabitha Simmons and Katherine Sprague are lifelong lovers of the Palouse. Born and raised here, the pair are life partners who began their journey together 23 years ago. Today they’re co-owners of two of Moscow’s most provocative mainstays, Safari Pearl and Eclectica – stores that also have been around 23 years. Tabitha and Katherine also are the brains behind the TabiKat Drag Shows, offering a creative and exciting opportunity for residents and visitors to the Palouse to get together and have a fabulous entertainment experience. Lifelong activists, Katherine and Tabitha are promoters of queer and women’s issues. Tabitha has worked for Planned Parenthood Northwest and Katherine has been on the board of Inland Oasis for more years than she wants to admit. That spirit of giving is evident in their home life as well. The couple has a hard time saying no to an animal in need. Today Tabitha and Katherine count four cats and two dogs in their family. You never know when that might change. “We’ve had ferrets and gerbils and guinea pigs too -- even the human strays,” says Katherine. “We both embrace life. I jump out of bed every morning.” Katherine and Tabitha support The Vagina Monologues because “giving all of those women a voice is so important and so powerful, the award is a huge honor and we are delighted to continue helping.” We are thrilled to have Katherine and Tabitha’s ongoing support of the production and are thrilled to name them 2012 Vagina Warriors.