A crowd of 200-plus will gather on February 26, 2013 to celebrate feminism and honor the Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) program at the College of Charleston. The first annual  “Yes! I’m A Feminist” party will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art (161 Calhoun Street). The evening, which includes music by world-renowned jazz drummer Quentin Baxter, is hosted by the WGS Community Advisory Board and 100 local feminists and is free to attend. Donations are encouraged.

“The ‘Yes! I’m A Feminist’ party is a chance to meet other people who define themselves as a feminist—in whatever way they understand the term,” says Alison Piepmeier, director of the WGS program. “Our hosts are artists, attorneys, religious leaders, community organizers, doctors and writers. They’re parents and grandparents. They’re people who want this city to be a place that supports all of us achieving our full humanity.”

The party also serves as a kick-off to Women’s History Month, which runs from March 1 to March 31. Each host has donated $100 and has agreed for their name to appear on all publicity. Proceeds will benefit the College’s WGS program.

“We are so excited to have this event and look forward to hosting it on an annual basis to support the WGS program at the College,” says Constance Anastopulo, associate professor of law and chairwoman of the WGS Community Advisory Board. “The growth of the WGS program has surpassed our expectations and events like this provide additional funding that will enable the program to have a broader vision.”

Event sponsors include: Gullah Cuisine, Sugar Bakeshop, Skirt!, Center for Women, Total Beverage Solution, Quentin Baxter, All Occasions, Alliance for Full Acceptance,
JMC, Charleston
Louie’s Kids, New Morning Foundation, Planned Parenthood, Ramsdale Law Firm, LLC.

The Women’s and Gender Studies program at the College of Charleston explores the intersections of gender, class, race, ethnicity, age, religion, ability, and sexuality. Through the WGS major and minor, studies have the opportunity to study women and gender in different cultures, contexts, and time periods, discuss complex cultural issues—from historical to contemporary controversies, and think on their feet and develop a range of analytical approaches.

For more information, contact Alison Piepmeier at 843.953.2280 or piepmeiera@cofc.edu or visit yesimafeminist.com.