This March, Cal State San Bernardino is celebrating Womxn’s History Month with the theme “Meeting at the Intersections: What’s HERstory?” to highlight the significance of intersectionality in the movement for justice and gender equality.

Various events, including the highly anticipated Womxn’s Leadership Conference on Thursday, March 24, are planned throughout the month. The kick-off event is scheduled for Thursday, March 3, in the Santos Manuel Student Union South, Events Center A at 11 a.m.

The term “womxn” is used as an objection to the patriarchal idea that womxn are an extension to men and the inclusion of all womxn go beyond just cis-women.

CSUSB’s Womxn’s History Month events include:

  • March 3, SMSU South Events Center A, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Womxn’s History Month Welcome. Join the community in a conversation about this year’s theme involving intersectional feminism. RSVP at the Womxn’s History Month Welcome registration page on Coyote Connection.
  • March 8, Queer and Transgender Resource Center (SMSU North, 3315), noon – 1:30 p.m.: Embodied. Join the QTRC for a book discussion on the graphic novel, “Embodied: Intersectional Feminist Poetry.” Pick up your copy of the graphic novel before the event date at the QTRC or Women’s Resource Center (SMSU North 3314). Refreshments provided.
  • March 9, Zoom, 2-3 p.m.: “From Back Alley to the Border: Criminal Abortion in California, 1920-1969.” In this presentation, Alicia Gutierrez-Romine, assistant professor of history at La Sierra University, will discuss her book, "From Back Alley to the Border: Criminal Abortion in California, 1920-1969," the first book to explore the history of abortion from the proverbial “back alley” to the U.S.-Mexico border in the American West. This timely work provides insight into what abortion access looked like before the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade. It explores what happens when abortion is illegal, how women continued to access these procedures, and why this medical procedure has been subject to such atypical legislation. Paloma Villegas, assistant professor of sociology, will serve as the program’s interlocutor.
  • March 10, SMSU Theater (SMSU South, 107), 6-8 p.m.: “The Panza Monologues.” The SMSU Women’s Resource Center and SMSU LatinX Center present “The Panza Monologues,” a play by Virginia Grise and Irma Mayoraga. “The Panza Monologues” is based on women’s stories about their panzas – tú sabes – that roll of belly we all try to hide. “The Panza Monologues” features the words of Chicanas speaking with humor and candor. Their stories boldly place the panza front and center as a symbol that reveals the lurking truths about women’s thoughts, lives, loves, abuses and living conditions. The play will feature a cast of CSUSB students, staff and faculty. Join us for an evening of lively performances, laughter and love for the panza. RSVP at “The Panza Monologues” registration page on Coyote Connection.
  • March 17, SMSU Theater (SMSU South, 107), 5-7 p.m.: “The Girls in the Band.” Screening of the 2011 documentary, “The Girls in the Band.” Delve into the history of untold stories of women in music, stemming from the 1930s to today! RSVP at The Girls in the Band registration page on Coyote Connection.
  • March 21, College of Education Atrium, 4:30-6:30 p.m.: "Womxn As Agents of Change: A Social Justice Perspective," featuring guest speakers Karen Martinez, retired deputy district attorney for San Bernardino County, and Marcia Marx, CSUSB professor of sociology. 
  • March 24, SMSU North Ballroom, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: CSUSB’s 7th annual Womxn’s Leadership Conference. The goal of the Womxn’s Leadership Conference is to help all of those who identify as womxn – students, staff and faculty become stronger leaders in their personal, organizational and community spheres of influence; inspiring them to create a more accepting, equitable environment for themselves and other womxn; and empowering them to embrace their authentic selves. More details forthcoming.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the CSUSB Womxn’s History Month website.