What IFF?

CofC Women's and Gender Studies Program

At What IFF, we are dedicated to sparking discussion about making change in our campus community and beyond by centering intersectional feminist thought and uplifting members of our community who are actively moving toward justice, and inspiring those of us who want to learn more.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

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S3, Ep 1: The History of Chronic Pain, the Wandering Womb, and Hysteria with Dr. Sandy Slater

S3, Ep 1: The History of Chronic Pain, the Wandering Womb, and Hysteria with Dr. Sandy Slater

We are kicking off this season of WHAT IFF by sitting down with Dr. Sandra Slater, a professor at the College of Charleston who received her PhD in history at the University of Kentucky after receiving a graduate certificate in gender and women's history. In our hilarious, vibrant, and eye-opening conversation with Dr. Slater, we learn about the history of marginalized bodies, medicalized racism, and the mosaic of chronic pain experiences through an intersectional lens. Dr. Slater illustrates how narratives of the "wandering womb" dominated medical discourse and uterine fascination held sway, and how these norms connect cis-womens bodies to the broader canvas of history. We highlight how pain has always been gendered by digging into the roots of the term hysteria. In present day clinical encounters, we discuss how gender expression impacts how patients are treated, sharing first hand accounts from ciswomen from the podcast, The Sick Gaze.Further Resources:Two great books that explain some of these issues are:- Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn- Pain and Prejudice by Gabrielle JacksonFilms:- Aftershock - a film that demonstrates the dangers for black pregnant people in our medical birthing systems - https://www.aftershockdocumentary.com/- The CDC Hear Her Campaign - https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/index.htmlThank you to Dr. Slater, Alyssa Nickles, Sarah Klotzbach, and Diane Carroll for making this episode possible !Hosts: Emily Currey and Molly DickersonProduction: Molly Dickerson

Episodes

S3, Ep 1: The History of Chronic Pain, the Wandering Womb, and Hysteria with Dr. Sandy Slater

S3, Ep 1: The History of Chronic Pain, the Wandering Womb, and Hysteria with Dr. Sandy Slater

We are kicking off this season of WHAT IFF by sitting down with Dr. Sandra Slater, a professor at the College of Charleston who received her PhD in history at the University of Kentucky after receiving a graduate certificate in gender and women's history. In our hilarious, vibrant, and eye-opening conversation with Dr. Slater, we learn about the history of marginalized bodies, medicalized racism, and the mosaic of chronic pain experiences through an intersectional lens. Dr. Slater illustrates how narratives of the "wandering womb" dominated medical discourse and uterine fascination held sway, and how these norms connect cis-womens bodies to the broader canvas of history. We highlight how pain has always been gendered by digging into the roots of the term hysteria. In present day clinical encounters, we discuss how gender expression impacts how patients are treated, sharing first hand accounts from ciswomen from the podcast, The Sick Gaze.Further Resources:Two great books that explain some of these issues are:- Unwell Women by Elinor Cleghorn- Pain and Prejudice by Gabrielle JacksonFilms:- Aftershock - a film that demonstrates the dangers for black pregnant people in our medical birthing systems - https://www.aftershockdocumentary.com/- The CDC Hear Her Campaign - https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/index.htmlThank you to Dr. Slater, Alyssa Nickles, Sarah Klotzbach, and Diane Carroll for making this episode possible !Hosts: Emily Currey and Molly DickersonProduction: Molly Dickerson

S2, Ep. 4: Diaspora, Conflict Bodies, and the Power of Art with Dr. Régine Michelle Jean-Charles, Dr. Kameelah Martin, Dr. Robert Sapp, and Cady Walker

S2, Ep. 4: Diaspora, Conflict Bodies, and the Power of Art with Dr. Régine Michelle Jean-Charles, Dr. Kameelah Martin, Dr. Robert Sapp, and Cady Walker

In this episode of What IFF? we record a panel titled Diaspora, Conflict Bodies, and The Power of Art as part of the Land, Body, History series that explores vectors of knowledge from global Black feminist perspectives. Featured are Dr. Régine Michelle Jean-Charles, Director of Africana Studies, Dean’s Professor of Culture and Social Justice, and Professor of Africana Studies and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Northeastern University, Dr. Kameelah Martin, Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of African American Studies and English at CofC, Dr. Robert Sapp, Associate Professor of French Studies at CofC, and Cady Walker, CofC alumni of Psychology and Women's and Gender Studies.Music by Crypt of InsomniaEpisode Resources:A Long Walk HomeTri-County S.P.E.A.K.S.When the Land Meets the Body** To view all works cited, please visit the transcript page.

S2, Ep. 3: Queering Trauma Recovery with Katie Mai and Lyn Maples

S2, Ep. 3: Queering Trauma Recovery with Katie Mai and Lyn Maples

In this episode of What IFF? we are joined by two trauma-informed experts to break down the misconceptions about sexual assault, trauma recovery, and patterns of serial perpetration. Katie Mai, LMSW, is a therapist with the Sexual Assault Services program at MUSC. Lyn Maples is an outreach coordinator and victim advocate with Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. Together, we analyze data on victimization to better understand what’s happening in our culture. Then, we use that knowledge to create supportive practices for survivor healing and improve educational tools to change social attitudes about gender-based violence.To speak with a victim advocate, call the Tri-County S.P.E.A.K.S. 24-hour hotline at 843-745-0144 or the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.Music by Clean Mind SoundsEpisode Resources:CofC Counseling CenterCofC S.C.O.P.E.CofC Students 4 SupportMUSC Sexual Assault ServicesPlanned Parenthood Generation ActionTri-County S.P.E.A.K.S.The Trevor Project** To view all works cited, please visit the transcript page.

S2, Ep. 2: Creating Communities for Change with Mika Gadsden

S2, Ep. 2: Creating Communities for Change with Mika Gadsden

In this episode of What IFF? we are joined by the Women’s and Gender Studies program Community Leader-In-Residence, Tamika Gadsden. As a well-traveled activist and grassroots mayoral candidate, Mika calls attention to current issues impacting CofC students and the Lowcountry. Learn how to be more active in your democracy through the support of local organizations, historical archives, and community relationships as catalysts for change. Music by Alex-ProductionsEpisode Resources:Charleston Area Justice MinistryFriends of Gadsden CreekInaugural WGS Community Leader-In-ResidenceMika Gadsden's Charleston Mayoral CampaignSC Schools Lose $534M to Corporate Tax Breaks** To view all works cited, please visit the transcript page.

S2, Ep. 1: Intellectual and Physical Feminist Self-Defense with Dr. Kris De Welde and Marissa Haynes

S2, Ep. 1: Intellectual and Physical Feminist Self-Defense with Dr. Kris De Welde and Marissa Haynes

In this episode of What IFF? we are joined by the director of the Women’s and Gender Studies program, Dr. Kris De Welde, and the original podcast host, Marissa Haynes. With both show creators on the mic, we gain helpful insights on how to deal with first-year student stressors. Marissa looks back at some of her fondest memories from her time in the WGS program, and Dr. De Welde shares her current research projects that are influencing the future of academics. Together we discuss intellectual and physical feminist self-defense and share our personal reflections on awakening to the power within. Music by Alex-ProductionsEpisode Resources: CofC Faculty's Research to Close Equity Gaps in Academic STEMCofC PEAC Women's Self-Defense ClassCofC Faculty's Research to Close Equity Gaps in Academic STEMDe Welde, K. “Minding and Mending the Gap Between Academic Kindness and Academic Justice.” Queer-Feminist Science & Technology Studies Forum, Vol. 7, pp. 54-65. (2022, December). McCaughey, M. Real Knockouts: The Physical Feminism of Women's Self-Defense. NYU Press. (2019, July 2). ** To view all works cited, please visit the transcript page.

Ep. 6: Reproductive Justice with Dr. Cara Delay

Ep. 6: Reproductive Justice with Dr. Cara Delay

In this special episode of What IFF? we are joined by historian and professor Dr. Cara Delay as she helps us reckon with and interpret the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade during the summer of 2022. Keeping intersectionality at the forefront of her approach, Dr. Delay explains how participating in a greater discussion on reproductive justice, as coined by historic black activists, can help us achieve the fight for bodily autonomy. This means having conversations about contraception, gynecological and obstetric care, childbirth, and abortion, as they are all important factors in the larger issues at hand. Music by Ketsa

Ep. 5: Intersectionality and Internships with Ahmira & Taylor

Ep. 5: Intersectionality and Internships with Ahmira & Taylor

In this episode of What IFF? we highlight two Women's and Gender Studies majors, Ahmira Lucas and Taylor McElwain, as they prepare to finish earning their degrees at the College of Charleston. Both Ahmira and Taylor have spent the last several months doing important social justice work in their respective internships, and they fill us in on the significance of their efforts. Join us as we reflect on our experiences as Women's and Gender Studies majors and interns. Music by Ketsa

Ep. 4: Redefining Family with Dr. Cristina Dominguez

Ep. 4: Redefining Family with Dr. Cristina Dominguez

What IFF? is kicking off the Fall 2022 semester with the Women’s and Gender Studies Program’s newest assistant professor, Cristina Dominguez, Ph.D. As a new member of our community, Dr. Dominguez gives a new perspective on queer kinship and the politics of family, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce them here.Music by Ketsa

Ep. 3: Lifting the Veil with Linda Ketner

Ep. 3: Lifting the Veil with Linda Ketner

In this episode of What IFF?, we are kicking off LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a revered Carolina activist, Linda Ketner, to learn from her many years of experience being an influential change-maker. With housing inequity and LGBTQ+ rights at the forefront of her activist thought, Linda is committed to righting the wrongs she sees in her community and building up the next generation of activists. Music by Ketsa

Ep. 2: The Importance of an Interdisciplinary Education with Reagan Williams

Ep. 2: The Importance of an Interdisciplinary Education with Reagan Williams

We are continuing our What IFF? journey of finding what it means to be an intersectional activist with alum Reagan Williams. Listen as Reagan teaches us about the importance of an education that includes curriculum on race, equity, and inclusion, and follow along while we begin to envision these ideas at the future of CofC and beyond.Music by KetsaLearn about the Intersectional Cougar Action Network (I-CAN)'s history of support to implement a Race, Equity, and Inclusion curriculum requirement.

Ep. 1: Transvisibility with Denver Tanner

Ep. 1: Transvisibility with Denver Tanner

We are kicking off our very first episode of What IFF? with senior trans activist, Denver Tanner. Listen as they help us understand the importance of Trans Visibility and unpack the topics of gender, sexuality, and social justice activism.Music by Ketsa