Why I'm Involved with The Vagina Monologues for the 9th Time

This Thursday I will be performing one of the monologues in San Diego's production of Eve Ensler's play "The Vagina Monologues".

I am far from a new-comer to this performance piece. I first acted in a production of this back in 2002 at the State University of New York at Albany. Since then I have acted several more times, twice taught a semester course about the play at CSU San Marcos, and directed it four times. I have many of the monologues memorized. I know the places where the audience will laugh, and what works and what doesn't.

Why do I keep coming back?

Being involved with this play has many layers, all very powerful. The first is the experience of bonding with other women in the cast and crew. We are saying words that women are not supposed to say publicly. We meet for long rehearsals, everyone going through their own process of healing or discovery around their sexuality. Being in the cast of The Vagina Monologues has repeatedly been one of the most supportive women environments I've experienced.

The next layer is the unique experience we provide for the audience. Women feel validated and understood for the first time. Men glean greater insights into the complexity of women's sexuality. The audience is allowed to laugh publicly at taboo topics. They join our team of breaking the deafening silence around women's shame, embarrassment, and sexual assault.

The third layer is the fund-raising. The majority of the proceeds benefit local nonprofits for raising awareness around sexual violence and halting domestic violence. And a small portion of the funds are directed back to the VDay foundation's spotlight group of women, a group somewhere in the world who needs assistance and financial support. Not only are we taking a stand in our local community for women's safety and education, but we are also part of the global movement for the well-being of women.

It's a lot of time and energy each time I'm involved with The Vagina Monologues. But I keep coming back for more. It's a way that I get to practice what I preach, push my boundaries, support other women, and act my heart out. In vaginas we trust :)

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

The Vagina Monologues in San Diego 2011

In Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," you will laugh, cry, reflect, and connect. It is one of the most powerful sexual experiences you can have...in a public place :)

Thursday, April 7, 2011
North Park’s Birch Theater in San Diego
Reception at 6:30pm
Performance at 7:30pm

Imagine a world …
… where little 12 year old girls can go to school instead of being sold to sex slavery
… where women are empowered about their bodies instead of ashamed
… where rape and domestic violence no longer exist.

It is possible. And this is our opportunity to make a difference.

The Vagina Monologues are coming to San Diego, and Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus will be in the performance! This performance will benefit four wonderful organizations that work to stop sexual violence and care for its victims.

There are over 11,000 Vagina Monologues plays being put on this season alone to raise money to stop sexual violence. Sixteen stories about women’s experiences that evoke laughter, pain, frustration, sadness, fear and excitement. This is a movement that creates transformational experiences for both the actors and the audience. It’s a way for us all to get behind a cause that changes lives.

We would love a packed house to share in our mutual respect and appreciation of the vagina! You can purchase tickets here:
http://www.stayclassy.org/san-diego/events/tribal-truth-presents-vagina-...

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

The Vagina Monologues

Have you seen "The Vagina Monologues"? In this session of "In the Den With Dr. Jenn," Dr. Jenn talks about her favorite subject, vaginas... and interviews women and men about the subject.

SEXUAL FUN FACT
What is the World Record for the most female orgasms in one sitting?

SPECIAL DEN SEX-TION:
San Diego Street Talk - If your vagina got dressed, what would it wear?

"Vagina Warrior" honor at CSU San Marcos

A few days ago I received a call from a former student of mine at CSU San Marcos, Sarah Leonard, telling me that she and the women involved with The Vagina Monologues production were honoring me as one of their "Vagina Warriors" this year.

What is a Vagina Warrior? The term was coined by Eve Ensler and refers to "a vagina friendly person of any gender identification who embodies the spirit of equality and empowerment, and assists in the battle to end violence against women."

And the really cool part? Sarah created an art installation in honor of my work as a Vagina Warrior: vulva ornaments I made with a class a few years ago, a funky hat, and red feather boa -- PERFECT!

For information about attending CSU San Marcos' performances this weekend, visit: http://events.vday.org/2011/college/California_State_University,_San_Mar...

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego

The Vagina Monologues in San Diego!

Monday, February 23, 7:30pm
Lyceum Theater, Horton Plaza

I am thrilled and excited to announce a benefit performance of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues featuring Extraordinary San Diego Women:

Helice “Sparky” Bridges, Lana Culliver, Dr. Jenn Gunsaullus, Jessica John, Moira Keefe, Donna Lange, Carla Navarro, Pamela Perkins, Jenni Prisk , Anna Seymore, M’lafi Thompson, Dr. Deborah Waitley, and Emmy award winner, Denise Yamada

This production benefits The Speak for Success Women's Leadership Institute, a partnership with the YWCA of San Diego County. Started in 2008 by Dana Bristol-Smith, the WLI gives domestic violence survivors professional development training and coaching to help them transform their lives.

Join us for this special, one-night only performance.

Grab your Girlfriends and wear what your Vagina would wear!
~$40 Sexy Seats include full access to the Silent Auction, Sponsor tables, and a good time.
~$95 Pink Circle Seats include all of the above, plus Center Section Reserved Seating, a Post-Show Reception with the Cast and Sponsors, and more!
~$40 Be a V-Angel for a YWCA woman resident who is retaking control of her life today (email info@speakforsuccess.com)

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE BY PHONE: The Lyceum Box Office (hours are 12:00 – 6:00 pm, Tuesday – Sunday) at 619-544-1000.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE: http://www.lyceumevents.org/ click on Buy Tickets – once the Buy Tickets screen comes up – you’ll see $95 orchestra, select the number of tickets and hit CONTINUE – The next screen will give you the choice of $95 reserved front and center or $40 general admission tickets. You’ll want to come early to get the best seats.

Jennifer Gunsaullus, Ph.D.

Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling in San Diego