AJ Bear at TVM

My daughter and I had the opportunity to participate and help out in “The Vagina Monologues” organized by the Muslim Feminist Collective of Edmonton last weekend. Having never been to the feminist theatre piece that was written by Eve Ensler, I admit I was nervous. Especially since the vision was to have an all Muslim cast. Whilst we were planning the event, we did encounter resistance and I started to have second thoughts. In retrospect, I am so delighted that we persevered. I found the play both funny and sad, poignant and powerful, inspiring and heart wrenching. I agree it is definitely not for everyone. But so worth it if you can have an open mind and realize the intent of the play- which is to bring awareness about the sexual mistreatment of women and girls around the world. And, as a bonus, we were able to raise just over $2200 for IFSSA and Nisa Homes to help stop violence against women and girls.

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The spotlight monologue written and performed by our fearless Director titled “Why I Rise” was, in my opinion, phenomenal. Empowering to every woman in the audience- and I hope, to all the good men that were supporting the event. I will treasure that feeling forever, along with the friendships and connections we made with our Muslim sisters in the cast who were from many different backgrounds.

Being supported by my family and friends and colleagues and patients was definitely an additional bonus. To my patients- I promise to always warm up those mean metal cold duck lips!

And to the good men in my life- thank you for being there. Seeing AJ Bear in Pastor Ryan’s arms as he recited the man prayer was a proud moment. Having AJ’s BFF hauling all the additional chairs from the shed on a frigid afternoon at the eleventh hour (since we had a sold out event) is a true testament of support. My loudest shout out goes to my favorite AV man, for always, always, always being there to help out with all the events. You have a beautiful soul. AJ loved you for a reason-  you are kind and generous and pure goodness.

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