Mr. Martin,
We were happy to read your letter to the editor. It is never easy to attempt to begin a conversation about sexual violence and other gender issues on this campus.
We wanted to let you know that there is a place where people are actively, tirelessly and continuously trying to have this conversation and keep it alive: the Loyal Daughters and Sons production. This show is a place where dialogue about sexuality, sexual violence and gender issues occur on stage, as student actors portray the very real experiences of other Notre Dame students who have shared their stories with us.
We all know that Notre Dame is not a perfect place. Members of Our Lady’s University are hurting, feeling the effects of sexual violence, experiencing discrimination due to sexual identity and facing the tense gender relations that exist on this campus. We wanted you to know, Mr. Martin, that while it may seem like this hurt is not only overwhelming to grasp but also hidden beneath the gilded view that many people have of this campus, we acknowledge, remember and empower it year after year through the telling of these very personal Notre Dame stories.
We remember the students affected by sexual violence, either as survivors or friends of survivors.
We remember the students that feel excluded from the “Notre Dame Family” because of their sexuality and we acknowledge the difficulties they face.
We remember the countless hours, weeks, months and years survivors spend healing from the violence they experience on this campus.
We remember every student that wanted to speak out about these issues, but felt silenced.
We invite you, Mr. Martin, to come see our production and help us continue this dialogue. The show is in the Carey Auditorium on March 20 at 9:30 p.m. and on March 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Thank you,
Michelle Chatman
senior
off-campus
Monica Daegele
junior
Farley Hall
Michael Nolan
junior
abroad
Michelle Tin
senior
Lewis Hall
Marissa Vos
senior
Welsh Family Hall
Loyal Daughters and Sons Production Staff
Feb. 28
