National Conference
#CPNC11: Keynote Contest Winner Stephanie Tanny
Stephanie discussed the fight against sexual violence on college campuses in the video she submitted to the National Keynote Contest.
Stephanie Tanny, 24, is an activist who is working to combat sexual violence on college campuses. She's one out of three winners of the 2011 National Keynote Contest, organized by Campus Progress and Colorlines.com. The contest called on young people to speak their minds about racial and social justice for a chance to win a free trip to Washington, DC, to address attendees at the 2011 Campus Progress National Conference. The other two winners are Daniel Khalessi and Kiara Shanay Lee.
What compelled you to enter the contest?
I really appreciate the work that both Colorlines and Campus Progress accomplish and I've followed both their blogs for a while. I was interested in entering, but I wasn’t sure if other people would see the topic of sexual violence as relevant in the contest. When several friends started telling me to enter, I realized of course this issue is relevant. And it is more so because we do not even see it as a problem. As a woman of color, I find it important to end the silence within all communities, including those of color.
Tell me about the topic of your speech.
Sexual violence continues to be a huge problem on college campuses, and what often goes unrecognized is that women of color and transwomen of color experience it at greater levels and in different ways. It is about time we break the silence and truly recognize sexual violence as a serious issue that hinders all forward progress and movements.
Has the issue ever affected you, personally?
Yes. I was sexually assaulted by three different men of color whom I had known through working on social justice issues. Too often, sexual violence and misogyny are pushed aside for the sake of other issues, when in fact they all intersect and affect us. This issue is just as important as any other issue, and there is no real progress if we keep leaving certain people and identities behind.
When you deliver your speech at the National Conference, what’s the most important point you want the audience to take home?
If you are sexually assaulted or violated, remember that it is never your fault. And you do not need to push aside this issue or any other acts of misogyny for the sake of “the movement.” We are all in this together and must continue to learn and grow from each other.
Do you have any advice for young progressives?
You do not to need to wait until you graduate to start working within your own communities. No matter what anyone tells you, your thoughts, ideas, and voice are just as important as anyone else’s.
Any personal heroes?
I am fortunate to know some amazing Ethnic Studies professors and other university staff. Chris Linder, Roe Bubar, Monica Collins, and Noberto Valdez – I could not have accomplished as much without their continued support and guidance.
What are your plans for the future?
I do have some political aspirations. I also have some ideas on helping people that I would like to implement back in Indonesia, the country where I was born. Other than that, I just want to live my life to the fullest.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I'm so excited to speak at the conference this year! Thank you so much to everyone who voted for me and to Campus Progress/Colorlines for choosing me as a keynote speaker.
Henry Taksier [@HenryTaksier] is a former editorial intern at Campus Progress and an editorial board member of The Fine Print, a progressive publication at the University of Florida.
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