change.room.2217

Changing in a public bathroom sounds as bad as it is.  I usually use the handicap stall since it's larger and sometimes has more places to hang garments.  Yeah...it's not that great.

With that said, I am happy to announce that the university I work at, IUPUI, has a changing room with lockers and a couch to sit on.  We are a lucky bunch!  I've always day-dreamed that the University of Texas would have at least a folding screen that art models could change behind.  I remember changing behind a chalkboard which was a half-baked idea: it only covered my breasts.  Changing in a storage room at ACC is not much better.  Students accidentally come to get supplies while you change.  And again, not everyone has this modesty of changing, but for those who do they should be covered, for lack of better words. 

I have no power in Austin, you do though. 

Image via Lassco, for much cheaper versions try these.

Violation

Listen, please. I try to spare you of details of my love life and my own personal turmoil. Everyone has pain, why should I get special attention for mine? However, what happened to me could happen to any art model, and if I don't say anything I will be doing a disservice to the next art model. Perhaps, there could be change. That would make me feel better.

Wednesday: I modeled as usual in the morning. As an art model I change in the public restroom. There's no glory in it, but it's practical. It works. I am completely concealed as I change. The instructor that morning specifically asked that I not change in the bathroom for I walk down the hall in my robe. For me, it's a bit silly but for her modesty I adhered to it. I changed in the back. The only problem is that students get and put away their easels in the back. At the end of the class I politely asked the class to hold off on putting away their easels til I got dressed.

What I didn't know that that was prime time for cackling. The teacher came to the back while I was putting on my thong and laughed. Laughed. I can't believe it. NO one in their right mind does that. The students were more respectful than her. I'm shivering in anger that anyone would have to deal with the violation I felt. I got dressed and left. The class was over and I had worked the time...

There. That didn't tell you the name of the person, only their gender. Nor did it tell the institution. If something doesn't get done about this, my God, "Hell hath no fury," comes to mind. I'm waiting on a phone call that I should receive on Monday. Please support me.

Seneca Falls Convention: July 19th and 20th, 1848

Collective memory makes a society. I almost forgot that today was the anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention. But I am here to redeem myself. It's usually an 'f' word to be a feminist nowadays, but really I would be shaming those who gave me the basic right to vote, and to own property among other things. I am happily a feminist who studied Feminist Theory at Oxford. So in honor of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, the writers of the Declaration of Sentiments, I will present you the Art Models Basic Rights tomorrow. The Seneca Falls Convention lasted two days, and this will too. Just know that this crucial event to women's rights began today. Please comment with what you think should be included. It's vain to think I can do this by myself. I want to be Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the radical who thought women's suffrage should be included in the document. Who will you be?

Give thanks to those who protest.

I told you in the last post that I was deathly ill. Nah, just a fever and a cold. Anyway, I've had bundles of time to read. Right now it's Women's History that I'm reading about. I'm so thankful for the women and men who advocated rights I sometimes take for granted.

In Paris, models are protesting a ban on what is called a 'cornet.' Basically, the French government is making their tips illegal. In that spirit I want to thank all who protest for their rights. I personally am thankful for the Austin art models who brought our wages up to $15/hour. Thank you.

Please read these news articles of models in Paris and earlier in Italy fighting for their rights and recognition. We deserve it. Speaking of which, if anyone else has problems with getting paid by Austin Community College, please email me. Alone I just sound annoying, but together we could make a difference.