GEMS (Gender, Experiences, Monologues, and Stories)

Storytelling is a powerful medium. It allows the expression, connection, and processing of shared — and new — experiences. It is our stories that connect us and giving voice to those stories allows us to heal.

GEMS (previously OWN) is a theatrical production and an expression of activism. Original Womxn's Narratives or OWN was created in 2016 as a platform to reflect and include the experiences of Cal Poly womxn as holistic individuals, written by and for self-identified womxn students. GEMS continues to explore how gender, feminism, social justice movements, race, ethnicity, culture, class, academics, family dynamics, sexual orientation, faith/spirituality, body image, sexual violence, sex, relationship, love, power, oppression, privilege, personal growth, and other intersecting identities create and contribute to the various experiences and lives of gender marginalized people.

GEMS represents activism through theater and art. It seeks to represent the stories of those who have experienced gender marginalization — in mind, body, and/or spirit, be it in past, present, future, and/or fluid — whether from womxn-identified, femme, transgender/nonbinary/gender non-conforming, and/or other marginally gendered individuals. The production is comprised of a two-day performance, art gallery, and zine.

If you want to get involved in GEMS 2025 by submitting your story, joining the production team, or auditioning to become a member of the cast, email imoncrie@calpoly.edu.