Dior Vargas Explains Goals of Women Occupy Wall Street

Feminist Conversations is a weekly series here at Feminists For Choice. We spotlight feminists from across the interwebs to find out what feminism means to them. Today we’re talking with rabble rouser Dior Vargas. Dior lives in NYC, works for Random House, and is passionate about helping women tell their stories. We’ve interviewed Dior before about her activism, but her involvement with Women Occupying Wall Street is worth highlighting.

1. What inspired you to get involved with Women Occupying Wall Street?
Since graduating from college where I was very active in feminist and Latina organizations, I wasn’t able to get involved in any feminist movements or activities. I felt the need to fill my time outside of work with things that fulfilled my activist spirit. I’m not content unless I work on projects that help other women. It’s been an amazing learning experience.  2. What are the goals of WOW?
WOW exists to create a safe space for the empowerment of female-assigned and/or female-identified individuals, for community awareness, and for collective action on the issues that affect women most. The issues that affect women affect all of society. Another goal is to abolish patriarchy. It affects us all. We formed to give those oppressed a voice to speak. Personally, my goal is to be inclusive and to work on issues of GLBTQ individuals as well. I also would like to encourage more women of color to get involved in the feminist movement. We have as much at stake as other women. Even more so actually. We need to reclaim the word feminism and make it our own. The feminism from the first wave is very different from the wave that’s happening this moment.

3. How did you get involved with Feminist General Assembly?
I actually got involved with WOWs through the organizing of the Feminist General Assembly. One of my closest friends forwarded me an email about it. I knew that I had to get involved. I finally found a connection within the OWS movement where I could contribute. The thought of being part of the first Feminist GA in New York was something I couldn’t pass up.

4. Do you feel your involvement is worth it?
I think any type of involvement for a positive outcome is worth it. I would hate to look back at my life and think that I didn’t at least attempt to make change in this world. I am still in the beginning stages as an activist. We are still in the process of discussing our common issues and where we all stand. I am focusing on having a strong platform from which we can organize and create change with solid actions.

5. When you’re not busy rabble rousing, how do you like to relax?
I love reading and spending time with my adorable Yorkie Brody. I also enjoy having spirited conversations with my feminist friends. Watching The Golden Girls is another way that I relax. Love that show! I’ve also started listening to Dan Carlin’s podcast, Common Sense. I highly recommend it.