Stefan Musser walked into Ustler Hall expecting to date a feminist woman Tuesday night.
The UF physics senior attended the first “Speed Date a Feminist” event, hosted by the Women’s Student Association as part of Women’s History Month.
About 20 students sat across from each other in two rows to discuss what feminism means to them.
“I was under the impression that there would be feminists and they would be engaged in speed-dating with the intention of potentially forming romantic partnerships,” the 22-year-old said.
Musser said he saw the event on Facebook but didn’t read the description on the page.
“When I saw the term ‘speed dating,’ I thought that it was that,” he said. “It was my mistake. I didn’t read more of the description.”
Instead, all Musser and his two friends took home were cheese cubes and crackers from the snack table.
Audrey Guerra, the co-programming director of Women’s History Month, organized the event. The 21-year-old said she expected misunderstandings.
“I anticipated something like that to occur, but it was the end of the event, so I was a little surprised,” she said. “I am happy they at least got some food for their troubles.”
Guerra said the event allowed students to talk about feminist issues in a new style.
“This event is introducing people to feminism in a speed-dating-type format,” the UF political science junior said. “We are hoping to encourage people to look at feminism in a much more approachable way.”
Mark Tracz, a UF family, youth and community sciences senior, participated to learn about others’ perspectives. Tracz was one of the five men who attended.
“I try to read up to stay educated,” the 22-year-old said. “To me, feminism is about making sure people have the ability to speak and feel empowered to say what’s on their mind.”
Guerra asked the participants to which pro-feminism organization they would donate a million dollars.
Jodi Bauson, a UF biomedical engineering freshman and Girl Scout, said she would donate to Girl Scouts of America.
“I feel like they really helped foster that belief that we could do what we want,” the 19-year-old said. “If you give the money to young girls, you can help them realize their potential.”
Emily Nieves, a UF political science junior, said she feels feminism isn’t accepted by everyone.
“There are a myriad of reasons why feminism isn’t accepted,” the 20-year-old said. “The largest one is people not knowing what feminism is.”
Contact Meryl Kornfield at mkornfield@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @MerylKornfield.
