Since the end of February, some LT students have been participating in a quiet movement based on the book and movie “MOXIE” by Jennifer Mathieu. To silently protest, students have drawn hearts and stars on their hands (emulating actions in the book and movie) in support of the feminist movement and to stand in solidarity with victims of sexual harassment and assault. 

“I was surprised by how fast this spread,” co-organizer Loveleen Sasan ‘24 said. “We basically put a little thing out saying, ‘If you stand with victims of SA and feminism, draw stars and hearts on your hands on this day,’ and then it spread practically by word of mouth.” 

The first day that students participated in the quiet movement was Feb. 27 with about 80 students drawing hearts and stars on their hands. Students involved with this movement are working towards making this a new club addition to LT’s activities. They hope to create a place where students can feel seen and heard, especially if they are going through a tough time, Sasan said. 

“This movement is very close to home,” co-organizer Jay Bilotta ‘25 said. “I want other people to know that they don’t have to be scared to speak out about things that have happened to them. Though I am trans, I have still gone through many of those experiences, and I want people to know they’re not alone, that they are supported, and that they can reach out and people will listen.” 

On April 10, the latest day of silent protests, more than 100 students showed support for the movement by drawing stars and hearts on their hands. The MOXIE movement has been popping up all around the country, striking a chord with many individuals who care deeply about creating a widespread community of support for people from all walks of life. 

“This movement is important to me because I know that one day there is a huge chance of me experiencing something like sexual assault,” Sasan said. “A lot of my friends and family members have experienced SA, and I want to help people who have gone through it so they can at least feel a little better because there is so much shame surrounding sexual violence. It is such a traumatizing thing to happen, and if I can help by making LT feel a little safer for all the feminine presenting people, that would be amazing.” 

Students involved with the MOXIE movement have also thought about peacefully protesting to support feminism, but have refrained from doing so because of potential risk factors involved. Despite that roadblock, they have found alternative ways to advocate for victims of sexual assault and feminist values. 

“We are currently looking into charities or places to donate that will help with things that we are unable to do because arranging something bigger is very, very risky,” Bilotta said. “So for now we will be looking into fundraisers and charities to support unless we can figure out a safe way for students to do something bigger.” 

Students organizing the MOXIE movement are working on setting up a website and creating a new poster. To check for updates on future silent protest days visit the MOXIE Instagram page, @moxie_kids7.