About Us – Demia

“I am at the University where I come every morning to do my duty as Secretary which office I presumed you have read I have now the honor of holding. I find it rather pleasant as it only keeps me busy during the morning. I am taking a commercial course which I think rather tiresome. Perhaps you will think me rather masculine in my choice of pursuits but I have always had ambition to do something for myself and I would prefer keeping books to anything else that is placed in woman’s reach.”

– Demia Bulter to Scot Butler, 26 October 1863

Butler Beat Clip with Demia member

What is the purpose of Demia and What Do We Do?

Demia actively works to better balance the power structure between men and women, and in turn- the men/women binary and non-binary people, which will improve gender relations in society and give all genders the strength & courage to work toward equality.

The group works to create, maintain, & actively promote a community supporting gender equality at Butler University via programming, events, and activism on campus and the larger Indianapolis community. Additionally, we strive to provide a source of education about health, safety, politics, & labor as they relate to multiple perspectives in society (i.e. we strive for intersectionality). We address and increase awareness of sexism and inequality on campus and develop logical critiques to hegemony through plans to improve campus inclusivity.

What is “intersectionality” and why is it important?

Intersectionality is the understanding that a person’s experiences are not only because of one facet of their identity (such as gender) but all facets of their identity including but not limited to race, class, sex, gender, sexuality, age, able-bodiedness, religion, ethnicity, etc. Intersectionality is important because when thinking about issues in society, we must think of them through an intersectional lens.

What does “Demia” mean?

Demia was the name of Butler University founder Ovid Butler’s daughter.

The organization was created in the fall of 1991 in response to the need for a feminist community on campus in order to create an environment of support & activism.