Meet Monday: Autumn Elniski
Genevieve Pilch | Contributing photographer
Autumn Elniski, a fourth-year paper engineering major at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, performed "The Moaner" monologue in Syracuse University's annual production of "The Vagina Monologues" in February.
It takes confidence to go up on a stage in front of a large crowd in any situation, especially when you’re pretending to orgasm.
But for Autumn Elniski, a fourth-year paper engineering major at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry who exudes confidence, “The Vagina Monologues’” performance titled “The Moaner” was the right choice.
Elniski breathes confidence today, but she said it took a long journey to get there.
“My first semester sophomore year I basically listened to the ‘90s alternative band Garbage on repeat,” she said. “That semester I was figuring myself out, focusing internally.”
One major realization Elniski had was identifying as a lesbian.
“Growing up I never knew lesbians even existed,” she said. “I thought only a man could love a woman.”
In college, Elniski began attending New 2 ‘Quse, weekly discussions for students who are new to the LGBTQ communities.
“Being gay is such a big part of who I am, and I love being gay,” she said. “Through my sexuality I learned to love who I was.”
This self-love and confidence translates into Elniski’s interest in performance.
Elniski performed the monologue “The Moaner” for “The Vagina Monologues,” where she reenacted onstage the various types of orgasms such as “the clit moan,” “the almost-there moan” and “the surprise triple orgasm moan.” “The Moaner” was the monologue that Elniski wanted from the start when she auditioned.
“I never think about the crowd,” she said. “I just step into myself.”
Elniski is already planning future performances for next year’s drag show and poetry readings around campus.
“I am always down to try most things once,” said Elniski, who has jumped off a 60-foot cliff and ridden a mechanical bull.
That message is part of what Elniski shares as a speaker during the “There is More to My Story” event that takes place as part of SUNY-ESF’s orientation. The advice Elniski shares is what she said she tries to live by.
Said Elniski: “Don’t let other people tell you what to think or feel or believe. Take care of yourself.”
Published on February 24, 2014 at 12:31 am
Contact Jen: jbundy@syr.edu
