For the Gender Awareness Days hosted by the LGBT Resource center, students were given the chance to participate in a special program called Trans*formations. Focused on encouraging conversation between faculty and students, this program centered around trans* and gender non-conforming issues in this community.
Graduate Assistant Jacqueline Adams helped put on this event in the Student Union on November 18th. The discussions in this event included, but were not limited to, gender neutral housing, pronoun policies and transphobia issues on campus.
According to the LGBT Resource Center’s facebook, the talks were targeted towards all students who wanted to learn more and to help make campus a safer space for gender non-conforming and trans* people.
Second year student Ace Truman was particularly interested in the event. Truman identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns and said they were drawn to the discussions because of the opportunity to see how the University accommodates students within the LGBT+ community.
After attending three table discussions, Truman said that there was an emphasis on safe space training and how professors and faculty can help promote these spaces.
They mentioned the introduction of gender neutral spaces in the residence halls such as the restrooms and living spaces. Truman said they felt that, perhaps, there were some problems with the publicity of these spaces, but it was evident that our campus was making strides in the right direction.
Because of this seminar, Truman plans on becoming more involved in the LGBT+ community on campus. They said that if we all work together, the administration can better attend to issues and the community can make their voices heard.
Students were encouraged to explore their options on campus and ask questions in order to find opportunities that could positively benefit their education and help them to succeed at the University.
The LGBT+ Resource Center hosts various events to promote awareness and progress throughout the school year. Their website gives pointers on building safe spaces similar to those discussed at the Trans*formation roundtables and any students who are interested in learning more can visit their website or Facebook page.
