UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Throughout November, the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity will offer events at the University Park campus to recognize Transgender Awareness Month.
This month marks a time to recognize and celebrate the transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse communities, said said Sonya Wilmoth, director of the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity. In addition, the center will host the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil and two programs featuring speaker Katie Barnes. All events are open to the public.
"Transgender Awareness Month plays a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about transgender issues here at Penn State," Wilmoth said. "It's an opportunity to educate the campus community about the experiences, challenges, and identities of transgender individuals. We hope that by celebrating our transgender and gender diverse communities, we are sending a powerful message that Penn State is committed to supporting their needs and overall well-being during their time with us."
Gender Mood Board Craft
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 5:30 p.m. in HUB LL01, participate in a reflective craft activity that prompts attendees to think about their relationship to gender. Attendees will make a mood board with pictures, stickers and other items that help describe their expression style and showcase their individuality.
"We Exist: Beyond the Gender Binary" film screening
This film screening will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. in Foster Auditorium. "WE EXIST: Beyond the Binary" is one of the first films to document this growing community living life "beyond the binary" construct of gender, offering a first-hand account of what it is like to exist as other than strictly male or female.
Bingo After Dark
Join CSGD for their annual sex-education bingo event on Friday, Nov. 10, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. in Alumni Hall. This event is for 18+ Penn State students only. There will be NSFW (or "Not Safe For Work") prizes that aim to teach students about safe-sex practices in a fun and creative manner. Students can register via Orgcentral.
LGBTQ Poetry Reading Night
On Monday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. in HUB LL01, attendees are encouraged to listen to and share their unique perspectives, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing journey towards equality through words and poems or cite the words of a queer poet. This event is in collaboration with Graduates in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil
As part of the month's recognition, Penn State will observe Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 14 at 5:30 p.m. with a vigil in Flex Theatre. The day honors and remembers those people in the U.S. who have been killed because of anti-transgender and non-binary bigotry, hatred and violence; their names will be shared at the event. Students, faculty and staff can volunteer as speakers for the vigil through CSGD's form. A reception will follow the vigil in HUB LL011.
Student Care and Advocacy drop-in chat
On Wednesday, Nov.15, from 9-11 a.m. in HUB LL01, learn more about Student Care and Advocacy and on-campus resources from their caseworkers.
Floats and Finals
Wind down the semester with ice cream floats on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in HUB LL01 and learn about helpful study strategies.
Keynote Speaker: Katie Barnes
Katie Barnes is an award-winning journalist covering the intersection of sports and gender. Their work has appeared across multiple ESPN platforms, including ESPN.com, SportsCenter, Outside the Lines, and the ESPN Daily podcast. Barnes has profiled women's sports superstars and rising stars alike, from Maya Moore to Paige Bueckers to Azzi Fudd to Amanda Nunes. In addition to athlete profiles, they have extensively covered legislation and policy affecting transgender athletes. In 2019, they were an executive producer on the 30-for-30 short "Mack Wrestles," which told the story of transgender wrestler Mack Beggs as he graduated high school and left home for college. Their first book, "Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates," tackles the important topics of women's sports and transgender athletes.
Barnes is a 3-time GLAAD nominee and a 2022 finalist for the Dan Jenkins Medal, which honors the year's outstanding sports journalism. Their work has been recognized by Folio, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Curve Foundation. In 2017, they were named "Journalist of the Year" by NLGJA – the Association of LGBTQ Journalists.
To bring Transgender Awareness Month to a close, Barnes will keynote two events, "Transferring Student Leadership into a Career" and "Telling Impactful Stories for LGBTQ+ Athletes":
"Transferring Student Leadership into a Career"
On Wednesday, Nov. 29, students will gain valuable experience applying what they learn from their positions to their intended careers and articulate their stories authentically and powerfully. This event will be held from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. in Flex Theatre.
"Telling Impactful Stories for LGBTQ+ Athletes"
Student journalists, athletes and an experienced professional will share how to tell impactful stories, especially for LGBTQ+ athletes. Attendees will receive practical advice for their future careers and hear about writing authentic and powerful stories. This event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, from noon to 1 p.m. in 103 Willard.
"We hope that by bringing this awareness, we can work to build a network of allies that can help combat discrimination and prejudice here at Penn State," said Wilmoth, "and assure our transgender and gender diverse community that they belong here."
Students can find more information about the events and CSGD on the Student Affairs website.