LGBTQ Commission

#BlackoutTuesday

We as the members of the LGBTQ Commission send this message of compassion and solidarity to our Black Clemson University members, friends, and family, as well as the broader Black community. The killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and countless others have been a painful and searing reminder that racism and anti-Blackness run rampant through our nation and community. So to our Black community members: Our hearts and our energy are with you. We see your pain and your mourning. We know that this violence happens too regularly in this country, and action must be taken to fight against this. We are here for you.

This message is also a message of accountability. Black lives matter, and we as the LGBTQ Commission do not and will not tolerate racism, police brutality, or the countless other examples of direct and indirect harm Black people and other people of color experience in our country. We will not tolerate it in others nor within ourselves.

We recognize that words without action are hollow, and we commit to continuing to better our campus and community both through individual measures and through collaborations with others across our university. We pledge to use our privilege as members of the university community to educate people who do not understand the historical and present day oppression of Black people. We pledge to use our financial privilege as we are able by donating aggressively to causes that strive to dismantle systems of oppression. We pledge to use our privilege as citizens to speak out to our elected officials to demand an end to the unwarranted killing of Black people and to demand that perpetrators of such killings be held accountable for their actions. Through these measures and more, we will work to dismantle racism and anti-Blackness just as we work to dismantle homophobia and transphobia.

The work to dismantle systems of oppression cannot live in one place, and the responsibility cannot be on the shoulders of the oppressed. This call to action is not just for our Commission, but to any non-Black reader. We encourage you to be actively anti-racist in both your private and public life by disavowing and calling out racist speech and action. We encourage you to work towards a truly equitable society through your own actions and through the education of others.

June is national Pride Month, a month that honors LGBTQ+ people. In particular, June recognizes the Stonewall riots and the other forms of LGBTQ+ activism that have taken place throughout United States history to fight for the rights of our community. We acknowledge that the Stonewall uprising was predominantly started by trans and gender-nonconforming women of color, and we pledge to stand with communities of color as their oppression continues today. We acknowledge that this country, like our campus, was largely built by enslaved Black people. And we acknowledge the validity of uprising as a tool of change, as at Stonewall and as at the Boston Tea Party. This month is a reminder for us that there is still work to be done, and that this work must be uplifted by all.

#BlackoutTuesday

National Coming Out Week 2019 events

From Gantt Multicultural Center’s LGBTQ NCOW events page

National Coming Out Week 2019 – October 5th-10th

Kick-off Event: Pride Link LGBTQ Mobile Community Center    
October 5th, 2019
12:00-4:00 PM
Hendrix Student Center, multiple rooms
Pride Link is a nonprofit that provides quality of life services and social support to LGBTQ+ people across the Upstate. The Mobile Community Center brings a space for social time with other LGBTQ+ people, free physical and mental health services, and connection to community resources to all ten counties in Upstate, SC.

Clemson’s LGBTQ+ Mobile Community Center will offer free HIV screening, mental health screenings, hang-out spaces, and more!

Out and About Garden Walk  
October 7th, 2019
5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Botanical Gardens, starting location at the caboose
Join us for a guided nature walk and talk with Dr. Stephen Lewis, chair of the LGBTQ+ Commission and passionate nature lover as we explore the Botanical Gardens.  Starting location at the Caboose Gardens.

SHINE: A National Coming Out Week Poetry and Spoken Word Showcase
October 8th, 2019
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Barnes Center
In celebration of National Coming Out Week, we invite students to participate in our National Coming Out Week showcase SHINE, a performance night dedicated to LGBTQ+ identities.  We encourage students to express themselves in celebration through various art forms including, but not limited to song, spoken word, poetry, and storytelling!

Performers are invited to send in their submission by visiting https://forms.gle/QfrXRCGw8DPrsRAJ8. Submissions are due by October 1st.

National Coming Out Day Festival
October 10th, 2019
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
North Green
Clemson’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance will be hosting their annual National Coming Out Day Festival! Come out to play games, eat snacks, hang with friends, and more!

Sponsors include: The Gantt Multicultural Center, C SAGA, oSTEM, and the LGBTQ Commission.

For further information or accommodation needs for any of the events listed above, please contact Ciera Durden at cierad@clemson.edu or 864-656-9712.

#Pride2019 is fast approaching!

Stay up to date with the latest on Pride events by visiting the Gantt Multicultural Center’s website here

 

Pride Events
March 25 – April 20, 2019

Ally Training
Monday March 25 
Register now here.
Awareness and Empathy from 9:00am – 11:00am, Daniel 213
The purpose of Awareness and Empathy is to make Clemson a more welcoming and inclusive place for LGBTQ students, staff, and faculty. This is the beginning training for those interested in becoming allies. Participants will gain the basic understanding of sex, sexuality, and gender.

Action and Advocacy from 12:00pm – 2:00pm, Daniel 213
This portion of ally training is dedicated to developing skills to practice allyship to the LGBTQ community. Through the Action and Advocacy portion, participants will gain skills to interrupt biased behavior and assess environments for LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

KaeLyn Rich Professional Development Workshop
March 27, 1:00pm-3:00pm, Hendrix Student Center Ballroom A
KaeLyn is the Assistant Advocacy Director for Chapters of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), the New York affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and is the staff writer for the popular online queer publication, Autostraddle.
Register here.

KaeLyn Rich Keynote Address
March 27, 6:00pm, Hendrix Stucdent Center McKissick Theatre

Sponsored by Gantt Multicultural Center, The Graduate School, the Humanities Advisory Board, and the President’s Commission on Black Faculty and Staff

Living Library
March 28, 5:00pm-7:00pm, Cooper Library Brown Room
Challenge stereotypes, make connections, and celebrate diversity through discussion and awareness! Human Library events aim to facilitate dialogue and understanding between people, or “books,” who have volunteered to discuss their real life experiences with “readers.” Come by Cooper Library on Thursday, March 28th to check out a different kind of book and chat about topics such as gender, local natural resources, sexuality, comic books, cultural shame, religion, relationships, farming, and more with other members of the campus community.
Sponsored by Cooper Library and the Gantt Multicultural Center

Feminist Friday: Genders and the Politics of Embodiment
March 29, 11:00am-12:00pm, Hendrix Student Center, David Peebles Room
The Feminist Friday explores nuanced LGBTQ+ gender expressions and the politics centering these expressions. During this Feminist Friday, participants will discuss topics such as “passing”, erasure, and more. RSVP Required, registration link to come.
Sponsored by Gantt Multicultural Center and the Office of Access and Equity

7th Annual Drag Show – TWO Nights
March 29, 8:00pm-10:00pm, Memorial Auditorium (Old Main/Tillman Hall) AND March 30, 8:00pm – 10:00pm, Memorial Auditorium (Old Main/Tillman Hall)
The 7th Annual Drag Show will feature Clemson students in an amateur portion in addition to a wide range of professional performers from around the country. For more details, click here.
Coordinated by CLEMSONLiVE.

Clemson LGBTQ+ Campus Life: Past, Present, and Future Panel Discussion
March 30, 3:00pm-5:00pm, Hendrix Student Center McKissick Theatre
Come hear this panel of alumni and a current student who will share their experiences and thoughts of Clemson LGBTQ+ Life on campus from the 1980s to now.
Coordinated by the Clemson LGBTQ+ Alumni Club, sponsored by the Gantt Multicultural Center.

Love, Simon: Queer Film Showing and Dialogue
April 1, 5:00pm-9:00pm, Hendrix Student Center McKissick Theater
Everyone deserves a great love story, but for 17-year-old Simon Spier, it’s a little more complicated. He hasn’t told his family or friends that he’s gay, and he doesn’t know the identity of the anonymous classmate that he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Sponsored by PFLAG Greenville.

Forgotten Identities: TAPAS and TAPIS
April 2, 11:00am-1:00pm, Hendrix Student Center David Peebles Room
Enjoy tapas while creating an intentional dialogue around forgotten identities and how to best support them.
Sponsored by the Gantt Multicultural Center.

Queer Scholarship Showcase
April 4, 3:00pm-5:00pm, Hendrix Student Center Ballroom B
Scholarship comes in all forms. Come listen to a variety of scholars share lightning rounds of their work focused on the LGBTQ+ community. Sponsored by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM) and the Gantt Multicultural Center.

Chosen Family Poetry and Art Show
April 4, 5:00pm-8:00pm, Honors College Great Hall
Sponsored by the Feminism Club, CU Wellness, and Gantt Multicultural Center.

Pride Prom
April 4 from 10:00pm – midnight in The Barnes Center
Students are invited to Clemson’s Pride Prom! Come celebrate Pride Week with dancing, music, free food, bowling, arcade games, and more! All are invited, and please bring Clemson ID! Wear what makes you proud, formal or not!
Coordinated by the CUSG LGBTQIA+ Engagement Committee.

LGBTQ Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Mixer
April 5, 7:30pm, Nick’s Tavern and Deli
While the students have their prom night, come join us at Nick’s Tavern for a soda, drink, and/or food! We’ll have a reserved spot for a group but feel free to just come by and enjoy the company friends.
Sponsored by the LGBTQ Commission.

Rainbow Ball
April 20, 7:00pm-11:00pm, Palmetto Ballroom
RAINBOW Ball will be an opportunity for the Clemson student body to experience ball culture. The phrase “ball culture” is in reference to the New York underground drag/ball scene and highlights the culture that LGBTQ+ P.O.C. have created for themselves. This ball will be a place for attendees to express themselves freely through fashion, dance, and general camaraderie with their peers. There will be themed “categories” for attendees to walk our runway in, music for them to dance to, and fun to be had.
Sponsored by RAINBOW.

Contact Ciera Durden at cierad@clemson.edu or 864-656-7625 for more information or accessibility needs.

CU 2019 Queer Scholarship Showcase: 50 years after Stonewall Call for Presentations

As part of this year’s campus Pride programming, Clemson University libraries, the PRTM department, and the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center want to celebrate the LGBTQ-themed scholarship that our Clemson family engages in. In order to facilitate this effort, we are inviting faculty, staff, and students to submit proposals to share their work in 10 to 15-minute lightning round presentations in Hendrix Center, Ballroom B, on the afternoon of Thursday, April 4, in the inaugural Queer Scholarship Showcase: 50 years after Stonewall.

“Scholarship” can include materials such as academic research, practitioner research, focus groups, curriculum development, grant writing, dissertations, conference presentations, etc.

The lightning rounds will be used to highlight the major components of the material as well as the overall experience of conducting research related to the LGBTQ+ community.

Please complete the brief Qualtrics survey found at this link to submit your proposal.

Each proposal will include the following information:

  • * Name(s):
  • * Clemson position/role: (Student/faculty/staff)
  • * Type of LGBTQ scholarship: (Research in progress, completed research, curriculum development, grant-writing, public health, etc.)
  • * 1-2 Paragraph Summary of scholarship: (Be sure to include the main points of what it is, what stage it is in, what the intended or actual outcomes are, partners in project, etc)

All submitted proposals indicate availability and willingness to present at indicated time, and consent to have presentation recorded and posted to Clemson website after the event.

Please contact Stephen Lewis at stlewis@clemson.edu with any questions, and please forward to anyone you think may be interested.

We are excited to see how fellow tigers are engaging with and promoting LGBTQ identities and communities!

We will start reviewing proposals February 11 and will email all decisions no later than February 28. We hope that faculty members submitting proposals will please consider the option to make attendance to this showcase an extra-credit event for your student.

Sincerely,

Ciera Durden, Stephen Lewis, and Ed Rock

Pride Planning Committee

Trans Awareness Week, November 12-19

From the Gantt Multicultural Center’s website:

Trans-Inclusivity in Higher Education Faculty and Staff Professional Development Workshop
Monday, November 12th from 11:30am – 1:00pm in Academic Success Center, Room 118
Ivy Gibson-Hill is a co-founder and the Executive Director of Gender Benders, a trans-focused grassroots activist organization located in South Carolina.  Ze serves as the LGBTQ Rights Toolkit Coordinator with Campaign for Southern Equality, and has published multiple pieces about LGBTQ equity and trans health.  Ivy’s training will focus on trans-focused education and how to make professional environments accessible to trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/EQQhQyJwvFn4Wgse2. Sponsored by the Gantt Multicultural Center and Inclusion and Equity.

Stop Kiss LGBTQ+ Play and Talk Back
Monday, November 12th from 7:30pm – 9:00pm at the Bellamy Theatre (141 Jersey Lane, Clemson, SC)
Diana Son’s poignant and heartfelt play Stop Kiss tells the story of Callie and Sara, two strangers in New York City who meet and over time develop a friendship that blossoms into something much deeper. Acting on their mutual attraction leads to terrifying consequences and moving transformations in this life altering comic-drama.  The play will be presented by the Clemson Players, and a talk back session will be done by the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center.  The play is $6 for students, and $12 for adults. Coordinated by the Gantt Multicultural Center and the Clemson Players.

Create Your Own Gender Adventure Student Workshop with Lara Americo (https://www.laraamerico.com/index.php/about/
Wednesday, November 14th from 11:30am – 1:00pm in the Hendrix Student Center, David Peebles Room
Have you ever consciously created your gender? We create gender every day whether we realize it or not. When we wake up, with clothes and mannerisms, we perform and create gender. In this interactive presentation, we will create a new gender. What will yours be? RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/5obM0jnHLZZLpsKg1. Sponsored by the Gantt Multicultural Center and Inclusion and Equity.

Trans Awareness Week Keynote: Lara Americo (https://www.laraamerico.com/index.php/about/)
Wednesday, November 14th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm in Memorial Auditorium, Old Main/Tillman Hall
This two hour presentation takes us from early evidence of gender and sexual diversity in caves and indigenous tribes to Stonewall Inn and the Compton Cafeteria riots in the 60s and 70s. We will talk about how queer history has shaped many movements happening today and the future of the queer community. RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/e9cqOyH2eM41x0wg1. Sponsored by the Gantt Multicultural Center and Inclusion and Equity.

Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil
Monday, November 19th from 7:00pm – 8:00pm in the Outdoor Amphitheater
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Join us for a candlelit vigil and reading in acknowledgement of this day and as an act of solidarity to our trans community. Sponsored by the Gantt Multicultural Center.

Open Forum report to the Council for Diversity and Inclusion

You can read our report on the Open Forum we held and the feedback from our anonymous survey from March 30, 2018 here: https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/lib_pubs/154/ 

This report will be presented at the next Council for Diversity and Inclusion meeting, and submitted to the Office of Inclusion and Equity.

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or more feedback at lgbtqcu@g.clemson.edu

Open Forum thanks

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our inaugural open forum and those you submitted questions. We appreciate all of the feedback and will be using your comments and suggestions (anonymously) to help improve our communication to campus and create new recommendations for the administration and Council on Diversity and Inclusion. We will create a report that will also be made available on our website.

Here is a link to the presentation: https://clemson.box.com/s/t8wnlnyhwmm245z2i2hfjf3r2re5nx27

We also want to leave our feedback form open for any future comments: https://goo.gl/ZFb8zh

The Wardrobe Re-Opening, April 2 at 12PM

The Wardrobe Re-Opening is happening in just an hour! Come see the great work of CU-SAGA in the Paw Pantry today at noon! Light refreshments will be provided.

The Wardrobe is a free, no-questions-asked clothing bank located on Clemson University’s campus. The Wardrobe is designed to serve transgender and gender nonconforming members of the Clemson community, but is open to anyone in need.

 

Pride Week 2018 Events, March 30-April 7

Pride Week is here! Visit Gantt Multicultural Center for up to date information and be sure to swing by the multitude of events!

 

Ally Training
Friday, March 30 from 8:00am – 12:00pm in Academic Success Center 118
Register now here.
The purpose of Ally Training is to make Clemson University a more welcoming and inclusive place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning [LGBTQ] students, faculty, and staff. Ally Training aims to increase awareness and understanding of LGBTQ issues and to train allies to stand with, and advocate for, LGBTQ people. Coordinated by the Gantt Multicultural Center.

LGBTQ Commission Open Forum
Friday, March 30 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm in Academic Success Center 118
The President’s LGBTQ Commission will be holding a forum to communicate with the campus its activities and to provide members of the campus community the opportunity to pose any comments, questions or concerns. The forum will be open to staff, faculty, administrators and students. Please not there will be a student-only forum later in the semester as well. Coordinated by the President’s LGBTQ Commission.

The Wardrobe Ribbon Cutting
Monday, April 2 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm in the Paw Pantry, Union Breezeway
Clemson University Sexuality and Gender Alliance (CU SAGA) is proud to partner with Paw Pantry to officially open The Wardrobe. The Wardrobe is a collection of clothing donated by the Clemson community for any student in need on Clemson’s campus, with special emphasis for trans and non-conforming students in need of clothing. Join CU SAGA, the Paw Pantry and the Gantt Center for the celebration of this new significant service on campus! Coordinated by CU SAGA, Paw Pantry, and the Gantt Multicultural Center

Pride Week Kickoff Event
Monday, April 2 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm in the Carillon Gardens
Kick off #PrideWeek18 with fun and games, including a round of Rainbow Jenga! Coordinated by Athlete Ally and CU SAGA.

PRIDE Film Screening
Tuesday, April 3 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm in Lee 2-111
Come watch the British LGBT-related historical comedy-drama film that is based on a true story. PRIDE depicts a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised money to help families affected by the British Miners’ Strike in 1984, at the outset of what would become the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners campaign. Popcorn will be provided. Coordinated by the Gantt Multicultural Center.

Common Read Book Discussion: Juliet Takes a Breath
Tuesday, April 3 from 7:30pm – 8:30pm in the Brown Room, Cooper Library
Join Professor Megan MacAlystre from the Department of English to discuss Juliet Takes a Breath, a riveting novel about the intersections of ethnicity and sexuality. Free books will be given to the first 12 people who visit the Gantt Multicultural Center (Brackett 300) and make a commitment to attend the event. Coordinated by the Department of English and the Gantt Multicultural Center.

LGBTQ+ Resource Fair
Wednesday, April 4 from 10:00am – 2:00pm in the Hendrix Student Center Atrium
Drop-in to learn more about resources both in and outside of Clemson specifically for LGBTQ+ students! Coordinated by the #PrideWeek18 Planning Committee.

Open Mic Night
Wednesday, April 4 from 7:30pm – 9:30pm in the Union Underground
Clemson University Sexuality and Gender Alliance (CU SAGA) will be hosting an Open-Mic Night. Come share your creativity in the form of songs, poems, spoken-word, skits, or other forms of expression. Content is LGBTQ+ encouraged, but all are welcome. Coordinated by the CU SAGA.

Queer Coloring Break
Thursday, April 5 from 11:00am – 1:00pm in the Gantt Multicultural Center Student Lounge (Brackett 300)
Take a breather with a grown-up coloring session!  We have a relaxing range of coloring sheets with LGBTQ-friendly, body-positive, and life-affirming themes to suit every taste and skill level.  Colored pencils and sharpeners are provided, too — just bring your creativity so you can have a lollipop, listen to some low-key music, and do some chill coloring.  Got a class?  No worries.  At this drop-in session, you can come when you want and leave when you’re done. Coordinated by the Department of English.

Intersection of Religion and Identity Discussion
Thursday, April 5 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm in Lee 2-111
Representatives from several religious backgrounds/faith traditions will talk about the intersection of religion with sexuality and gender identity. Coordinated by the #PrideWeek18 Planning Committee.

Trans Information Session
Friday, April 6 from 12:30pm– 2:00pm in the Brown Room, Cooper Library
The Gender Benders are coming to Clemson’s campus! Learn more about sexuality and gender identity in this fun and engaging workshop! Coordinated by the Gantt Multicultural Center.

Drag 101 with Tricia Lust
Friday, April 6 from 4:00pm– 6:00pm in the Brown Room, Cooper Library
Drag Queen Tricia Lust will be on Clemson’s campus to teach everyone all about drag culture the day before the 6th Annual Drag Show! Coordinated by the President’s LGBTQ Commission.

Faculty, Staff, Alumni LGBTQ and Ally Mixer
Friday, April 6 from 7:30pm – 9:30PM Sauced in Downtown Clemson
Come join fellow Clemson faculty, staff, alumni, and allies for an evening mixer during Pride Week sponsored by the Clemson LGBTQ+ Alumni Club!

Pride Prom
Friday, April 6 from 9:00pm – midnight in the Union Underground and Outdoor Courtyard
You are invited to Clemson’s first ever Pride Prom! Come celebrate Pride Week with dancing, music, free food, bowling, arcade games, and more! All are invited, and please bring Clemson ID! Wear what makes you proud, formal or not! We can’t wait to see you there! Coordianted by the CUSG LGBTQIA+ Engagement Committee.

6th Annual Drag Show
Saturday, April 7 from 8:00pm – 10:00pm in Memorial Auditorium (Old Main/Tillman Hall)
The 6th Annual Drag Show will feature Clemson students in an amateur portion in addition to a wide range of professional performers from around the country. We are looking for students interested in performing in the student portion of the show as either drag queens or drag kings. If you are interested please fill out the form here! Coordinated by CLEMSONLiVE.

Sponsors of the #PrideWeek18 events include: The Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center, CLEMSONLiVE, the President’s LGBTQ Commission, Clemson University Sexuality and Gender Alliance, Athlete Ally, Paw Pantry, CUSG LGBTQIA+ Engagement Committee and Clemson Libraries. Contact Dr. Kendra Stewart-Tillman at stewar5@clemson.edu or 864-656-7625 for more information.

ESPNW columnist, Kate Fagan, visiting Clemson on March 27th

In partnership with the President’s Commission on Women, President’s LGBTQ Commission and Clemson’s Women’s Leadership Program, Clemson Athletics has secured Kate Fagan to speak to our campus on Tuesday, March 27th at 6 PM. This session will take place in Littlejohn Coliseum’s Burton Gallery.

Kate is a columnist and feature writer for EspnW, ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine. Beyond her work with ESPN, her recent book “What Made Maddy Run” provides details and uncommon understanding the struggle of young people suffering from mental illness. She also speaks of the pressure among young people, the need to be perfect in an age of relentless connectivity and social media saturation. An overall very timely topic among college students as a whole community.

You can find more about Kate here: http://www.bykatefagan.com/