Year: 2018

From the Gantt Multicultural Center’s website:

Trans-Inclusivity in Higher Education Faculty and Staff Professional Development Workshop
Monday, November 12^th 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 12^th 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 14^th 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 14^th 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 19^th 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.

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

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 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 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 6^th 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.

6^th Annual Drag Show
Saturday, April 7 from 8:00pm – 10:00pm in Memorial Auditorium (Old Main/Tillman Hall)
The 6^th 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.

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 27^th 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/

The President’s LGBTQ Commission will be holding an open forum on Friday, March 30 from 1:00PM-3:00PM in room 118 of the Academic Success Center. The purpose of this forum is for the commission to communicate with the campus of its activities and to provide members of the campus community the opportunity to pose any comments, questions, and/or concerns. This includes staff, faculty, administrators, and students. Please note there will be a student-only forum later in the semester.

We will have an anonymous form (linked below) for questions and feedback from individuals who will not be able to attend in person, or simply for those who are better able to express themselves in writing. There will also be notecards handed out at the forum for individuals to write down a comment or question and pass it forward to be read aloud by one of the forum facilitators. Facilitators will also read out submissions to the anonymous form.

The forum will begin with an overview of the purpose of the commission, its work thus far, and what we hope to accomplish in the future. We will then open up the floor to comments and questions. Light refreshments will be provided.

As with all routine official university forums, Clemson encourages the participation of its employees and requests that supervisors provide flexible work schedules to allow employees who are interested in the topic the ability to attend.

Link to the anonymous feedback form: https://goo.gl/ZFb8zh

Clemson University’s LGBTQ alumni group’s executive board voted recently to change their name from Clemson Alumni Society for Equality to Clemson LGBTQ+ Alumni Club. According to the club’s president, Brian Cave, “The board hopes to bring a clearer representation of who we are and what we stand for”. Thanks to a more welcoming Clemson community and the University’s commitment to inclusiveness, the board felt the time was right to increase awareness of the club.

In addition to the name change, the club has also updated their purpose:

The purpose of the Clemson LGBTQ+ Alumni Club shall be to establish and maintain an official affinity group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and questioning alumni, and LGBTQ+ friendly allies who are alumni, under the auspices of the Clemson University Alumni Association with the following objectives:

A) Raise funds for the Clemson LGBTQ+ Alumni Endowment for the benefit of an undergraduate student(s) who have made contributions to the LGBTQ community through leadership, service, volunteering or research.

B) Help Clemson achieve its goal of becoming and/or maintaining its status as a Top 20 National University by promoting equality for all students, faculty and staff.

C) The Club will work to promote the concept of “One Clemson,” which endeavors to engage all students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors, particularly freshmen and transfer students, in experiential, interactive activities aimed at facilitating dialogue and increasing awareness of and respect for different cultures and backgrounds.

D) Provide professional networking and social activities for LGBTQ alumni and allies who are alumni.

E) Work with and support the on campus Clemson University LGBTQ+ groups.

F) Work with the University in to improve its nondiscrimination, harassment and related policies to protect all the members of the LGBTQ+ community.

To learn more about the club, visit their Facebook page at ClemsonLGBTQAlumni or their Clemson Alumni page. Alumni can sign up to be a part of the club here. The LGBTQ Alumni club hosts regional events, an annual homecoming tailgate, and sponsors student programming on campus.