Office of LGBTQ* Resources celebrates Trans Week of Awareness with events
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2024) — The University of Kentucky Office of LGBTQ* Resources, housed in the Office for Student Success, will recognize Trans Week of Awareness Nov. 13-20. This week-long celebration aims to increase understanding around transgender people and the issues members of the community face.
“Transgender Week of Awareness is celebrated every year to educate our campus on issues related to the trans community and provide additional support. We balance educational activities with fun events, including a transgender people of color panel, trans pride crafts and even a cryptid-themed pride party.” said Atticus White, assistant director of the Office of LGBTQ* Resources. “This week is all about catering to the students and empowering them to shape the events.”
Glenn Means, director of the office, emphasized the importance of this week, saying, “Honoring Trans Week of Awareness is essential to our commitment to fostering an inclusive campus community. By recognizing and supporting our trans students, faculty and staff, we affirm our values of compassion and respect, ensuring that everyone feels safe and valued.”
Events during the week include:
Nov. 13
Transgender POC Panel | David Marksbury Building, 7-8:30 p.m.
This will be a panel discussion facilitated by members of the community to discuss the experiences of trans people of color.
Nov. 14
Trans Pride Tabling | Outside of Main Building, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Office of LGBTQ* Resources will be tabling out on campus and handing out trans pride swag such as buttons, stickers, flags and more.
Nov. 15
Trans Pride Crafts and Buttons | Dinkle-Mas Suite A250, noon-4 p.m.
Come by the Dinkle-Mas Suite to color, make bracelets and create buttons to connect with community and celebrate trans pride.
Nov. 18
Name Change Information Session | Dinkle-Mas Suite A250, 2-3 p.m.
Partners from the UK’s Legal Clinic will offer a drop-in workshop on how to begin the legal process of changing one’s name.
Nov. 19
Cryptid Pride Party | Dinkle-Mas Suite A250, 4-6 p.m.
This will be a fun way to wind down, make buttons with your favorite cryptids, share snacks and learn fun facts about cryptids.
Nov. 20
Trans Day of Remembrance | Dinkle-Mas Suite A250, 5-6 p.m.
This day remembers and honors the memory of those lost in the transgender community to violence and discrimination.
In addition to the week’s events, the Office of LGBTQ* Resources offers year-round support, including the office community space in the Gatton Student Center. If someone needs to talk about identity-related issues, find a quiet place to decompress or share community with other students, they can come to the office 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To stay engaged after Trans Week of Awareness, follow the office on social media, particularly Instagram, and check BBNvolved for upcoming events.
The Office of LGBTQ* Resources is located on the second floor of the Gatton Student Center in suite A250 and is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
At the University of Kentucky, students are at the center of all that we do. From the moment you become a Wildcat through graduation and beyond, the Office for Student Success is committed to supporting you. Comprised of five areas and 25 units, together, they have one vision — to help students live a life of meaning. Student Success works through an equitable, holistic and inclusive lens to design and deliver unparalleled services and support a diverse community of learners in achieving their wildest ambitions. In the Office for Student Success this is what we do — this is who we are. You can explore resources available to you here. If you have additional questions, you can reach a Student Success team member by calling the helpline 859-218-YouK (9685).