Celebrate Transgender Week of Awareness

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2018) — In recognition of the national Transgender Week of Awareness, the University of Kentucky’s Office of LGBTQ* Resources has created an event for the entire campus.

Determined the event would be relevant to everyone on campus, Office of LGBTQ* Resources organizer and programming intern Courtney Vice said, “I think it’s important for UK to recognize Transgender Week of Awareness because we have such a diverse group of students. This week is a time to validate and educate about a plethora of identities and experiences, to affirm that UK can be a supportive place for all people.”

“Transgender Week of Awareness is not just for transgender, non-binary or gender non-conforming individuals. It’s for everybody,” confirmed Rayne Parker, assistant director in the UK Office of LGBTQ* Resources.

The annual Transgender Week of Awareness offers an opportunity to highlight the spectrum of experiences transgender individuals encounter and get a better understanding of the spectrum of gender identity and expression.

UK’s Transgender Week of Awareness is an opportunity for individuals just learning about transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals to gather information as well as a chance for those already aware to further their knowledge. The week both celebrates individuals and their experiences, but also makes space to acknowledge the disproportionate violence and discrimination against transgender individuals.

Organizers hope that following Transgender Week of Awareness, people continue to seek information, build community and advocate for themselves and others. The Office of LGBTQ* Resources offers services, informational experiences, events and place for community year-round. There are also several student and community organizations.

UK’s Transgender Week of Awareness schedule of events includes:

Food and Housing Insecurity Volunteer Fair

11 a.m., Nov. 12

Social Staircase, Gatton Student Center

Visit the Office of LGBTQ* Resources’ table during the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week event. Receive a collectable flyer and learn more about the office’s initiatives and services.

Trans 101

5 p.m., Nov. 12

330e Gatton Student Center

A workshop on the diversity of gender identity, pronouns and their use, as well as strategies of support. Leave with a button to show your support. This workshop is led by interns in the Office of LGBTQ* Resources.

Green Dot Overview

Noon, Nov. 13

VIP (Violence Intervention and Prevention) Center

This session is a brief introduction to the Green Dot Bystander Intervention strategy. Participants will explore their own connection to violence and violence prevention while learning about the importance of being an active bystander and different strategies they can use to make it less likely that someone will experience violence. Snacks provided.

Allies in Recovery

3 p.m., Nov. 13

A250 Gatton Student Center

A 30-minute presentation on UK's Collegiate Recovery Community, ways to eliminate the stigma, and how to become an ally in recovery from addiction. Open to all. Food provided.

Past-Present-Future Discussion

5 p.m., Nov. 13.

A250 Gatton Student Center

A discussion on trans individuals and activists of the past, influences in the present, and an interactive envisioning of a trans-inclusive and affirming future. Food provided.

Lunch and Learn

Noon, Nov. 14

King Center, Gatton Student Center

Assistant Professor Candice Hargons of the UK College of Education leads a discussion on how identities intersect and impact individual life experiences. Lunch provided.

Reel Talk: “Family Matters”

7 p.m., Nov. 14

Worsham Cinema, Gatton Student Center

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dezjorn is a pretty boy. After modeling from infancy, his mother struggles to understand why her child wanted to become a man. Even as he became a transgender public figure, he hid his gender identity from his mom. Now they are trying to understand one another before it’s too late. This documentary addresses family acceptance and social transitioning.

Why are Trans People Dying in the Age of Celebrity?

5 p.m., Nov. 15

A250 Gatton Student Center

A workshop on the increased visibility of trans women of color juxtaposed with increased awareness of harassment and assaults enacted towards them.

Being Queer When You’re Not Here

7 p.m., Nov. 15

A250 Gatton Student Center

Join the UK Counseling Center and student organization GSA for a conversation on maintaining authenticity in unsupportive environments.

Poet-T

3 p.m., Nov. 16

A250 Gatton Student Center

Read, recite or listen to poetry written by, about or for transgender individuals and their experiences.

“52 Tuesdays”

7 p.m., Nov. 16

Worsham Cinema, Gatton Student Center

Sixteen-year-old Billie's reluctant path to independence is accelerated when her mother begins to transition, and their time together becomes limited to Tuesday afternoons. Filmed over the course of a year, once a week, every week (only on Tuesdays) these unique filmmaking rules bring a rare authenticity to this emotionally charged story of desire, responsibility and transformation. More information on the film and trailer are available here.

Friendsgiving and Resource Fair

5:30 p.m., Nov. 19

Grand Ballroom 212A, Gatton Student Center

Friendsgiving is a time to celebrate in communities of support, get connected to campus and community resources, and learn about how housing and food insecurity impact UK and the greater Lexington community. Dinner provided.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil

7:30 p.m., Nov. 19

Old Morrison, Transylvania University

Honor the lives of those lost this year to senseless violence. Transportation provided, departing 7:15 p.m., from the Gatton Student Center.