MBLGTACC 2011 Program Guide by Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity

u ll s t or a j uerty f o r lib e ing i c hiev s t ac

campus map

Table of Contents

Welcome Letters

Building Blocks, Accessibility & Hospitality

Speakers & Entertainers

Friday Workshop Sessions

Saturday Workshop Sessions

Sunday Workshop Sessions

spectrum center

University of Michigan • Division of Student Aﬀairs • established 1971

The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Senior Director for Institutional Equity, and Title IX/Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Office of Institutional Equity, 2072 Administrative Services Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1432, 734-763-0235, TTY 734-647-1388. For other University of Michigan information call 734-764-1817.

welcome/schedule at a glance Welcome

to the 19th annual Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. We are excited to have you with us this year as we continue the tradition of unifying our community to educate, empower, and inspire. We hope that you will take away from this conference the knowledge and tools necessary for promoting positive change. Our theme is “Justice or Just Us? Achieving Liberty for All.” It is meant to challenge our thinking as we address injustice, oppression, and discrimination. Will we fight only for queer rights or will we find commonalities between our struggles and those of other oppressed groups? How will we address the diversity in our own community so that the fight includes all of us? Who have we left out from traditional queer organizing and whose voice isn’t heard enough? It is these questions that we must answer at this moment in history. The fight for equality has been an ongoing struggle for over 40 years. It is recognized as one of the critical social movements in the United States today. We’ve made major strides and faced seemingly insurmountable resistance. But our zest for life, our refusal to accept the status quo, and our passion have led us forward. As we continue to make progress, we must define how we will fight and with whom we will fight. Justice or Just Us? Find some new answers to this question in your time at the conference.

Friday, February 25 4:00p-5:30p 5:45p-6:30p Hill Auditorium

6:30p-8:30p Hill Auditorium

9:00p-11:00p Michigan Theater

9:00p-11:00p Michigan League: Ballroom

Workshop Session 1 Opening Session Pre-Show Welcome and Opening Plenary with Mara Keisling 50Faggots Webisode 2 Premiere with Cast Talkback God-Des & She wsg Invincible

Saturday, February 26 8:00a-11:10a

Half-Day Institute: Intergroup Dialogue

8:00a-9:30a

Workshop Session 2

9:45a-11:10a

Workshop Session 3

11:15a-12:25p 12:30p-1:30p Hill Auditorium

Lunch on your Own Plenary with Mandy Carter

2:15p-3:15p

State Caucuses (p.24 for locations)

3:20p-6:40p

Half-Day Institute: Justice Within

Welcome to U of M and have a fabulous time. We’re excited to change the world. Together.

3:20p-4:20p

Workshop Session 4 Identity Caucus 1

- The 2011 MBLGTACC Conference Planning Team

4:30p-5:30p

Workshop Session 5 Identity Caucus 2

Registration

5:40p-6:40p

Workshop Session 6

Michigan Union: Kuenzel Room Friday, February 25, 11:00a-6:00p Saturday, February 26, 7:00a-10:00a

p.20 for details

Conference Shuttles Friday, February 25, 12noon-12midnite Saturday, February 26, 7:00a-12midnite Sunday, February 27, 7:00a-1:00p

8:30p

Evening Entertainment

Sunday, February 27 8:00a-9:30a 10:00a-11:30a Hill Auditorium

Workshop Session 7 Farewell and Closing Plenary with Kris Hayashi

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spectrum center

University of Michigan • Division of Student Aﬀairs • established 1971

School of Social Work • Organizational Studies • LS&A Honors Program • Department of Psychology • School of Music, Theatre and Dance • Community Action and Social Change Program • Hillel • Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals

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general info The Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference Planning Team wants to ensure that you have the safest and most enjoyable time on University of Michigan’s campus. Ann Arbor is a fairly safe area, but we want to make sure that you have the resources in case of an emergency. Use the buddy system. Have a route planned ahead of time. Put Ann Arbor cab numbers in your phone, they don’t always idle outside of all bars and clubs. If you are walking around and need immediate emergency help, feel free to push the button or remove the phone from the console located by the emergency, blue light consoles. Police, Fire, and Medical Emergencies: 9-1-1 Department of Public Safety (for non-emergencies): (734) 763-1131 or text 377911 Ann Arbor Police Department (for non-emergencies): (734) 794-6911 Cab Numbers: Ann Arbor Yellow Cab: (734) 663-3355 Ann Arbor Blue Cab: (734) 547-2222 Amazing Blue Taxi: (734) 276-6696

FOUND is an Ann Arbor based magazine and website dedicated to publishing the quirky, poignant, unique and everyday notes that are left behind or lost. Visit foundmagazine.com for more!

DOT COM

Presented with

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks Great swag bag giveaways & entertainment 20+ fantastic raffles

$10 @ Door

Sunday May 1 3 to 8 p.m. Detroit Marriott Livonia. • 6 Mile & Newburgh (off I-275) 17100 Laurel Park Drive North, Livonia

Over 30 vendors will showcase everything you need for your special day!

Tickets at PrideSource.com Pre-registered attendees save $2 Enter BTL1993 for savings code

Pre-register online to SAVE $$ on each ticket and you are automatically entered to win a free vacation! Go to www.PrideSource.com right now. MBLGTACC2011 Save with this code: BTL1993

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micigan student assembly

Public Forums Research & Program Funding Fellows Programs Seminar Series Film Series

www.ethics.umich.edu

building blocks for dialogue We hope that you learn and grow while you are at MBLGTACC 2011. What is provided this weekend, in many ways, is the space and opportunity, and the rest is up to you. That said, our hope is that we can engage each other in dialogue that challenges us to learn and consider beyond our current frameworks. Below is a set of statements - some folks call them guidelines, ground rules, philosophies, norms, standards, expectations, building blocks - but regardless of what we call them, we hope to offer them to you as encouragement to consider how your voice and background blends with the space and feelings of others. * Confidentiality: Please respect other people’s stories and experiences as their own. * Our primary commitment is to learn from each other. We acknowledge differences amongst us in backgrounds, skills, interests, values, scholarly orientations, and experience. * We acknowledge that sexism, classism, racism, heterosexism, and other forms of discrimination (religion, age, ability, language, education, size, geographic location, etc.) exist, even within our own communities. * Challenge the idea, not the person. * Speak from your own experience instead of making generalizing statements. Say “I” instead of “They,” “We,” and “You.” * Grab the Mic, Pass the Mic: Be mindful of taking up much more space than others. On the same note, empower yourself to speak up when others are dominating the conversation. * Check in before you check out: Ask for clarification before jumping to conclusions. * Be conscious of body language and non-verbal responses; they can be as telling as words. * Practice active listening. * We will actively pursue opportunities to learn about our own groups and those of other groups, yet not enter or invade others’ privacy when unwanted.

Adapted from the Program on Intergroup Relations at the University of Michigan.

trans etiquette

There are many transgender people at the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference. In order to be inclusive of all our trans participants, please read and act upon the following. Please do not assume anyone’s gender, even people you may have met in the past. A person’s external appearance may not match their internal gender identity. You cannot know the gender or sex of someone by their physical body, voice, appearance or mannerisms. Pay attention to a person’s purposeful gender expression. We consider it polite to ask: “What pronoun do you prefer?” or “How do you identify?” before using pronouns or gendered words for anyone. When you are unsure of a person’s gender identity and you do not have an opportunity to ask someone what pronouns they prefer, try using that person’s name or a gender-neutral phrase like “the person in the red shirt,” instead of “woman” or “man”. One way of acknowledging transgender people’s needs is to designate restrooms as gender-neutral. In bathrooms, many transgender people face harassment that can lead to anything from deep discomfort to arrest or death. Regardless of what bathroom you are in, please let everyone pee in peace. Each of us can decide for ourselves in which bathroom we belong. Please listen to transgender people’s needs and stories when they are volunteered; yet please respect people’s privacy and boundaries and do not ask unnecessary questions. Educate yourself through books, web sites, and transgender workshops. Then please join the many hardworking allies who are working to respond appropriately to transphobic situations. Respectful allies, who learn from and with transgender people and then educate others, are important for successful transgender liberation. Thank you for your support and have a great conference! Portions of this document have been adapted from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation’s Creating Change program guidelines, 2010.

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creating accessibility The MBLGTACC planning committee has worked hard to make the 2011 conference accessible for attendees with disabilities. In the spirit of learning how our communities can be inclusive of and accessible to all people, we have put together these guidelines for creating a community where people with disabilities are valued and respected. Words like “retard”, “cripple”, “lame”, and “crazy” have been used to bully and oppress disabled people for many decades. Please don’t use these words casually. Understand that the lives of disabled people are neither inspirational nor pitiful by virtue of our disabilities. Rather our disabilities are ordinary and familiar parts of who we are. Ask and wait for an answer before you try to help someone. What you assume is helpful may not be or may be disrespectful. When you encounter someone using a service/assistance or guide dog, do not pet, offer food to, or interact with the animal in any way. Do not comment on the dog’s presence. They are working hard; you are supporting the independence and autonomy they provide by not distracting them. In order to be understood by as many people as possible, speak at a moderate volume and pace. Practice active listening by asking and responding to questions and giving both verbal and nonverbal cues that you are still engaged in the conversation. When you are speaking to someone using an interpreter, address the person you are speaking with, not the interpreter. Many people here have disabilities that affect the ways that they learn, understand, and/or communicate. You can show respect for people by practicing patience with those who learn and/or communicate at a different pace or in a different way that you do. Don’t make assumptions based on atypical speech patterns, body language, or eye contact. If you are having difficulty communicating with someone, try a different form of communication, like writing or demonstration instead of talking. Flashing lights can trigger seizures or other conditions. Avoid wearing or carrying decorative flashing lights and don’t take photographs using the flash on your camera in public spaces. There are seats set aside for people with varying disabilities throughout the plenary space and in the meeting rooms. Please be prepared to move chairs to make room 12. - MBLGTACC2011

for people using wheelchairs, wherever they may wish to sit at plenary sessions and workshops. In order to make it easier for everyone to move around the conference freely, please keep the aisles clear. Be aware of the people around you when navigating tight, crowded public spaces, and leave plenty of room for people to pass safely. Becoming scent-free is an important step toward access for people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses and is a skill you can practice everywhere. If you are not accustomed to going scent-free, it is important to think carefully about all the products you use in your day. You can either not use shampoo, soap, hair products, perfume, essential oils, skin lotion, shaving cream, makeup, etc., or use fragrance-free alternatives that are available in many drug stores. If you must use scented products, please sit or stand as far away as possible from areas designated “scent-safer” areas. If you need to find a scent-safer space while at the conference, please let a MBLGTACC assistant know. If you smoke (or hang around people while they smoke) please do so only in the designated areas and away from entrances. Please dispose of cigarettes in designated ashtrays in order to keep our campus nice and clean for everyone. Challenge your assumptions. Some disabilities are less visible than others. Everyone has a right to use the accommodations they need without being criticized or questioned. If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility at any time during the conference, please speak with a conference assistant or University of Michigan staff person. Please listen to the needs and stories of disabled people when they are volunteered; yet please respect people’s privacy and boundaries by not asking unnecessarily intrusive questions. Many disabled people deal with daily curiosity about our bodies and find it exhausting. Educate yourself through books, web sites, and at the abilityrelated workshops at MBLGTACC. Then, please join the many hardworking allies who are working to respond appropriately to ableist situations. Please stop by the registration table for: • Programs in large print • Directions to accessible restrooms Portions of this document have been adapted from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation’s Creating Change program guidelines, 2010.

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hospitality rooms Looking for somewhere to hang out during the conference? Stop into the one of our Hospitality Rooms and mingle with fellow conference-goers. On Friday & Saturday we will offer a General Hospitality Room for all conference goers. On Saturday we will also offer an Advisor Hospitality Room, a People of Color Hospitality Room, a Bi/Pan/Fluid Hospitality Room for those who self-identify on the Bi/Pan/Fluid spectrum, and a Trans Hospitality Room for those who self-identify on the Trans spectrum. On Saturday light refreshments and beverages will be served, and all rooms will be a great place to be network and socialize with other conference attendees. Come wind down with us! General Hospitality Room Union: Art Lounge Friday 12-6 and Saturday 8-7

Trans Hospitality Room Union: Blain Saturday 8-7

People of Color Hospitality Room Union: Sophia B. Jones Saturday 8-7

Advisor Hospitality Room Union: Spectrum Center, 3rd floor Saturday 8-7

Bi/Pan/Fluid Hospitality Room Union: Crofoot Saturday 8-7

list of exhibitors Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to visit the Exhibit Hall Saturday February 26, 8a-6p Location: Michigan Union: Rogel Ballroom Accenture Progressive Out for Work GE Campus Pride HRC Foundation MBLGTACC 2012 Common Language Bookstore

Deloitte Northrop Grumman oSTEM OUTwear Pridewear and Accessories Ann Arbor T-shirt Company Organizational Studies Hillel

Michigan Student Assembly Unity Michigan Equality Michigan Legalize Trans* Taubman Health Sciences Library School of Social Work Community Action and Social Change Program

State of Michigan Luncheon Sponsor

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Michigan Student Assembly University of Michigan’s Central Student Government

The Michigan Student Assembly supports MBLGTACC through the Peace and Justice Commission, Disability Affairs Commission, Women's Issues Commission, and Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Issues Commission.

msa.umich.edu 3909 Michigan Union, 530 S State St, Ann Arbor MI 48109

B:4.25” T:4” S:3.75”

Once a good idea takes root, it’s amazing how far it can spread. GE is proud to sponsor MBLGTACC 2011, and remains committed to supporting equal rights and diversity in the workplace through our GLBTA Alliance employee resource group. www.gecareers.com

B:5.5”

S:5”

T:5.25”

thank yous/planning team Parents, Family, and Friends of MPAW E. Royster Harper, Vice President for Student Affairs Anita Bohn Melissa Coppola Chris Armstrong Mike Allen, MBLGTACC 2008 Alicia Marting, Sonia Gill and Pam Drake, Office of University Development Gabe Javier Will Sherry Jackie Simpson, Director, Spectrum Center Ariana Bostian-Kentes Sara Wagner, LSA-Curriculum Barb Niemi from University Unions Out for Business at the Ross School of Business Michigan Proud Allied Wolverines (M-PAW) John Chamberlin- Center for Ethics in Public Life, Ford School of Public Policy Vincent Villano and Sam Menefee-Libey, Campus Progress The Volunteers at the Spectrum Center Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan Shannon Rice and Barry LaRue-Hill Auditorium Amanda Bynum and J. Scott Clarke, Michigan Theater Patricia Pardon, Name Droppers Growing Allies and the Prorgam on Intergroup Relations Jimmy Brown Erica Williams Linh Nguyen Alex Kulik Jerry Kozak, Ann Arbor T-Shirt Company Mary Blottie, Sara Schwartz and Cheryl Miller-Conference Services Scot Grieg and Christine Kitora, Necto Nightclub Marlanna Landeros, Department of Public Safety Anika Awai-Williams, Michigan Student Assembly Kristy Poore, Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Gregory Smith, Program Book designer

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Central Planning Team Directors

Sean Collins, John Davis, Mical DeGraaff, Patrick Benjamin Mitchell

Organizers

Allison Horky, Beth Jenkins, Bhavik Lathia, Jonah Thompson

Advisors

Gabe Javier and Will Sherry

Core Team

Lisamarie Alvarez Brad Bergeron Ethan Blustein Jacob Bolton Andrew Brown Sarah Carlson Matthew Chess Melissa Coppola Mitch Crispell Chris Dyer Alyssa Francini Clark Frye Alex Golec NoĂŤl Gordon Diana Goulding Thomas Habratowski Ethan Hahn Aditi Hardikar Jason Kehrl Manan Kocher Jihad Komis Eun Lee Kaelen Medeiros Helen Merenda Heather Nawrocki Gallal Obeid Taylor Portela Colin Roberts Mary Rock Ashley Schwedt Matthew Shur Andrew Silapaswan Savannah Sisk Katie van Dusen Brandon Wood

speaker bios Mara Keisling

Co-Sponsored by the Center for Ethics in Public Life and the Office of the Provost

Mara Keisling is a powerful force for gender rights. After graduating from Penn State University in 1988, she continued her education at Harvard University studying American Government. In 2003, she founded the National Center for Transgender Equality, and has served as the executive director. The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) “is a 501(c)3 social justice organization dedicated to advancing the equality of transgender people through advocacy, collaboration and empowerment.” In 2005, Harvard University named her Outstanding LGBT Person of the Year, and has received numerous awards from PFLAG, the Equality Forum, GayLaw, the Transgender Law Center, the Harvard Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Supporters Alliance and Out for Work.

Mandy Carter

Co-Sponsored by the Womens Issues Commission of the Michigan Student Assembly

Mandy Carter is a self-described “out, southern, black, lesbian, social justice activist,” dedicated to working in multi-issue and multi-racial grassroots organizing for the past 40 years. Although she was first introduced to social justice activism in 1965 when the Quaker-based American Friends Service Committee visited her high school in Schenectady, N.Y., it was the 1968 Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Poor People’s Campaign that officially marked the beginning of her activism. Carter is a founding board member of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), which is the only national civil rights organization for black LGBT individuals and their allies dedicated to fostering equality by fighting racism and homophobia.

Kris Hayashi

Co-Sponsored by the LGBT Commission of the Michigan Student Assembly

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Kris Hayashi is the Co-Executive Director of the Audre Lorde Project. The Audre Lorde Project (ALP) is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, focusing on the New York City area. Through mobilization, education and capacity-building, ALP works for community wellness and progressive social and economic justice. Committed to struggling across differences, ALP seeks to responsibly reflect, represent and serve our various communities. With the hire of Kris Hayashi in 2003, ALP became one of the first LGBT organizations to have a Trans-identified person as it’s Executive Director. Kris has been involved in movements for racial and economic justice for over 15 years.

performer bios 50Faggots - Webisode 2 Premiere Friday, February 25, 9PM, Michigan Theater 50Faggots educates audiences with the unprecedented access to the lives and experiences of effeminate male activists, artists, professionals and educators perspectives rarely discussed within most cultures. The series addresses the dearth of self-acceptance among effeminate men, young and old, with humorous anecdotes, important wisdom, and inspiring models of resilience. By offering individual alternatives to dominant constructions of American masculinity and heteronormative gay lifestyles, this film illuminates the on-going issues relevant to queer communities (from 50faggots.com).

God-Des & She

with special guest Invincible Friday, February 25, 9PM, Michigan League Ballroom A hip-hop/pop/soul duo bred in the Midwest, God-Des & She now play to packed venue’s all over the world from New York CIty to Stockholm, Sweden. Ever since they appeared on Showtime’s The L Word four years ago, the pair haven’t had a moment’s rest, selling over 30,000 albums, holding down the #1 song spot on MTV LOGO with their song “Love You Better,” and signing autograph after autograph for eager fans. With their recently released album Three, God-Des & She are about to blow up—big. Produced by Brian Hardgroove (Public Enemy, Wu Tang, Burning Spear, Aerosmith), their new album confirms their status as an underground act about to hit the mainstream (from God-Des & She website). Invincible’s versatility shines through on ShapeShifters over production by Waajeed, Black Milk, Lab Techs, House Shoes, and more. She is part of a community on the frontline of innovating the future of music, including featured guests Tiombe Lockhart, Finale, Wordsworth, Indeed, and Buff1. Every track stands alone in style, subject matter and concept. Together, the tracks form a cohesive unit that covers issues related to self and community transformation such as: the journey of a struggling artist, J Dilla and Proof’s legacies, media monopoly, love/hate relationships, gentrification, faith, and beyond. Invincible’s visual lyricism is interwoven with heavy hitting musical backdrops, creating a compelling cinematic sound-scape. From Hip Hop enthusiasts to everyday people working for change, Invincible’s ShapeShifters will give hope to listeners searching for substance within their daily dose of music. Invincible has created an album for the ages to transform the way people listen to emcees for years to come (from Invincible website).

MBLGTACC2011 - 19.

performer bios (continued)

Staceyann Chin Saturday, February 26, 9PM Michigan League Ballroom Staceyann Chin is a fulltime artist. A resident of New York City and a Jamaican National, she has been an “out poet and political activist” since 1998. From the rousing cheers of the Nuyorican Poets’ Cafe to one-woman shows Off- Broadway to poetry workshops in Denmark and London to co-writer and performer in the Tony nominated, Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, Chin credits the long list of “things she has done” to her grandmother’s hard-working history and the pain of her mother’s absence (from StaceyAnn Chin’s website).

Join us for a special Spoken Word Open Mic 7:30p open to all participants

sponsored by the U-Club Poetry Slam

“I Can’t Think Straight” Saturday, February 26, 9PM University of Michigan Museum of Art Auditorium Co-Sponsored by the UMMA Student Programming Committee

“I Can’t Think debut film as tagonists are gent base for

Straight” is novelist and screenwriter, Shamim Sarif’s a director, a romantic comedy where both lead prowomen and the cultural backdrop forms an intellitheir journey towards self-awareness and each other.

From Film Journal International:

“I Can’t Think Straight” introduces us into a rarefied world of upperclass Muslims struggling to deal with homosexuality. Palestinian Tala (Lisa Ray) is on her fourth broken engagement, the reason for which is her basic attraction to women. The object of her affection is Leyla (Sheetal Seth), an Indian girl who must deal, like Tala, with eternal parental clucking over her rebellious ways and inability to find a proper man.

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epic

dance

two dance floors f r e e b i l l i a r ds & ga m es

epic performances by

jade

epiphany

cyon flare

drag king rebellion and special guest dida ritz

saturday feb 26 doors open at 10p performances start at

1030 p must present conference badge for entrance michigan union second floor

state caucus State Caucuses Saturday, February 26 2:15-3:15 pm

if your state is not listed below and you would like to organize/reserve a state caucus room, please notify a MBLGTACC2011 Central Planning Team member at registration

State caucuses present a unique opportunity for leaders in LGBTA college organizing to come together to discuss statewide issues and organizing opportunities. State caucuses create a space to share successful organizing strategies, programs, and resources at different institutions across the state and to coordinate statewide efforts on legislation and policy. During the state caucus, attendees will elect representatives to the MBLGTACC Oversight Committee. These representatives will share feedback on the 2011 conference experience for at the Oversight Committee meeting. Florida - Michigan Union: Pond ABC Room Illinois - Michigan League: Hussey Room Indiana - Michigan League: Vandenberg Room Iowa - Angell Auditorium B Kansas - Michigan Union: Wolverine ABC Michigan - Rackham 4th Floor Minnesota - Michigan Union: MSA Chambers, 3rd Floor

Missouri - Michigan Union: Anderson ABCD Nebraska - Michigan League: Kalamazoo Room North/South Dakota - Michigan Union: Parker Room Ohio - Angell Auditorium D Wisconsin - Angell Auditorium A

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Chihuahua Puppy Card FOUND by

Kathleen Cole in Washington, DC

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friday workshop sessions Workshop Session 1 Friday February 25 4:00-5:30 PM 1

Integrating Inclusion: Improving Social Service for Queer Youth Michigan Union: Anderson D Presenter: Miranda Simmons, University of Michigan

From attachment to queer youth development and societal trends, this workshop provides a best practices framework for youth social service providers to aid queer youth. It looks at how interpersonal attachment affects queer youth development, and how those relationships are reflected in a larger society. Further, it uses evidence-based practice and youth empowerment theories to set a standard from which youth social service agencies can improve they ways they care for queer youth. (P) Health and Wellness, Social Identity (S) Allyhood, Coming Out, Workplace, Youth

Big Tobacco and the LGBT Community: A Bad Romance Michigan Union: Parker Room

Presenter: Jamie Tam, University of Michigan

LGBT people are 50-200% more likely to smoke compared to the straight population and tobacco use is likely the number one killer of LGBT people in the U.S. How did smoking become a part of queer culture? How has the tobacco industry targeted our community? This session offers an overview of current knowledge

of LGBT tobacco use and the role of tobacco companies in producing this major LGBT health disparity. (P)Health and Wellness, History (S) Academia, Culture, Research and Theory, Health Disparities

We Love Gender & That’s Why We F*** It!

Michigan League: Vandenburg Room Presenters: Kaelen Medeiros, University of Michigan; A Popkey, University of Michigan; Ethan Blustein, University of Michigan; Charlie Gall, Wayne State University

Join Ann Arbor based gender performance troupe Drag King Rebellion as they (and participants!) share their stories and experiences with (or surrounding) “drag” and gender performance. We will discuss the cultural and personal significance of performing gender and explore what that means to different people. Ultimately, we will examine how every day, in many ways, every body does drag. (P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S) Arts and Media, Gender Identity and Expression, Gender Performance

Let’s talk about it Mason 1339

Presenters: Melissa Robinson, University of Michigan; Katharine Zurek, University of Michigan; Kaitlyn Filip, University of Michigan

An interactive dialogue which navigates the topic of healthy relationships. The workshop will consider models, which exist for healthy relationships and examine the ways in which normative models particularly affect the queer community. Building from participants’ knowledge and experience, we will posit a “queered” model for healthy relationships.

(P) indicates Primary Topic (S) indicates Secondary Topics

(P) Health and Wellness, Social Identity (S) Dating and Relationships

Valuing Identity: My Experience + Your Perception

Michigan League: Hussey Room Presenters: Mary Larkin, Eastern Michigan University; Justin Ford, Eastern Michigan University

Social identity and social justice work can be a complex area of navigation. This interactive workshop is for participants who desire to take a closer look at their own intersections of identity, both marginalized and mainstream. Join us as we explore the impact of society on our identity and the relationships we build. (P) Social Identity

“Eye-to-Eye”: Queer of Color Prospectives on Anger & Hatred Mason 1448

Presenters: David Green, University of Michigan; Lanice Avery, University of Michigan; Loti Walker, University of Michigan

In this workshop, we will explore some of the issues that exist in queer of color communities. We will make verbal those “silences” that exist between our bodies, minds and histories in order to rid ourselves of internal and collective oppressions. While any racial, gender, or sexual minority group can easily point to the effects of white racism as the result of our many felt oppression, this workshop invites us all to talk between and among ourselves about whatever issues we feel stunt our collective survival. (P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity

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friday workshop sessions (continued) Intersections of Allyhood: Sexuality, Race, and Social Class Michigan Union: Pond ABC

Presenters: Spenser Paul, University of Michigan; Alex Kulick, University of Michigan

By examining many of our identities at once, we can better understand the ways in which we are all disadvantaged by an unequal society. Through a semi-structured dialogue, we will attempt to expand our concepts of allyhood, as well as our understandings of our experiences as LGBTQ people and as allies, through the lenses of race and socio-economic status. (P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S) Allyhood, Racial Justice, Intersectionality

Navigating Queer Professionalism-Social Work Perspectives Michigan League: Michigan Room

Presenters: Beth Jenkins, University of Michigan; Ja Huh, University of Michigan; Leigh Roberston, University of Michigan

This workshop will explore the question “What does it mean to be a queer and a professional”? Social work graduate students and a social work field faculty member will address key issues related to queer identities, and being a professional. The field of social work will be used to illustrate the social, cultural, ethical, and institutional forces that can contribute to queer peoples’ decisions to be out at the workplace. Case studies in small group dialogues will be offered to assist in strategies for participants in navigating the management of workplace disclosure. (P) Social Identity

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(S) Coming Out, Pre-Professional, Queer Identity, Workplace

Legally Gay Mason 1427

Presenter: David Garcia, Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center

Where does the LGBT community currently stand on the most important legal issues of the day? Explore the legalities of Gay Americans from workplace discrimination and protections to second parent adoption, marriage, bullying and military service. Antonio David Garcia was fired for being gay back in 2000 and he is here to talk about how far we have come and the tremendous amount of work left to do. This workshop will focus on Michigan LGBT laws and the tremendous inequities that currently exist between the LGBT and straight community and perhaps most importantly, what you can do about it!

Mainline Churches: How Inclusive Are They Really? Michigan Union: Anderson ABC

Presenters: Bob Roth, Wesley Foundatio at the First United Methodist Church

Many in the LGBTQ community have grown up in the mainline churches, including Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Catholics, Lutherans, and others. Many have left the church not for a lack of faith, but because they were judged, rejected, or even taunted or abused by other people of faith. Where are we now in the mainline churches? Where can those working for change and full inclusiveness have the greatest impact? Where has significant progress been made worthy of celebration?

If I Weren’t His Son FOUND by Greg in a middle school

saturday workshop sessions Academia, Culture, Research and Workshop Session 2 (S) Theory, Health Disparities Saturday February 26 13 8:00-9:30 AM

Gay is the New Black? Mason 1427

Be an Effective LGBTQA Student Leader! Michigan League: Hussey

Presenter: Johnathan Fields, DePaul University

Presenters: Tim Valentine, Ohio State University; Angie Wellman, Ohio State University

“Gay Is The New Black?” aims to discuss the complicated struggles and histories of Black and LGBTQ folks. This workshop will problematize the LGBTQ usage of Black history, especially as it relates to both blatant and subtle racism that occurs within LGBTQ communities. Even though the focus of this workshop will be centered around Blackness, in no way should this suggest the racism of LGBTQ communities is specific to Black folks.

Being a student leader is hard work, especially when you are leading an organization based upon a shared social identity. This session will teach you effective leadership strategies including how to communicate effectively, how to lead a meeting, how to motivate others, and how to model inclusivity of the entire LGBTQA community. You will leave feeling like a better leader!

(P) History, Social Identity (S) Culture, Hate and Bias, Queer People of Color, Racial Justice

(P) Activism and Organizing, Campus Life (S) Campus Programming, Research and Theory, Residence Life, Leadership

Journalism as Advocacy Michigan League: Michigan Room

Presenter: Tara Cavanaugh, Between the Lines Newspaper

Journalism and advocacy have different ideals, but at an LGBT newspaper, the two mix. The news editor from Between The Lines, Michigan’s LGBT newsweekly, will discuss how the paper informs and supports a community while casting a critical, journalistic eye on important issues. (P) Activism and Organization (S) Culture, Social Media

Equality Talks

Michigan League: Vandenberg Presenter: Lindsey Taylor, Human Rights Campaign Foundation

Mason1359

Talking about LGBT equality is the most effective way to educate others. Equality Talks offers an in-depth, practical look at how to communicate issues of LGBT equality to others in your community. Participants discuss strategies, practice having often challenging conversations and gain experience to confidently advocate for LGBT equality.

Presenter: Jamie Tam, University of Michigan

Presenter: Will Bowen, AIDS Partnership Michigan

In order for APM to fulfill its mission, APM has to focus on the populations with the highest prevalence and risk for HIV regardless of identity. This population is men who have sex with men (MSM) of color. This fact fosters programing, staffing, and collaborations geared towards MSM communities, and giving APM

Big Tobacco and the LGBT Community: A Bad Romance Michigan Union: Parker Room

AIDS Services Organizations: Servicing the disenfranchised LGBT community by default

a de facto LGBT organization label.

(P) Health and Wellness, History

(P) indicates Primary Topic (S) indicates Secondary Topics

Out at Work? Corporate Panel Discussion/Q&A Michigan Union: Wolverine ABC

Presenter: Riley Folds, Out for Work

Students at the MBLGTACC will be tomorrow’s leaders in social justice, but many of us will also be tomorrow’s professionals, businesspeople, scientists, and engineers. Join Out for Work and our corporate sponsors for a discussion on the experiences and opportunities for LGBTA people

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saturday workshop sessions (cont) in the workplace in sectors including business, healthcare, technology, and more. Company representatives will also discuss career opportunities in their fields. Participants are encouraged to bring their own questions.

Able to Advocate: Disability and Queerness Mason 1436

Presenters: Elizabeth Thompson, University of Michigan; Sara Rechnitzer, University of Michigan; Mitch Crispell, University of Michigan

While as a queer community we are collectively marginalized, there are communities within ours who face additional oppression. People with disabilities are one such community. Explore queer and disabled peoples’ shared struggles and different experiences. Have discussions on privilege and oppression within the queer community. Identify the positive potential of community building and allyhood for queer and disabled people.

(P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S) Ability, Allyhood, Community Partnerships, Queer Identity

Entering into Intersex Mason 2306

Presenter: A Robinson, Speakers Bureau

This informational workshop will be an elementary exploration of what is/ are intersex or disorders of sex development (DSD). Topics will range from conditions in animals and plants, statistics, terminology, types of intersex conditions, to medical viewpoints. Attendants will gain a basic understanding of what is/are intersex or DSD and the issues faced within the community.

This workshop is to show the inequalities and discriminatory practices in American public schools. We, as American public school students and as LGBTQQIA individuals, feel victimized by the policies of the “liberal” education system; as a unit, we wish to state the policies and standards of mid-western schools, then, present ideas on how to modernize these practices and procedures for making LGBTQQIA students feel equal in the public education systems of mid-western states. (P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S)Academia, Hate and Bias, Policy and Politics, Youth

(P) Health and Wellness, History (S) Intersex, Research and Theory

Angell Auditorium C

Legal Discrimination, Just Us? Or Everyone? Angell Auditorium B

Presenters: Cody Cramer, Grand Rapids Community College; Eric Mahoney, Grand

Half-Day Institute Reflection, Mindfulness, Dialogue: Deepening Our Awareness of Identity, Intersectionality and Social Justice Saturday, 8:00a-11:10a, Union: Anderson ABCD

Craving an honest dialogue about identity and social justice? Want to deepen your self-awareness and engage in meaningful conversation with a diverse group of people? The Program on Intergroup Relations at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor is hosting this Institute to provide an opportunity for self-reflection and connection across difference on topics of social identity. Through highly interactive activities and conversation, participants will discover more about the ways our race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability, gender, socio-economic status, and citizenship affect assumptions, communication and group dynamics.

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Rapids Community College; Emily Lowing, Grand Rapids Community College; Melissa McKian, Grand Rapids Community College

Queer 101: An Asexual Perspective Presenter: Michael Friesen, Michigan Technological University

Queer 101: An Asexual Perspective is an introduction to sexual orientation, gender identity, and all things queer-related through a framework developed by the asexual community. This workshop aims to be a comprehensive coverage of the basics about sexual orientation, gender identity, and LGBT topics with a special focus on asexuality and demisexuality. (P) Social Identity (S) Asexuality, Bi/Pan/Fluid Identity, Gender Identity and Expression, Research and Theory

Strategies and Challenges in Implementing LGBTAffirmative Policy Mason 1448

saturday workshop sessions (cont) Presenter: Kiefer Paterson, Macomb Community College

This session will discuss various strategies and techniques for pursuing policy change/implementation at colleges or institutions. During the session, we will discuss specific strategies that were successful in implementing a “safe zone” program at Macomb Community College. Presentation of successful techniques and informal discussions of new ones by the participants will be encouraged.

This workshop will critically engage the messages in the “It gets better” campaign, by applying the theme, “Justice or Just US”, through a lens of critical consciousness. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how Privilege and Oppression function within the LGBTQ community and be offered the opportunity to video record their own response, as part of an action plan to combat Oppression within their own communities.

(P) Activism and Organizing, Campus Life (S) Academia, Campus Programming, Policy and Politics

(P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S) Allyhood, Queer People of Color, Racial Justice, Social Media

BDSM101

Angell Auditorium D Presenter: Elliott Jensen, University of Iowa

This workshop is to introduce the underlying concepts of BDSM in a safe, comfortable and question-friendly environment as well as basic safety concerns both mental and physical. This is meant to be an entry-level overview of the kink community and the rich diversity within it, but long-time kinksters are welcome as well! Basic toy use and a demo will be involved. (P)Health and Wellness, Social Identity (S) BDSM, Kink, Sexual Freedom

For whom does it get better? Deconstructing Privilege and Oppression through analysis of the “It Gets Better” Campaign Angell G127

Presenters: Cyndi Torres, DePaul University; Kylon Hooks, DePaul University

Red State, Blue State, Equality Can’t Wait: Civic Engagement for LGBT Equality Mason 1401

Presenter: Grace Wojcik, Affirmations Community Center

Despite the change in the political landscape of the Midwest, remaining engaged in the civic process creates opportunities for education on LGBT issues and lays the groundwork for future opportunities to elect proLGBT officials. This workshop will empower participants to utilize communication and organizing strategies to educate and engage their elected officials, regardless of political ideology, on LGBT issues in addition to stressing the importance of equality for all to those in their communities. (P) Activism and Organizing (S) Campus Programming, Community Partnerships, Policy and Politics

Angell G115 Presenter: Rachel Brian, University of Michigan

Sexual minority women are at increased risk for a variety of health issues that go unaddressed within the mainstream field of health. This session intends to shed light to the inequalities in health and unique needs faced by lesbian and bisexual women, as well as how best to address them in research and health interventions. (P) Health and Wellness (S) Body Image, Lesbian Identity, Mental Health, Research and Theory

Trans & GenderQueer 101 Mason 1449

Presenter: JAC Stringer, Trans and Queer Wellness Initiative

This workshop sorts out the mass of labels and theories that surround gender and break into the realities of trans and genderqueer experiences. But is gender only a trans and genderqueer concern? Gender and the queering of gender relate to our identities, sexualities, and communities in many complex ways. We will discuss the constructs of gender and its influences within trans, queer, and non-queer communities to find commonalities that will help us build a more inclusive, just community. (P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S) Allyhood, Gender Identity and Expression, Gender Queer Identity, Transgender Identity

Health Inequalities of Sexual Minority Women

(P) indicates Primary Topic (S) indicates Secondary Topics

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“That’s So Gay”

Michigan Union: Pond ABC Presenters: Elizabeth Thompson, University of Michigan; Sara Rechnitzer, University of Michigan; Mitch Crispell, University of Michigan

Heterosexist Language On Campus “That’s so gay” is a popular phrase. The phrase and other heterosexist language can create an unsafe environment for LGB students. This session will discuss research conducted at the University of Michigan about the effects of hearing “that’s so gay” and who uses the phrase. Session participants will be asked to share their experiences hearing and possibly saying “that’s so gay.” Strategies to decrease the use of the phrase on college campuses will be discussed.

Workshop Session 3 31 Saturday February 26 Able to Advocate: Disability and Queerness 9:45-11:10 AM Mason 1436

Let’s break the (binary) rules! Mason 1449

Presenter: JD Holmquist, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Boy or girl? Kinky or vanilla? Flaming or straight-acting? Butch or lipstick lesbian? Gender-queer or gender specific? Do you fall within any of these categories, and you cannot STAND that you aren’t allowed to identify as anything in between? Let’s look deeper into human sexuality and gender expression, and fight off the common stereotypes that society dumps upon us. (P) Social Identity (S)Culture, Gender Identity and Expression, Gender Queer Identity, Queer Identity

Sex: Pre-op or not

Michigan League: Michigan Room Presenter: Gydian Lee McCready, Missouri State University

This workshop is a safe space discussion forum for pre-op or non-op gender-variants, trans* people and people who love them, to discussion issues about sexual relations. We will discuss how to use non-gender specific language, describe your relationships to other people, bring up and set boundaries before sex as well as in the relationship that make both parties feel comfortable.

check out the Legalize Trans* booth at the exhibit hall, Saturday, 8a-6p, Michigan Union

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(P) Health and Wellness, Social Identity (S) Dating and Relationships, Gender Identity and Expression, Gender Queer Identity, Transgender Identity

Presenters: Elizabeth Thompson, University of Michigan; Sara Rechnitzer, University of Michigan; Mitch Crispell, University of Michigan

Disorder or Defiance? Gender Identity Disorder and Our Communities Angell Auditorium C

Presenter: JAC Stringer, Trans and Queer Wellness Initiative

Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is an internationally reaching mental health diagnosis placed on all transgender, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming identities. GID spans beyond the trans spectrum creating limitations on many communities. GID is very controversial with issues surrounding accessibility to health care and civic resources, ableist issues, and identity legitimacy. We will discuss the realities of GID, the systems that uphold it, how it affects our communities, and what we can do.

saturday workshop sessions (P) Health and Wellness, Social Identity (S) Ability, Gender Queer Identity, Mental Health, Transgender Identity

Real Enough to Save Young Lives with a Detroit Spin Mason 1427

Presenters: Jay Fallon, Alfredo Smith, and Hal W. Smith

This workshop will utilize a brief presentation and interactive group discussion style to explore the intersection of socioeconomic factors on HIV/AIDS infection and transmission rates among youth in Metropolitan Detroit. The session will focus on the creative prevention methods being employed by the Real Enough 2 Change Boyz (R.E.C. Boyz) Program, a Detroit adaptation of the evidencebased Mpowerment HIV prevention model, to reach young black men who have sex with men (YBMSM) between 13 and 24 years of age.

Empowering Faggots: Bisexual, Pansexual & The power of community Fluid Identities: Myths storytelling and and Realities Angell Auditorium B reclaiming language Angell G115

Presenters: Randall Jenson, Zachary Stafford, 50Faggots

Come participate in an interactive exercise with young people, exploring the opportunities and difficulties of sharing our experiences with harassment and violence with others in our queer communities. A lively group discussion will follow about our individual views on negative stereotyping and labels, as well as if we feel these powerful words can be reclaimed and worn as badges of honor. This workshop will be facilitated by Director Randall Jenson and Production Assistant Zachary Stafford of the 50Faggots online documentary series, which follows the lives of self-identified effeminate gay men and their queer communities in America.

Equality Talks

Michigan League:Vandenberg Presenter: Lindsey Taylor, Human Rights Campaign Foundation

Understanding what it means to be in Gay and Arab/Middle Eastern Mason 2306

Presenter: Christiano Ramazzotti, Al-Gamea

The 90 minutes power point presentation single session or “workshop” is developed to increase participant’s knowledge of how Arab culture impacts on GLBT Arab & Muslims from coming out and help them to understand Arab & Muslim culture and develop skills to reach hard to reach populations or GLBT Arab and how Al GAMEA implement program and created safer place for GLBTQ Arab/ Middle eastern & Muslim communities. The workshop/session will include information, handouts and video.

(P) indicates Primary Topic (S) indicates Secondary Topics

Presenter: Robyn Ochs

What does it mean to identify as bisexual, pansexual or fluid? What are some of the challenges to understanding and representing this often overlooked segment of the LGBTQQIA community? Bring your own list of myths: we’ll analyze them a bit and explore their origins. You’ll leave the program with a better understanding of bisexual, pansexual and fluid identities as well as some tools for challenging bi/pan/fluid erasure and biphobia.

Resolving the HIV/AIDS Pandemic: It’s Not about Charity, It’s About Justice Michigan Union: Pond ABC Presenter: Roger Hoerl

Over the past few decades, AIDS has evolved from being essentially a gay men’s disease to a disease disproportionately impacting women, the poor, the young, and people of color; in other words, the vulnerable. Beyond promoting charity to address AIDS, this workshop will discuss AIDS as a human rights issue, with injustice being the problem and empowerment and human rights being the proposed solution. The presenter will utilize life stories of people he has met in his travels through Africa to explain his main points.

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Building Community through Creative Writing and Performance Michigan Union: Parker Room Presenter: Krishna Pattisapu, University of Denver

Creative writing offers LGBTQQIA folks unique opportunities to articulate experiences with oppression and liberation. By sharing creative works like poems and personal narratives through the act of performance, LGBTQQIA folks can locate commonalities and differences across their experiences. This workshop leads participants in the creation and performance of poems and personal narratives as a means of building community within and across gender, race, and sexual orientation. Participants should come prepared to create, share, and explore. (P) Social Identity (S) Arts and Media, Coming Out, Culture, Queer Identity

Organizing for Students in STEM Fields Mason 1401

Presenters: E ric Patridge, Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Incorporated; Denise Conner, Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Incorporated; AP Fritts, Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Incorporated; Gary Wilks, University of Michigan

Attendees will learn about “Out in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics” (oSTEM), a national society for LGBTQA students the STEM fields. Participants will learn the impact of an organization with an academic focus, including the ways oSTEM can specifically contribute to the academic experience. Participants will learn how to create and sustain an oSTEM chapter. They will also learn how

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to connect with students and professionals in academia and industry. (P) Activism and Organizing, Campus Life (S) Academia, Campus Programming, Research and Theory, Workplace

Health-Queer in America: The State of LGBTQ Sexual Health Care Mason 1359

Presenters: Jenny Murphy, Eastern Michigan University; Susan Doss, Planned Parenthood Mid and South Michigan; Leah Minadeo, Planned Parenthood Mid and South Michigan

The LGBTQ community continues to be disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and unplanned pregnancy. In the spirit of a round-table conversation, join us for an open, honest discussion about the current state of LGBTQ sexual health care in the United States. In addition to what we can do individually and as a community to reduce these high rates of unwanted sexual health outcomes, how can we improve currently available sexual health care services? (P) Health and Wellness (S) Allyhood, Community Partnerships, Sexual Health

Radical Consent and BDSM Angell Auditorium D

Presenter: Elliott Jensen, University of Iowa

Although at first blush it may not seem like radical consent and BDSM power dynamics could work very well together, the BDSM community’s long-standing tradition of operating on Safe,

Sane and Consensual practices works very smoothly with radical consent when done correctly. This workshop aims to show how constant communication of desires and boundaries can be quite sexy and still operate within a power dynamic, as well as discuss the more philosophical side of BDSM. (P) Social Identity (S) BDSM, Kink, Sexual Freedom

Valuing Identity: My Experience + Your Perception

Michigan League: Hussey Room Presenters: Mary Larkin, Eastern Michigan University; Justin Ford, Eastern Michigan University

“Eye-to-Eye”: Queer of Color Perspectives on Anger & Hatred Mason 1448

Presenters: David Green, University of Michigan; Lanice Avery, University of Michigan; Loti Walker, University of Michigan

We will explore the issues that exist in queer of color communities. We will make verbal those “silences” that exist between our bodies, minds and histories in order to rid ourselves of oppressions. While any racial, gender, or sexual minority group can easily point to the effects of white racism as the

saturday workshop sessions result of our many felt oppression, this workshop invites us all to talk among ourselves about whatever issues we feel stunt our collective survival. (P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity

Advisors and/or Activist: Finding the Third Space Angell G127

Presenters: University of Michigan Spectrum Center staff and friends

This workshop will allow advisors, advising staff and higher education professionals who do LGBTQ work on college campuses to connect around best practices regarding self care, boundary-setting and balancing the personal and political. Groups will have the opportunity to bring their own needs and topics to the discussion and benefit from the wisdom and experience in the room.

Gay Rights FOUND by Madie in Saginaw, MI

Just-Released Results of the National Trans Discrimination Survey Michigan Union: Wolverine ABC

Presenters: Mara Keisling, National Center for Transgender Equality

Everyday, transgender and gender non-conforming people bear the brunt of social and economic marginalization. The struggle for fairness has too often ben held up because of the lack of hard data on the scope of discrimination they face. Two years ago, NCTE and the Natl Gay and Lesbian Task Force formed a ground-breaking partnership to address this problem by launching the first comprehensive national transgender study! From employment and education, to ID documents, to family life, come hear the compelling results on how to in tegrate this data into your advocacy.

Half-Day Institute Justice Within: Getting Our Own House in Order Presented by Robyn Ochs 3:20p-6:40p; Michigan Union:Anderson ABCD

“The Gay & Lesbian Community,” “The Queer Community,” “The LGBT Community,” “We.” Who are “we”? What different identities and experiences do we bring to the table? And how do we inadvertently or intentionally exclude and silence those in our own midst whose sexual orientation, gender identity, race, class, politics, etc. is different from our own? How do we create barriers to entry through our language and behaviors? How do we respond to being excluded? What makes us feel welcome and valued? Let’s hold our own organizations and social networks accountable and work together on strategies for thinking and behaving in ways that welcome rather than exclude.

(P) indicates Primary Topic (S) indicates Secondary Topics

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saturday workshop sessions (cont) Workshop Session 4 (S) Coming Out, Pre-Professional, WorkSaturday February 26 place 3:20-4:20 PM 49

Angell G127

(P) Social Identity

What Does Anger Have to do with it? Identifying the Effects of Anger on Your Relationship Michigan League: Vandenberg Room Presenter: Tara Hill, Old Dominion University

Have you ever been in a relationship with a partner who has a bad temper? Or, have you ever been accused of yelling at people when you are only venting, or found yourself walking out at the slightest indication of tension? Has anyone ever asked you why you never get mad? In this session participants will learn what is normal in terms of anger in relationships and how to cope with it. (P) Health and Wellness (S) Dating and Relationships

LGBTQ workplace information; resources, resumes, employee perspectives Mason 1448

Presenter: Riley Folds, OUT for Work

This session will provide information on the challenges that face LGBTQ individuals when entering the workplace. Attendees will learn about the current challenges, gain insight into the resources and tools to call upon when looking for information on the transition from academia into the workplace, being out on resumes and in interviews, and so much more.

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Code Orange: Community through Health Angell Auditorium B

Presenters: Patrick Battani, 2011 National LGBTI Health Summit

This session will help participants understand how to advocate for various health topics. It will also introduce the 2011 National LGBTI Health Summit in Bloomington, Indiana where members of the LGBTI Community will discuss our health and what it means to be at the Crossroads. This session will also show participants how to remove the idea the LGBTI identified people are merely vectors of disease and move them to a socio-ecological model of health care. (P) Health and Wellness (S) Community Partnerships, HIV/AIDS, Mental Health, Policy and Politics

Psychological History of Homosexuality Mason 1436

Presenter: Joshua Smith, Emporia State University

This session will look that the history of homosexuality over the decades of the 1940s to the 2000s. It will also look at some of the psychological “causes” that were discussed during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s and will also look at some of the “possible cures” that some psychologists and other groups have come up with. I will also look at some of the most current movies in the current culture. (P) History, Social Identity (S) Academia, Culture, Gay Identity, Lesbian Identity

Educating Queerness: Practical Ways Individuals can Affect Social Justice Presenter: Justin Riddler, University of Missouri- St. Louis

Everyday provides us with moments to educate others, no more so than on college campus or in the classroom. Come learn practical ways to combat prejudices against Queer & LGBTQIA persons, including how to provoke constructive dialogue. Techniques can be utilized across the spectrum of campus environments, from the already accepting to the hardly tolerant. (P) Campus Life, Social Identity (S) Campus Programming, Residence Life, Workplace

Advocating for LGBT Student and Educators in Public Schools Angell Auditorium D

Presenters: Jordan DeWilde, Illinois State University

With the recent teen suicides in the LGBT community, it is even more imperative that schools work to create an inclusive environment for all students. The presenter will discuss the importance of being and openly gay educator and the struggles and advances of the LGBT community in education throughout history. This session will provide educators with resource and information about integrating LGBT issues into the curriculum and creating a safe classroom environment. (P) Activism and Organizing (S) Academia, Hate and Bias, Youth

saturday workshop sessions 53

Everybody Poops: What’s the Stink with Gender Neutral Bathrooms Mason 1449

Presenters: Jessica McGlory, DePaul University; Quinn Stifler, DePaul University

Do you want to learn more about the issues surrounding gendered bathrooms on college campuses? After a brief trans 101, we’ll dive into concerns around bathroom accessibility, sexual assault in bathrooms, and lastly discuss campaign strategies for advocating gender-neutral bathrooms on your campus. This workshop will leave you feeling more informed and mobilized to work for inclusive spaces. (P) Activism and Organizing, Campus Life (S) Gender Identity and Expression, Gender Queer Identity, Residence Life, Transgender Identity

From Programming to Maximizing: Reforming Your Student Organization Mason 1427

Presenter: Justin Ford, Eastern Michigan University

Students who attend this workshop will be presented with the tools to create student organizations that not only produce quality social and educational program initiatives, but also empower members of all identities and at all levels of their organization to grow individually and collectively. This workshop will help students learn to capitalize on the strengths of all members in order to maximize learning, development, and organizational growth. (P) Activism and Organizing (S) Campus Programming, Pre-Professional

Fundraising Can Be a Real Drag Angell Auditorium C

Presenters: Nate Franklin, Southern Illinois University- Carbondale

This workshop will present participants with information on how they can plan a campus drag show as a way to raise money for their student organization. The workshop will include information on hiring performers, getting the help of the campus administration, advertising, preparing and renting necessary items for the day of the event, and how groups can get their members involved. (P) Activism and Organizing, Campus Life (S) Arts and Media, Campus Programming, Community Partnerships, Fundraising

It’s just information!

Michigan League: Hussey Room Presenters: Samantha Wittenberg, University of Illinois; Jeanie Austin, University of Illinois; Nathan Fredrickson, University of Illinois; Ashley Raynor, University of Illinois

Equity of access to information is vital for community development. Libraries offer an array of information resources and promote forums for open dialog. Those interested in knowing more about how libraries support LGBT individuals and groups, should plan to attend this session featuring current library and information science (LIS) students. They will discuss some of the complex topics they’re considering including intellectual freedom, activism, LGBT collections, and social media. (P) Activism and Organizing (S) Community Partnerships, Culture, Research and Theory, Social Media

(P) indicates Primary Topic (S) indicates Secondary Topics

Surviving the Hot Seat: Protect Yourself and Share Your Story Michigan League: Michigan Room

Presenter: Jes Berndt, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee

Ready to educate the masses? Many queer and allied people are called upon, formally and informally, to speak about our community and answer a wide variety of questions. This can be an exhausting and daunting task for many, including the new and veterans. We will focus on skills and strategies necessary for community members to participate in panels and presentations of any sort. Join us to learn to work with those “difficult” audience members. (P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S) Allyhood, Campus Programming, Coming Out, Community Partnerships

Advising 101 Mason 1401

Presenters: Daniel La Fuente, Columbus College of Art & Design; Tim Valentine, Ohio State University

We invite advisors to come meet and discuss advising strategies, group dynamics theory, and share stories. The presenters will teach Group Dynamic Theory – Tuckman’s Stages as they compare to advising student groups, discuss the differences between various student group models and discuss ways to encourage students to be more inclusive of the multiple identities found in the LGBTQA student community. (P) Activism and Organizing, Campus Life (S) Advisors

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Glitter, GaGa, U-Hauls and You: Effects of Stereotypes in Shaping the LGBTQA Community Angell G115

Presenter: Alex Golec, University of Michigan

Everybody in the LGBTQA community watches Glee and listens to Lady GaGa, right? Pride parades are composed of rainbows and glitter because those unify? Let’s discuss how stereotypes affect the everyday interactions of our community in terms of unity, inclusion, and perception. Can we promote inclusivity without the perception of a single-stream culture? How do you fit in? We will look at examples of stereotypes in the LGBTQA community as prompts for a discussion. (P) Social Identity (S) Coming Out, Culture, Gay Identity, Hate and Bias

Identity Caucuses 1 3:20-4:20 PM Bi/Pan/Fluid

Michigan League: Kalamazoo Room This caucus will help participants create connections across the Midwest with other Bi/Pan/Fluid individuals. It’s important to create spaces where we can gather to see that our community exists and that there is support for Bisexual/Pansexual/Fluid identities. We will give attendees the chance to think and chat about the space for Bisexual/Pansexual/Fluid identified folks at MBLGTACC 2011 and to explore how we can increase visibility as well as have Bi/Pan/Fluid perspectives throughout MBLGTACC 2011.

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Interfaith

Michigan Union: Parker Room The United Nations has said that “Interfaith dialogue is absolutely essential, relevant, and necessary.” This caucus will provide a space for people of all faiths and beliefs to find common ground and similarities as individuals or within institutions. Attendees will explore how citizens of the world can work together to achieve respect, compassion, and harmony as TBLGQ communities of faith.

Ally

Michigan Union: Pond ABC Anyone can be an ally regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. But, what does it mean to be an ally? This caucus provides space at MBLGTACC 2011 to talk about experiences as an ally, the definitions, and how allies are present at MBLGTACC 2011.

Transgender

Michigan Union: Wolverine ABC This caucus will provide a space for individuals on the transgender spectrum to talk about their experiences with everything from dating and relationships to moving through everyday life. Attendees will have a chance to network, grow relationships, and build community, as well as talk about visibility and how the “T” fits into LGBT.

QPOC: “This Workshop is Closed” Dialoguing About Closed QPOC Spaces

tions, others remained torn on the issue. This roundtable discussion creates space for individuals who are still struggling to articulate their positions on closed workshops. Specifically, this workshop encourages individuals who identify as biracial/multiracial or who otherwise occupy a middle ground to voice their opinions about “closed” workshops.

Ability

Mason 1359 As LGBTQ, ally, and similarly identified people, we come from all backgrounds. This caucus provides space for us to talk about our experiences as people with disabilities, both visible and invisible, and our work and experiences within the LGBTQ and ally community, organizations, and at the MBLGTACC 2011.

Make your own Caucus Michigan Union: 2105A

This caucus is intended to create a space to explore any identity of the room’s choosing. Feel free to post the identity on the door when you arrive. This space can also be used to continue conversations around one identity that were possibly started in a workshop. Also feel free to drop by and see what the room is talking about, as it can be used to delve deeper into topics raised throughout the conference, such as disability justice, sovereignty, and femme/butch identity, just to name a few.

Make your own Caucus Michigan Union: 2105B

Angell Auditorium A

Conversations at MBLGTACC 2010 regarding the designation of “closed” workshops for queer people of color revealed a severe rift among conference attendees. Although many attendees clearly stated their posi-

This caucus is intended to create a space to explore any identity of the room’s choosing. See the above description for additional information.

saturday workshop sessions Workshop Session 5 Saturday February 26 4:30-5:30 PM

“Virtual” LGBT Speaker Panels: An Alternative Method of Conducting LGBT Speaker Panels Mason 1427

Presenter: Christopher Beasley, DePaul University

Previous research has shown LGBT speaker panels to be effective at reducing homonegativity; however, they are limited to institutions with the cohesive LGBT groups and institutions that have a physical campus to provide a meeting space for the panel. This workshop will demonstrate a computerized LGBT speaker panel, suggest ways for schools and LGBT organizations to create such a panel, and disseminate results from a study that examined the panel’s influence on homonegativity. (P) Campus Life (S) Academia, Campus Programming, Gender Identity and Expression, Research and Theory

Silly Fruits, Stereotypes Are For Kids! Angell Auditorium C

Presenters: Matthew Stoner, Florida Gulf Coast University; Steph Mold, Florida Gulf Coast University; Juan Capistran, Florida Gulf Coast University; Chad Neal, Florida Gulf Coast University

Everyone on earth gets stereotyped. It just so happens that those of us in the GLBTA community get it pretty bad. This workshop will provide an

educational, interesting, yet hilarious depiction of the falsities of stereotyping and how best to defy subjective prejudice. Through audio, visuals, and yes, even a performance, the dashing GLBT leaders of Southwest Florida will present these issues from a passionate anti-stereotyping perspective!

the audience with tools to use their school’s mission statement and theological perspectives to explain the necessity of their campus activities.

(P) Campus Life, Social Identity (S) Arts and Media, Culture, Gender Identity and Expression, Social Media

Campus-Wide Coalitions: Creation, Upkeep, Possibilities Angell Auditorium D

Presenters: Kate Miller, Michigan State University; Nick Pfost, Michigan State University

Campus-wide coalitions allow campuses of any size coordinate their programs and create a strong presence at their school, but they’re hard to start and even harder to maintain. Participants will work together to come up with program ideas and examples will be given to help student groups communicate and plan with less stress and more creativity. Join us and take your campus resources and programming to the next level!

(P) Campus Life, Faith and Spirituality (S) Policy and Politics, Residence Life

Queer Representation in Contemporary Media Mason 1448

Presenter: Anna Schier, Loyola University Chicago

This workshop will explore queer representation in contemporary media. Over the course of this workshop a dialogue will be facilitated addressing queer stereotypes, queer body image, and the invisibility and marginalization of certain queer populations, particularly as related to film and television. Workshop goals include developing an enhanced awareness of queer presence in the media and how to be a critical consumer of popular television and film. (P) Social Identity (S) Arts and Media, Culture, Queer Identity

(P) Activism and Organizing (S) Campus Programming, Campus Groups

Michigan League: Vandenberg Room

Finding Common Ground on Religious Campuses Michigan League: Hussey Room

Presenter: Margaret Curran, Loyola University Chicago

When Queer groups organize on religious campuses they are often met with a very specific type of opposition. This workshop aims to provide

(P) indicates Primary Topic (S) indicates Secondary Topics

Ally Development: It’s More Than You Think!!

Presenters: Travis Schilla, Western Illinois University; Rachel Aho, Western Illinois University

This session, open and relevant to all conference attendees, consists of low and high risk activities, and will provide you with a new look at what it means to be a social justice ally. The session will include interactive activities, personal reflection, and discussion. After attending, you will leave feeling confident in defining what

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saturday workshop sessions (cont) being an ally means to you and how you can go forward to implement similar activities on your campus. (P) Campus Life, Social Identity (S) Allyhood, Campus Programming, Hate and Bias

Question and Action: Serving the community while saving yourself Mason 1401

Presenters: Jenn Daniels, Illinois Wesleyan University; Alex Shockey, Illinois Wesleyan University

At this point in age in our society we are witnessing the struggles for our community to secure equality. Two of the main ways to go about securing equality is through activism and advocacy. In this workshop we will discuss the differences between the two and how we can be advocates or activists on our college campuses as students, faculty, or staff in order to ensure our own safety and secure equality. (P) Activism and Organizing, Campus Life (S) Coming Out, Policy and Politics

Learning From Drag Angell G127

Presenters: Travis Olson, Loyola University Chicago; Domonic Rollins, Loyola University Chicago

Drag Shows are common events in queer culture but are they valuable and entertaining learning opportunities or an exploitive and morally objectionable practice? This workshop will lead students through a discussion of the history of drag, its current status in our society and how to correctly incorporate drag into educational programming on their campuses.

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(P) Campus Life, History (S) Campus Programming, Culture, Gender Identity and Expression, Sexual Freedom

Social Media: Building Community or Breaking Reality Angell G115

Presenter: Ashley Schwedt, University of Michigan

We are living in the age of social media and the rise of innovative technology. Everyone can agree that it is affecting the way that we work, play, and build relationships, but there is much debate over whether this cataclysmic change is hurting or benefiting the way we live. Join the dialogue about the changes that our generation will be remembered for. (P) Social Identity (S) Social Media, Youth

Making a Lasting Difference: The Role of Service Learning in Effective Social Justice Mason 1436

Presenters: Elyse Reamer, University of Michigan

We will discuss the importance of both education and an asset-based approach to project development with community partners in creating an effective service learning program. We will use SERVE, a student-run, service learning organization at the University of Michigan, as a model. How to create a program that focuses on education about and social justice work in LGBTQA-affiliated subjects will be emphasized.

(P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S) Community Partnerships, *Service Learning

Mobilizing Mid-West Campuses for Bayard Rustin Commemoration 2012-2013 Angell Auditorium B

Presenter: Mandy Carter

On August 28, 1963 the historic 1963 March on Washington was held at the Lincoln Memorial where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech. It was organized by Bayard Rustin, a black gay pacifist who was all but written out of history because he was gay. 50th anniversary of the March is 2013 and 2012 is Bayard’s Centennial. This workshop is for attendees interested inorganizing on their Mid-West campuses for this 2-year campaign.

Identity Caucuses 2 4:30-5:30 PM Asexuality

Michigan League: Kalamazoo Room With so much focus on just four letters, asexual and similarly identified people are too often overlooked. This caucus space will create the opportunity for us to discuss our asexual identity and our experiences working with and within LGBT organizations and LGBT communities.

Gay and Greek

Michigan Union: Parker Room Across the country we are seeing record numbers of men and women joining fraternities and sororities. With this increase in membership comes

saturday workshop sessions (cont) an increase in the number of LBGTQ individual joining fraternities and sororities. Come share and explore the experiences of LBGTQ individuals in the fraternity/sorority community and learn about resources for LBGTQ members.

Kink: Kinky Caucus Michigan Union: Pond ABC

Kinksters are out there and we know it. Let’s see what we can do for each other. Leaders of kink communities, members, or those interested in developing the Midwestern kink community are invited to this first ever, oneof-a-kind caucus. Let’s discuss what is going on back home in our communities, best practices for outreach, education, and discuss an organizational structure. Do we need to organize formally or just keep in touch?

GenderQueer, Non-Conforming

Michigan Union: Wolverine ABC Gender Queer, Genderfuck, Gender Defiant, Androgynous... There are many words that describe where an individual may fall on the gender spectrum. This caucus is designed to explore living outside the gender binary. Come share your experiences, thoughts, and ideas about identifying as gender non-conforming!

QPOC: Conversations: Queer People of Color Angell Auditorium A

On college campuses, queer people of color have a more difficult time finding community and being in solidarity with their peers. This caucus seeks to explore and reflect on the experiences of queer people of color in an open and honest dialogue. Participants can expect to look at critical concepts, while being in community with one another. This session is open to students, staff and faculty.

Socio-Economic Status Michigan League: Michigan Room

This caucus will provide a space for folks of a lower class or socioeconomic status to come together and talk about their experiences with class on college campuses and in environments like the MBLGTACC 2011. Attendees will have a chance to share stories, discuss the intersections of LGBTQ and class identities, and collaborate on ways to support one another.

Make your own Caucus Michigan Union: 2105A

Make your own Caucus Michigan Union: 2105B

This caucus is intended to create a space to explore any identity of the room’s choosing. See the above description for additional information.

(P) indicates Primary Topic (S) indicates Secondary Topics

Workshop Session 6 Saturday February 26 5:40-6:40 PM

Yo Soy, exploring the experiences of LGBT Latinos Mason 1436

Presenter: Trace Camacho, Michigan State University

Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. Yet the experiences of LGBT Latinos are rarely seen in the media or found in literature. Come explore some of existing representation LGBT Latinos in both media and literature and help increase the dialogue about LGBT Latinos. Participants are encouraged to share their own stories as this session hopes to create a “communidad” of LGBT Latinos and their allies. (P) Social Identity (S) Culture, Gay Identity, Queer People of Color

Speakers Panels: Educating your campus in order to create change Mason 1427

Presenters: Beric Wessely, Western Illinois University

Come learn a way to educate your campus and enlighten them on LGBTQIA related topics through the process of speakers panels. You will learn how to establish an effective outreach program, which is focused on peer to peer education within a multi-discipline classroom setting. Speakers panels try to educate and enlighten individuals on terminology, topics, and identity using individu-

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saturday workshop sessions (cont.) als personal experiences along with educational resources and activities. Education is the key to change. (P) Activism and Organizing, Campus Life (S) Community Partnerships, Culture, Residence Life, Campus Programming

The Bible and Homosexuality: The ‘Clobber Passages’

Michigan League: Hussey Room Presenter: Gail Simonds, Weathervane Ministries

Explore the Biblical texts used to condemn homosexuality with the historical-critical approach. Learn about the cultural contexts for the ‘holiness code’ in Leviticus and the lists of evildoers in 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy. Discover the real sin of Sodom and Gomorrah and what Paul meant by ‘unnatural relations’ in Romans. This workshop provides resources for many purposes, from participating in the ongoing debate with Christian fundamentalists to reconciling one’s own spiritual upbringing and journey. (P) Faith and Spirituality (S) Judeo-Christian

The Transition: Narratives of Change Mason 1449

Presenter: Kris Langner, University of Northern Iowa

The workshop will be based on my study about the transitional narratives of transmen, including triumphs and failures, while trying to make it in the world as a man. (P) History, Social Identity (S) Academia, Gender Identity and Expression, Research and Theory

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Greek Allies Mason 2306

Presenters: Nirali Shah, University of Illinois; Katherine Weseman, University of Illinois

Greek Allies is an LGBTQ ally training available to the Greek system. This training illustrates why LGBTQ allies are needed in the Greek community. After understanding the need, Brothers and Sisters learn how they can be allies to the LGBTQ community. The training includes videos, discussions, a panel, and activities. (P) Campus Life (S) Allyhood, Campus Programming, Coming Out, Greek Life

Not Queer Enough: Who’s Allowed in the Room Angell Auditorium C

Presenter: Natalie Klueg, University of Minnesota- Duluth

Do you look queer? What does that even mean? What are the rules, who wrote them, and what does it mean to break them? As the Queer (lgbtaqqi…) Movement grows and changes, so too does the face of the movement. Do you feel represented? This workshop is for the outliers and outlaws, for those who are looking for their place, and those willing to carve one out. Let’s find out who is queer enough. (P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S) Arts and Media, Body Image, Queer Identity

When Old Met New: Native Concepts of Gender and Sexuality Mason 1448

Presenter: James Buter, Austin Peay State University

This workshop focuses on Native American ideas of gender, masculinity and sexuality before and after contact with Europeans until Today. Emphasis will be placed on the experiences of bands whose contact was with either Catholic France or Spain. We will discuss the idea of the twospirit, its to the term “berdache” and the conflict of cultures and identities inherent in two completely different world views on sex and sexuality. (P) History, Social Identity (S) Gay Identity, Gender Identity and Expression, Gender Queer Identity, Queer Identity

Justifying Kink Angell Auditorium D

Presenter: Greg Wisa, Truman State University

Kink and other “alternative lifestyles” have been around for decades, yet this is still a largely ignored sexual minority. Kink is still considered taboo, and kinksters often live double lives to avoid being ostracized. What do medical and mental health professionals have to say about this lifestyle? What can the GLBT community do to welcome these individuals? This workshop will discuss disparities kinksters face everyday and explore avenues for more open living. (P) Activism and Organizing, Social Identity (S) BDSM, Community Partnerships, Kink, Policy and Politics

See You in Court: LGBT Court Cases around the Midwest Angell Auditorium B

Presenter: Mallory Jones, University of Michigan

saturday workshop sessions (cont.) The ACLU of Michigan’s LGBT Project attorney will present LGBT rights cases currently being litigated in the Midwest. The workshop will explore how we can fight for equality and social justice through the legal system. (P) Activism and Organizing (S) Hate and Bias, Policy and Politics, PreProfessional, Workplace

better understanding of the student experience and what student leaders, advisors, and institutional leaders can do to support LGBTQ students. (P) Campus Life (S) Advisors, Campus Programming, Research and Theory, Involvement

Asexuality and You

Michigan League: Vandenberg Room

Who You Are versus Who You’re With Angell G127

Presenter: Steven Toth, University of Toledo

When someone with a fluid identity (like bi/pansexual) dates someone of the same sex they become gay, right? Dispel this myth and learn about how YOU define your sexual orientation, not who you date. (P) Social Identity (S) Allyhood, Bi/Pan/Fluid Identity, Gender Queer Identity, Queer Identity

A Queer Network: The Effects of LGBT Student Organizations on Self-Acceptance in College Students Mason 1401

Presenters: Samantha Chappell, University of Michigan; Gabrielle Cegelis, University of Michigan

Asexuality is defined as the lack of sexual attraction, but many people do not know what that really means for asexual people. Asexuals face specific issues that other members of the LGBTQA community do not, and just the existence tells us so much about sexuality. This workshop is for everyone, sexual and asexual alike, to hear what it is like to be asexual and what asexuality means for the larger LGBTQA community and society itself.