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November Edition

 In this Edition...

  • A Good Lead is Everything: Big 12 LGBTQIA & Allies Summit, February 26-27
  • Special Recognition: World AIDS Day, December 1
  • Student Spotlight: Anthony N. Martinez
  • Affinity Group Updates
  • Peer Education, Sessions and More
  • Looking Ahead: Programs and Resources
  • The Bulletin Board
  • Support Our Progress

A Good Lead is Everything

February 26-27, 2021 | Virtual

The Summit brings together participants to network with other leaders and community organizers, engage with social justice advocates through educational programming, and learn from trailblazing professionals for LGBTQIA equality on the national stage.

This year has been filled with challenges, notably racial injustice and transphobia, and a health crisis that has disproportionately impacted some of the most vulnerable people in society. The LGBTQIA community, our allies, and others with diverse experiences and identities have shown our capacity to demonstrate flexibility, perseverance, and unity. We have shown our ability to bend and, at times, change directions to continue moving forward. While these characteristics are not novel to this time and place, they can produce something beautiful and unique like the rainbow beams produced when light refracts through a prism. Through the sharing of our stories, we strengthen our communities and provide ways for others to see and know us better. The Summit this year will provide us a medium to reflect, refract, and act.
Submit an Educational Session Proposals

Important Dates

Early Registration Opens December 1, 2020

Educational Session Proposals Due January 10, 2021

Regular Registration Opens January 18, 2021

Special Recognition
We will recognize World AIDS Day on Tuesday, December 1 with a virtual conversation. Included in our panel will be human service professionals and medical providers. Please join us!
 

Featured Article

Student Spotlight


Anthony N. Martinez (he/him/El)
Graduate Student - Public Administration
Las Vegas, NV
What has the world of remote learning been like for you? Is it more challenging at the graduate level?

The world of remote learning has been interesting in adjusting to when moving states and transitioning from undergraduate classes to graduate classes. However, overall, professors at Texas Tech University have been very accommodating and trying to ensure that I understand the material and be successful in the class with the circumstances that are currently in place with COVID-19. I think classes would be a bit more enjoyable and I would be able to focus a bit better if they were in person, but at the same time, I can see that they are trying to make the best out of a tricky situation.
 
Have you been able to build community with LGBTQIA people on campus? If so, how important is that to you?

I would say ever so slowly but, surely, I have built connections within the LGBTQIA+ community at TTU. Personally, it took some time, especially coming into a new state and a new school without knowing no one. It was hard to identify where to start trying to build a community and find a community. I began to join clubs and talk with anyone that I was able to meet with, whether in person, in passing, or via zoom. From there, I built connections by finding new people or individuals who would suggest meeting with someone else or organizations that they believed would benefit me. This search was incredibly essential for me, especially from Las Vegas, where the LGBTQIA+ community was incredibly vibrant, and many of my close friends from my University were also LGBTQIA+. At most times, when I find people within this community, it makes me feel a little less far away from home.
 
Prior to arriving on campus earlier this year, what were your perceptions about Lubbock's social climate? Have those perceptions changed?

When I told my parents I was coming to Texas in the first place, let alone that I was coming to Lubbock, a city they had never even heard of, they were scared and worried for my well-being and safety as an openly gay man of color. My mother and father were hesitant in letting me attend the institution but realized it was not their choice; it was mine. So, before I came here, I researched what it would be like for someone that identified as openly gay and as a person of color, and it was indifferent responses throughout all media. Still, when I got here, and especially on the TTU campus, I see that they try their best to create an inclusive campus, which was eye-opening to know the efforts are being made. I hope that more people will see this, especially with COVID-19 and Visitation not being on everyone's list. I would hope people would take the opportunity to reach out to individuals who attend the University and look at their experience and what it is like being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is not perfect, but I can say allies and people exist here who care about the success and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. You will always have someone here in your corner cheering you on! Me included!
 
What are some things you like to do for fun on campus and in Lubbock?

I enjoy looking at the art installed on campus, and I like to take walks around the University and learn more about the buildings and services they offer. This campus is new to me, and of course, I like to learn new things about where I am living and learning. I also really dig going to the park and working out or just sitting in the sun and reading a book. Of course, I also love the torchys here and getting some food and an adult beverage to go on the weekends.
 
How did you literally become TikTok famous?

Have a personality ;)

Affinity Group Updates

In this Section:

  • TTAA Pride Network: December 8
  • LGBTQIA Faculty, Staff, & Graduate Student Association: December 15
  • Other Announcements: FAQTS and QTSOC
First-year and Queer/Trans Space (FAQTS) and Queer/Trans Students of Color (QTSOC) will return in January, with more conversations and opportunities to connect! If you are interested in joining for next semester, reach out to administrator Stephen Chao.

Peer Education, Sessions and More!

In this Section:

  • IGNITE! Schedule a Visit
  • Spring Course Opportunity: Introduction to World Cinema: Gendered Bodies
Schedule a Visit

Bring the IGNITE! team to your classroom, department, or registered student organization. All visits will be done synchronously to facilitate social distancing. Select from a wide array of topics ranging from general allyship to navigating multiple identites. 
 

Looking Ahead: Programming and Resources
In this Section:
  • December Student Union Building Hours
  • Lavender Graduation, December
  • Undergraduate Scholarship Opportunities
  • Safe Haven and the Trans/Non-Binary Support Group
  • Queer Reads
Lavender Graduation Materials
 
If you are graduating in December 2020 and missed out on receiving Lavender Graduation materials last May, feel free to reach out to administrator Stephen Chao with your mailing address. We have lavender graduation cords, lapel pins (for graduates students), and certificates available that we can mail out to you. And of course, the Office congratulates you on your accomplishments and wishes all our graduating students well on their journeys beyond Texas Tech!

Safe Haven and the Trans/Non-Binary Support Group


The Student Counseling Center offers two LGBTQIA support groups this semester: Safe Haven and the Trans/Non-Binary Support Group. Led by Dr. Amanda Wheeler, both groups meet weekly and provide community support both in and outside the group. 

Safe Haven provides a safe environment to explore concerns related to sexual and/or gender identity. Topics of discussion may include struggles with identity, acceptance, or general relationship concerns. Safe Haven meets on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m.
 
The Trans/Non-Binary Support Group is open to any student wanting to discuss and explore gender identity concerns. It is suitable for any student that is questioning or firm in their identity as being gender non-conforming. The Trans/Non-Binary Support Group meets on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m.
 
Contact Dr. Amanda Wheeler if you are interested in joining either group!
Queer Reads
 
Queer Reads is a space for the Texas Tech community to explore texts and topics related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) community. Students, faculty, and staff are all invited to participate in our monthly reflection meetings! This semester, we are reading Queer: A Graphic History by Meg-John Barker and Julia Scheele.
 
If you are interested in Queer Reads, it’s not too late to join! Contact Office administrator Stephen Chao for more information.

The Bulletin Board

 
Want to list your research on an LGBTQIA-related or inclusion matter in e-Cheers? 
 
Masculinity and Sexual Satisfaction: Investigating Top, Bottom, and Vers Labels
This study looks to better understand the dynamics of the sexual experiences of queer men who use top, bottom, and verse labels. Please consider participating in this short (15-20 minute) survey. You could win a $25 gift card for participating!

Relationship Satisfaction and Communication Among LGBTQ+ Individuals
This survey is anonymous and looks to ask questions about people's relationship experiences.
  • Click to Participate
  • University Affiliation and IRB Review: Texas Tech University, IRB # 2020-725
LatinX LGBTQ Attitudes and Health
The study aims to understand how gendered messages from parents impacts Latin LGBTQ individuals and health outcomes.
Polyamory and Identity
We are currently recruiting participants for an online study about polyamory and identity. Participation entails completing a brief 30-45 minute survey, answering questions related to demographics, identity, and attitudes, and reading short statements. We are looking for polyamorous adults (18+). Participants will be entered in a drawing to win one of thirty $10 Amazon gift cards. Responses will be completely confidential. 
  • Click to Participate
  • University Affiliation and IRB Review: Texas Tech University, IRB # 2020-436
2GETHER USA – A National Online Male Couples Project
2GETHER USA is an online relationship education program and research study designed to help male couples navigate the complexities of same-gender loving, queer, bi, and gay men’s health and the health of their relationships. 2GETHER USA looks to provide couples with relationship tools and sexual education to help them strengthen their relationship in the years to come.
Exploring Mental Health Risk Factors for Transgender Young Adults
is recruiting participants for a study examining transgender mental health. Anyone ages 18-29 who identifies with a gender identity different from their sex assigned at birth is eligible to participate in the study, which is approved by UMD’s Institutional Review Board for research with human subjects. Participation involves completing a 20-minute confidential online survey comprised of questions covering experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, discrimination, gender dysphoria, and general psychological distress, among other topics. Participants will receive an entry into a raffle for one of three $50 Amazon gift cards for their time.
  • Click to Participate
  • University Affiliation and IRB Review: University of Maryland at College Park, IRB # 1590281
Exploring the College Choice Process for Openly Gay Men
Eligible participants are those who are freshman or sophomore students who identify as cis-gender male, and who identified as gay at the time of admission to a college or university. Participation will take approximately 1 to 2 hours and will take place at a time that is convenient for the participant. In addition to their participation in a 1 to 2 hour recorded Zoom interview, the investigators would like participants to participate in an activity called member checking after the initial data analysis is complete. Member checking involves reviewing the interview transcript to ensure its accuracy and will involve no more than one additional hour. Participation in this research is voluntary. Participants will be compensated with a $25.00 gift card from Amazon.com. 
  • Click to Participate
  • University Affiliation and IRB Review: Colorado State University, IRB # 19-9690H
Owning Our Power
This study seeks to understand trans and/or nonbinary students' perspectives on and experiences of campus sexual assault. sexualityandhealth.org/owning-our-power We are currently recruiting for a study asking trans/nonbinary undergraduates to share their experiences with or perspectives on campus sexual assault. We plan to use this information to create the first intervention designed to reduce risk of sexual assault for these students. Students can choose to participate in an online focus group ($20 compensation), and those who have experienced unwanted sexual contact since enrolling in college can also choose to participate in an online survey ($25 compensation). Our study is designed for people who identify as trans/nonbinary/gender-diverse, are 18-25 years old, and are current undergraduates in the US. There is very little research regarding trans experiences of sexual violence in college, and all interventions currently available are for cisgender women. We hope to change the narrative around campus sexual assault and make college campuses safer for trans/nonbinary students. We are hoping that you would be willing to participate and share the information for our study with your networks. 
  • Click to Participate
  • University Affiliation and IRB Review: University of Michigan, IRB # HUM00168758
Gender and Attachment in LGBTQ Relationships
Participation includes completing an online survey that will take 15-45 minutes to complete. To participate in the study, you must have had at least one same-sex romantic relationship and/or identify as transgender. Participants must be 18 or older and participation will be completely confidential without the need to provide your name. Some questions may be sensitive in nature, so keep in mind that you can choose to discontinue at any time.
Queer Mental Health Empowerment: Examining Well-being of LGBTQ+ Individuals
We are researchers at University of California Irvine who are interested in enhancing mental health among LGBTQ+ individuals. We are currently conducting an online survey study (20-30 minutes) examining the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Participation in this study is completely voluntary. If you identify as LGBTQ+ and are interested in participating, please consider clicking the following link for a detailed study information sheet and the study survey. Upon finishing reading the study information, you will be able to participate in the study survey. Transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are especially welcome to participate! You will be entered into a raffle winning one of our 60 Amazon gift cards [ranging from $5 to $ 100] for your participation!
  • Click to Participate
  • University Affiliation and IRB Review: University of California, Irvine, IRB # 2019-5505
Owning Our Power
The goal of this study is to understand what sexual violence against transgender and nonbinary college undergraduates looks like. Most of the research on sexual assault against college students has been about cisgender women. Trans and nonbinary students have their own stories and unique challenges.Sexual assault prevention has focused on cisgender women, but trans/nonbinary students need their own solutions that addresses the types of assaults they experience. This study will be used to develop the first intervention designed specifically to prevent sexual assault against trans/nonbinary students. The information you provide about your perspectives and/or experiences is valuable and will be used to: Understand what unwanted sexual experiences and sexual assault look like for trans and nonbinary undergraduates Create the first intervention designed to prevent unwanted sexual experiences and sexual assault for trans and nonbinary undergraduates Advocate for better policies to support trans and nonbinary students.
  • Click to Participate
  • University Affiliation and IRB Review: University of Michigan, IRB # HUM00159234

Support Our Progress!



Supporting our progress with a contribution to our LGBTQIA Fund for Excellence can be done online!

You can also support our progress by meeting a need identified by the Office!

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