In this Section:
- First-Year and Queer/Trans Space (FAQTS): Every Friday
- Queer/Trans Students of Color Affinity Space (QTSOC): September 30
- LGBTQIA Faculty, Staff, & Graduate Student Association: Virtual Social, October 6
- TTAA Pride Network: October 13
- Alumni Spotlight: Blessen Brocke
|
|
|
|
First-year And Queer/Trans Space (FAQTS) is a new affinity space for first year undergraduate students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual (LGBTQIA), or are questioning their gender or sexuality. Join us to meet other LGBTQIA and questioning first-year students, hold conversations about navigating campus, and have fun!
FAQTS meets every Friday during the fall 2020 semester from 3 - 4 p.m. Feel free to register via TechConnect (just search "FAQTS") or by emailing Office administrator Stephen Chao. We hope to see you there!
|
|
|
Queer/Trans Students of Color Affinity Space meets virtually twice a month as a supportive space for our LGBTQIA students of color. This week, in addition to general conversation, the facilitators of QTSOC will lead a discussion around police violence, particularly against Black and brown LGBTQIA people. The goals of this discussion are to share histories of queer/trans of color resistance against police violence, provide a brave space for attendees to share their emotions and experiences, and reflect on practices of healing and resiliency to continue acting for change. The space is available for us to share our pain, our hope, and our joy together as a community.
We ask that individuals only participate in this affinity space if they self-identify as both BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, person of color) and as LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual) . Learn more about QTSOC online and contact Office administrator Stephen Chao for more information. |
|
TTAA Pride Network
Alumni Feature
Blessen Brocke (she/her), B.A. '20
|
|
|
How has life been for you recently?
Strange and confusing. Everything feels like it’s in limbo, truthfully. I feel like I’m almost behind my peers until I remember we all shared an unique experience with the pandemic’s timing.
What has kept you motivated in times like these?
The knowledge that I am not the only person feeling exhausted. So many of us are unemployed, stressed and scared. On the flip side, we are also excited about things we miss, optimistic about new projects and empowered to do what is necessary to change our reality.
What roles did you play in the office and community when you were a student and how have they impacted your life today?
I started out as a volunteer and member of Tech GSA, and finished out as President of PrideSTEM (our LGBTQIA STEM organization). Throughout my time at Texas Tech, I was an involved volunteer. As a result, I have been able to be an ambassador with GLAAD, make new connections and provide advice to younger students trying to find their place at Texas Tech and in the community.
What is one thing you would like to tell the students here at Texas Tech to help them get through COVID-19?
Please, I implore you to not form large gatherings or refuse to practice physical distancing. Your efforts impact your experience, and in turn what you value and remember once you graduate! There is so many new ways to connect and communicate that can help you keep in touch without putting yourself at risk.
What is the best memory you have from Pride Week 2019?
The Boots, Bows, & Rainbow Ties Gala! While this year looks different, in 2019 we had Robyn Ochs join us as we took one night in the semester to come together and converse as a community while also being dressed up!
|
|
Peer Education, Sessions and More!
|
|
In this Section:
- IGNITE! Faculty & Staff Panel: October 7
- IGNITE! 'Allyship' is Not An Identity, It's a Practice: October 8
- IGNITE! Schedule a Visit
|
|
|
|
Faculty and staff are extraordinarily impactful in determining the campus climate and state of inclusion at the university. This session, facilitated by the IGNITE! educators, will feature faculty and staff from a wide array of departments and colleges as they share their experiences empowering LGBTQIA people at Texas Tech. Participants will also have a chance to share their own practices of Allyship on campus.
|
|
|
Are you interested in learning about the practice of 'Allyship' but don't know where to begin? Attend Allyship is not an Identity; it's a Practice! on October 8 to learn about foundational knowledge and common experiences of LGBTQIA people. Participants will learn ways that they can practice 'Allyship' in their everyday roles. All are welcome to attend!
|
|
|
|
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:
- Safe Haven and the Trans/Non-Binary Support Group
- Queer Reads
- Trivia Night: Queer Queeries, October 15
|
|
|
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! The first book we are reading this semester is 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
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
|
|
|
You can also support our progress by meeting a need identified by the Office!
|
|
|
The Office of LGBTQIA Education & Engagement is part of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
