outreach newsletter winter 2015

Save the Date!

OUTreach LGBTQQIA & Ally Resource Center

OUTreach Ambassadors 2015 We are so happy to announce our 2015 OUTreach Ambassadors! Ambassadors provide educational programs to their peers, represent the Center on campus and social media, and help us plan events and programs. We are excited to have such wonderful student leaders as part of our team! Learn more about our Ambassadors on pages 16-22.

OUTreach B-day Feb 25 4:00-6:00

Career Panel March 11 4:00 UC Learn how to navigate the workplace as LGBTQQIA+

LavGrad April 22 6:30 BCC

Celebration ceremony for LGBTQQIA graduates.

O F F I C E O F T H E V I C E C H A N C E L L O R F O R D I V E R S I T Y

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUTreach!

Can you believe it has been five years since OUTreach opened

its doors?

Join us on February 25th to celebrate five years of

building community, increasing visibility, and

raising awareness of LGBTQQIA issues on

campus.

To all of our supporters, donors, friends, and volunteers,

THANK YOU!

Celebrate 5 years of OUTreach.

OUTREACH CENTER WINTER 2015

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Weekly Programs & Meetings

inQUEERies Join us each Wednesday from 4:00-6:00 for a discussion on LGBTQQIA topics important to our communities. Upcoming topics include QPOC, Career and Workplace, Laverne Cox, Study Abroad, Asexuality, and Intersextionality.

OUTgrads

Graduate Students now have a group of their own! Happy Hours happen on Wednesdays at 6:00 at various restaurants around town. Join the OUTgrands Facebook for updates on the weekly meeting spot.

VolOUT

SexEd Queered

Lambda Student Union is UT’s gay-straight alliance. They meet Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 pm in HSS 53-B.

Never been? Walk with a group that leaves from OUTreach at 5:50 pm.

Discussion Groups We are so happy to now host 4 Student Discussion Groups. Groups are open to students only who identify as or are questioning.

Trans Tuesdays 7:00 PM QPOC Thursdays 6:00 PM Ace/Aro Thursdays 7:00 PM Bi/Pan Thursdays 7:00 PM

SexEd Queered is a joint program between Sexual Health Advisory Group (SHAG) and the OUTreach Center. The classes are inclusive of all orientations and genders, are comprehensive of all scientific health information, and peer-led by Kayla. Mondays 6:00-7:30 OUTreach Upstairs


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inQUEERies


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Advancing Equality Day on the Hill

The event marks Tennessee Equality Project's eleventh annual Advancing Equality Day on the Hill in which people come from around Tennessee to Nashville to advocate for equality with their elected officials. Additional events will be announced. These typically involve a reception for out-of-towners the night before. For information about hotels, use your favorite online travel site. Do not make your appointments with legislators yet. We are looking for district captains around the state who can make appointments for each state legislator to avoid a duplication of appointments. March 10, 2015, Legislative Plaza, 9:00-3:00. RSVP for transportation at TEP’s website.

The Tennessee General Assembly is back in session and that means we have work to do make our state a more inclusive place. We welcome former State Rep. Gloria Johnson as our guest speaker to talk about how she got involved in politics. We will learn about one of our bills, the Dignity for All Students Act, and how you can help move it forward. Plus, learn how you can help fight anti-gay bills that are introduced this session. There will be a Q & A session. Takes place in the UTK Hodges Library, Commons 220E. Co-hosted with Tennessee Equality Project and OUTReach Center. Join the Facebook event.


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Asexuality Panel

University of Tennessee held its first ever event on asexuality on January 29, 2015. The event, organized by members of the new Asexual Discussion Group for UT students, consisted of five students who identify as asexual or aromantic. OUTreach Ambassador, Evie, moderated the program and Discussion Group leader, Genevieve presented an educational presentation on asexuality 101. More than thirty people attended the talk. The Asexual Student Discussion Group meets on Thursdays at 7:00 in the OUTreach Center.

Dinner Dialogue: Healthy Queer Relationships

On February 5, 2015 staff from the Knoxville Family Justice Center lead students in a discussion and scenarios about what healthy relationships look like. Johnny Borne, a doctoral student in Psychology, who is doing a practicum at the FJC thisyear initiated the event.

According to a 2014 Northwestern University study, domestic violence is more prevalent in same-sex couples.

• Partner violence affects 25 to 75 percent of same sex couples

• Abuse is underreported in same

sex-couples

• Stigma of sexual orientation makes individuals reluctant to talk about violence

Past Programs


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Are you graduating? Register now to be part of Lavender Graduation. Attendees and supporters please RSVP.


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Visit our Amazon.com Wish List to purchase and mail to the Center, or Make an online donation and specify the book(s) to be purchased.

Wish List


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Multicultural Student Life’s Safe Zone Training

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At the end of the Safe Zone training, facilitators will offer participants the opportunity to receive a UT Safe Zone placard, which they may choose to post in their office or work areas. Placing a UT Safe Zone placard in an office or work area denotes participants’ willingness to be a member of the Safe Zone campus network. Anyone is welcome to use Safe Zones as a resource. You do not need to be a member of the LGBT community.

Safe Zone Training Training for Students Date: Sunday, March 8 Time: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM Location: BCC

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Safe Zone training is designed for individuals interested in becoming a UTK ally to LGBT communities. The training uses activities and discussion to encourage participants to reflect on their own attitudes about gender and sexuality and to become aware of different forms of discrimination faced by LGBT individuals. Some of the topics include commonly held myths and misperceptions about LGBT individuals, terminology used to discuss LGBT issues, and skills for being a supportive ally.

Register: http://multicultural.utk.edu/programs_safezone.php


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2015 Ambassadors Nathan He/His/Him I am a Civil Engineering Major from Algood, Tennessee which is a small town next to Cookeville, Tennessee. I am bi-racial with a white Catholic mother and a Bengali Islamic father, needless to say an interesting parenting dynamic. I'm also engaged to fellow Ambassador, which side note, I proposed to him in the OUTreach Center. I am an Orientation Leader and Peer Mentor along with being an OUTreach Ambassador.

Matt He/His/Him I am a nursing major here at UT. I grew up in a tiny conservative town, so coming to UTK, I was shocked about how much you can learn in just a year about the queer community. I want to become a nurse practitioner not only to physically provide care to patients but psychological care to all people including my fellow queer peers! I am all about traveling the world and learning and trying to make a difference in lives.

Evie She/Her/Hers My name is Evie and I'm from Middle Tennessee. I am a history major that is minoring in secondary education. One of these days I will be a librarian or archivist. This is my second year as an OUTreach ambassador and I want to continue to make positive changes and promote conversation on UT's campus. In my tiny amount of free time, I read, play games, and pet dogs. Don't be afraid to ask me any questions you may have about campus or Knoxville.


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Nathan He/His/Him

I am a junior in biochemistry with hopes of going to medical school when I graduate. Along with the Outreach Center, I also work for the Center for Health Education and Wellness as a peer health educator. I also do research on how bacteria smells and locates food in its environment. In my free time I like to draw, hang out with friends, and waste precious hours on the internet like a true millennial.

Ben He/His/Him I am a sophomore and I couldn’t be more excited to be an OUTreach ambassador! Coming to university, I knew I wanted to make a difference on campus, specifically in the LGBT* community, and being an ambassador is the perfect way to begin implementing change. As an ambassador, I hope to instate a more positive atmosphere about LGBT* people on campus and to help in providing programs and services for you! I look forward to serving you in the coming year.

Kaedee They/Them/Their

HI my name is Kaedee! I come from a loving (and luckily) accepting cat filled household in Cleveland TN. I am a 2nd year architecture major, and I swear I love what I do, no matter how many times I complain. When applying to schools, I was looking for a school that was accepting when I applied, and I knew UTK had a good community; I just wasn't expecting to find a home.


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Jacqueline She/Her/Hers

My name is Jackie, and I'm a freshman at UT this year. I'm a theatre major who loves to sew and watch TV. I'm a huge comic book nerd and I love to cosplay. I bring positivity to the Ambassador Program. I am passionate about trans rights and eliminating transphobia. “Comfortable” best describes the Center to me.

Colin He/His/Him

I'm a first year UT student and a Biology major. I am eager to make new friends and experience new things. Gender Neutral restrooms on campus is something that I hope to bring to the forefront. I bring enthusiasm to the Ambassador Program. One word that I feel best describes the Center is “Awesome.”

James They/Them/Their

I am terrible at talking about myself. I focus most of my goals towards helping the world be accepting of others. I bring perspective to the Ambassador program and I enjoy our discussions the most. If I had to describe the Center is one word, it would be “life-changing.”


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Kelsey She/Her/Hers

I am a senior majoring in History and I am super excited to serve as an OUTreach Ambassador! Although it may have taken longer than I'd like to admit, I have learned during my time at UT how truly important it is to be an ally and help to build a strong support system for students within the LGBT community.

Kalina She/Her/Hers

Hi! I'm a first-year currently majoring in environmental science and political science. In the future, I plan to write environmental policy. In the meantime, I spend my time reading, baking, and learning about current issues. I bring support to the Ambassador Program and I am most passionate about Bi-Erasure. Did I mention I love Janet Mock? If I had to describe the Center in one word, it would be ‘Home.’

TreDarius He/His/Him

I'm a journalism and electronic media major minoring in theatre. I am from Memphis TN. I work as an RA on campus. My favorite thing about being an RA is that I get to hang out with so many different people. I like to sing, dance, make videos, and take pictures. I hope that I can be a great resource for others on campus being a good OUTreach Ambassador. My favorite event on campus is National Coming Out Week.


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Chesnea Her/Her/Hers

I'm Chesnea,a sophomore in Geography here at UT. I hope to go to graduate school and pursue a career as a meteorologist. I love writing poetry, drawing, and dabbling in graphic design. Cats and pizza are the way to my heart, and the Center is my favorite place to be! My favorite events are the Bi/Pan Discussion Groups and Dinner Dialogues. I am passionate about creating gender neutral spaces on campus so that everyone can feel safe and welcomed.

Bethany Her/Her/Hers

Call me Bethany or Charles. I'm a classicist-in-training with a soft spot for geriatric cats, and sometimes I program things. I'm very passionate about issues facing the asexual community, such as increased risk of relationship violence and discrimination within the queer community. I bring Vivacity to the Ambassador Program.

Genevieve Her/Her/Hers

Media personality, singer/songwriter, volunteer speaker in science education, tarantula-mommy, molecular biology student, writer, octopus enthusiast. INTJ. Genevieve describes the Center as life-changing and she currently is the discussion group leader for the Asexual Student Discussion Group.


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Julien He/His/Him

I grew up in Ohio and moved to Tennessee a few years ago. Now I'm just really into cartoons, photography, and taking on too many hobbies at once. If I had to describe the OUTreach Center in one word it would be “Comfortable.”

Amber She/Her/Hers I'm currently a junior majoring in psychology at UT. My goal is to get my masters in psychology and become a family or child counselor. I'm from Nashville, Tennessee. I have a half-sister, but consider myself an only child because we never lived together. I think the Center is summed in the word ‘accepting.’ My favorite event at OUTreach is the Thanksgiving Dinner.

Sabrina She/Her/Hers

I am 22 years old, and I am originally from Alabama. I moved to Knoxville with my wife, Lori, in 2013. I started at UT in the fall of 2014 as a transfer student. I am currently a junior and my major is Finance. My future career goal is to own my own business. I feel the Center in one word should be described as ‘welcoming.’


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My name is Devon Adams and I am a senior double majoring in Political Science and History. I wanted to be an OUTreach Ambassador in order to promote equality and educate others on LGBT issues. One thing I love about OUTreach is the Pizza Nights where people from all over Knoxville can come to the OUTreach Center to eat pizza and enjoy the company of other amazing people!

Devon She/Her/Hers

Johnathan He/His/Him

I was born and raised in Memphis, TN. I'm currently back in school finishing up a degree in Photography and Religious Studies with a minor in American Studies and then I intend to enroll in nursing school and focus on emergency medicine. ‘Progress’ is the word I would use to describe the Center. My favorite program at the Center is inQUEERies and I am most interested right now in the fight for marriage equality.

A word cloud created by the words used by Ambassadors to describe how they feel about the OUTreach Center.


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Dr. Sa'ed Atshan is a Harvard graduate with a PhD in Anthropology and Middle Eastern studies. Dr. Atshan currently lectures at Brown University and Tufts University in peace and justice studies. Dr. Atshan is also a member of Al-Qaws, an organization promoting

LGBTQ rights for Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Territories. Join us as he discusses the status of the LGBTQ+ community in the Middle East along with the social and grassroots movements that surround it. Sponsored by the Middle Eastern Student Association.


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Welcome New Staff!

My name is Sean Ray Esch and I was born right here in Knoxville, Tennessee at UT medical center. You can go ahead and say that I’m a true #VFL. This is my Sophomore year and I'm majoring in Sociology and Public Relations. Some of my hobbies include singing, playing piano, and being outdoors as much as possible. I'm married to the most amazing man in the entire world. My husband Jonathan serves our country in the United States Army and on February 13th he left to deploy overseas; he takes great pride in his job. Although I was an orphan most of my life, I also have two wonderful surrogate parents that I wouldn't trade for the world. I enjoy working OUTreach because I believe creating safe space for students of the LGBT+ community is one of the most important things on a college campus. All to often the lives of college students are lost all across the nation because they don't have access to resources like the OUTreach center available to them. My favorite program is inQueeries because it allows all the differently identifying groups to come together as a whole and discuss important topics.


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OUTreach in the News Goin' to the chapel Asexuality panel aims to educate, unite Rally to support same-sex couples in Tennessee OUTreach Center to provide new kind of sexual education

OUTreach Center director embraces identity, mentors students

Chancellor’s Honors Awards

LGBTQQIA ALUMNI

Donna Braquet [email protected] 865-974-0016

Melrose Hall, F-103 1616 Melrose Ave. University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996 [email protected]

865-974-7803 http://lgbt.utk.edu

OUTreach Center

We want to hear from you!

We have exciting news coming soon!

Join our alumni database.

OUTreach Director

Nominations for the LGBT Advocate Award and the LGBT Student Leadership Award are due on February 20th. For more information, please visit: http://cflgbt.utk.edu/chancellors-honors-awards/

Photo credit: Joel Kramer, Co-Chair, Commission for LGBT People

/OUTreachUTK

outreach newsletter winter 2015

Documents

years of outreach

outreach bday

c e c h

o f f i c e o f t h

pm qpoc thursdays

pm acearo thursdays

pm bipan thursdays

lgbtqqia graduates