NEWS FROM THE PROVOST

The GLBT Center’s 2016 celebration of GLBT History Month is underway and features several events that highlight social justice. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Claiming Space and Dismantling Oppression.” The lineup includes events intended to bring together and support the GLBT community as well as events aimed to increase awareness about contemporary climate concerns and prepare allies to be better advocates for the community.

The “Claiming Space” events include a workshop for GLBT and questioning students on “Navigating the Coming Out Process,” the GLBT Community Alliance’s annual celebration of National Coming Out Day, a Gender-Affirming Clothing Swap and the fall semester GLBT Faculty and Staff Network Luncheon. If faculty, staff or students have clothing items they would like to donate for the Gender-Affirming Clothing Swap, they can contact Andy DeRoin at the GLBT Center.

The “Dismantling Oppression” events include two guest lectures and three workshops offered as part of the GLBT Advocate Program. The first lecture will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in Park Shops 210 and will feature Dr. Tammy Gordon, NC State associate professor of history, who will present on “The Impact of Legalized Oppression: The HB2 Digital Archive.” The second lecture will feature Gene Nichol, UNC Boyd Tinsley Distinguished Professor of Law, who will present on “Creating Institutional Barriers to Access: The NC Voter ID Law” on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in Park Shops 210. The three workshops include “What is Racial Justice?” on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 from 3:00–5:00 p.m. in Talley 3222, “Project SAFE” on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Talley 3285, and “Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions” on Monday, October 31, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Talley 3285. For more information about these workshops or to register, please see GLBT Advocate Program.

Renee Wells is director of the GLBT Center.