WELCOME DELEGATES AND ADVISORS! On behalf of the Conference Planning Committee, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to “Redefining Queer: Making Lavender Connections - South Florida’s LGBTQA Student Leadership Conference 2015!” We also welcome you to Florida International University! We at the BBC GSA, Stonewall Pride Alliance, MPAS— LGBTQA Initiatives and Florida International University are thrilled to be able to have you all here for this momentous occasion. "Redefining Queer: Making Lavender Connections", is the 1st college and university conference of it's kind in South Florida. The conference is bringing together 100 LGBTQA college students and community leaders for a day of networking, learning, and sharing. As a Worlds Ahead Institution, FIU is an institutional leader in embracing the diversity and inclusiveness of all its constituents. We hope that our theme of "Redefining Queer: Making Lavender Connections" serves as a resounding motif that will inspire conference participants to create a positive change back in their institutions as well as sustain a network of rainbow family members here in South Florida. We've worked diligently on putting on a fabulous conference and it is assured that you'll have a blast. By the end of today, we hope that you will take away some great learning experiences coupled with loads of fun and plenty of new friends to network with in the future! We hope your attendance at this conference fine tunes your leadership development, activism and sense of belonging to the LGBTQA and greater global community. Sincerely, The 2015 Conference Planning Committee CONFERENCE GOALS Enhance LGBTQA students’ leadership skills. Help students develop networking skills and opportunities in the Miami area. Increase the overall involvement and satisfaction of LGBTQA students, staff, faculty and community members in South Florida. Create a Miami-wide support mechanism for university and college LGBTQA students. Provide a better understanding of issues students face on campus and in the community. CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS Thank you to our students, staff, alumni and community partners who donated many hours to bring you “Redefining Queer: Making Lavender Connections”. Jaylon Hadley Vanessa Linares Daniel Capote FIU - GSA President FIU - GSA Vice President FIU—Stonewall Pride Alliance Ryan Walsh Ayana Wallace Gary Santos Mendoza FIU— GSA/Stonewall FIU—Stonewall Pride Alliance Florida Atlantic University—FIU Alumni Edwin Serrano Andrew Wiemer Charo Valero FIU—MPAS - LGBTQA University of Miami SAVE Gisela P. Vega Carla Silva Jonathan Monti FIU- MPAS - LGBTQA GSA/Stonewall Adviser Alliance for GLBTQ Youth FIU-Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution Daisy Santiago Sabrena Okeefe Barry University - FIU Alumni FIU—Center for Leadership & Service 2 Florida International University serves as Miami's first and only public research university, awarding bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. FIU is number one in awarding bachelors and masters degrees to Hispanic students. In its opening year, FIU started off the University's reputation as being unconventional but "Worlds Ahead," with a record-breaking enrollment of 5,667 students. As of today, FIU's enrollment is 54,000 making it the fifth largest public university by enrollment. FIU's mission holds us to serving the South Florida community by engaging people in creative activity and collaboration. We are committed to serving and educating the diverse population of individuals who live in and around our community. The Gay Straight Alliance(BBC) The GSA strives to Inform and educate people on the LGBT issues and history in our community. They also strive to create a safe place for people to meet and discuss important topics in a social environment. GSA members are committed to giving back to the community and helping in the struggle to create equality for everyone. MPAS LGBTQA Initiatives Multicultural Programs and Services (MPAS) LGBTQA initiatives at Florida International University strives to reduce homophobia and heterosexism on both campuses through education, advocacy, and awareness. The program contributes to an open campus climate that is safe and accepting for all members of the University community regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or gender expression. We offer services that S.A.V.E. our LGBTQA students! Both the personal and academic well-being of the FIU LGBTQA students are at the heart of all that we do. STUDENT SUPPORT 1-1 counseling & guidance Student scholarships LGBTQA Mentors Program Advise students groups AWARENESS Community outreach programs Offer awareness programs and workshops: LGBT 101 & Safe Zone training Advocate for inclusive campus policies Transgender and Intersectional education VISIBILITY Signature events both on & off campus: FIU Miami Gay Pride Parade Contingency and resource table Community Sponsor for the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival FIU Pride Month Work with community groups including but not limited to: SAVE, Safe Schools South Florida, Pride Lines Youth Services, Rainbow Lotus House, Miami Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Aqua Foundation and the Pride Center South Florida EDUCATION Student Leadership Conference Lavender Graduation Academic Programs and Services Queer Studies Certificate Program The Stonewall Pride Alliance was established in 1996 to be a hub of education and social activity for LGBTQA students at MMC. It serves as FIU's oldest student organization dedicated to fostering a safe social environment conducive to learning and personal growth for all LGBTQ students and allies. The Stonewall Pride Alliance has always played an integral part in developing the LGBTQA programs and initiatives at FIU. 3 WUC 1st and 2nd floors 4 CONFERENCE ETIQUETTE The FIU host committee has been working hard to promote and recognize principles of fairness, equity, and social justice for all in preparation of this conference. By appreciating the importance of inclusion, we hope to foster a culture of belonging and mutual respect. These Conference Etiquette guidelines have been developed to ensure all individuals are respected and appreciated. We are committed to creating a safe and positive space for the LGBTQA community. We want everyone to have fun, learn much, meet fabulous new friends and have a great time. With this goal in mind, we remind everyone of guiding principles that are essential to maintaining a respectful and safe space for each other: human rights and solidarity. Please adhere to the following conference expectations so we can all enjoy the conference! We are proud to host a beautiful and diverse LGBTQA community where vibrant diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression is welcome. It is all of our responsibility to ensure that each member of our LGBTQA family feels welcome and affirmed. If you feel harassed or threatened, please ask to speak with one of the conference co-hosts who can be contacted in the registration area. FIU NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Florida International University affirms its commitment to ensure that each member of the University community shall be permitted to work or study in an environment free from any form of illegal discrimination, including race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, and veteran status. The University recognizes its obligation to work towards a community in which diversity is valued and opportunity is equalized. SEXUAL HARRASMENT Sexual harassment and other forms of violence strike at the heart of both. Harassment, violence and bigotry create feelings of fear, uneasiness, humiliation and discomfort. They are expressions of perceived power and superiority by the harasser over another person. Sometimes, even when our actions are not intentionally hurtful, what we say and do can hurt others or make them feel uncomfortable. Sexual harassment is a form of sexual violence. Sexual harassment is any unwanted attention of a sexual nature. Examples may include: Remarks about appearance or personal life Unwanted flirtations or advances Offensive written or visual depictions like graffiti or degrading pictures Touching someone without their permission (grabbing, hugging, petting, biting) Unwanted sexual demands, pressure, propositions, or requests for sexual activities Graphic comments about an individual’s body or dress Verbal abuse (including sexual insults and name calling) UNDERSTANDING PRONOUNS For many genderqueer, transgender, and other gendervariant people, pronouns can be a source of frustration, anxiety, hurt and unease. Being referred to by the wrong pronoun, particularly by family and friends, can make one feel as though people do not respect their genders. There are additional options when it comes to gender-neutral pronouns. People have been searching for an English, gender-neutral, third-person singular pronoun for years (admittedly, mostly to avoid the awkward “he or she,” not in order to include non-binary gendered people), although none of them have really been adopted into mainstream usage. Within transgender and genderqueer communities, there are two particular sets of genderneutral pronouns: ze/hir and they/them/their, used similarly to she/her & he/him/his. ALL GENDER BATHROOMS One way of acknowledging transgender and queer individual’s needs is to designate restrooms for all genders. Our host committee has worked hard on creating All Gender bathrooms for the conference with educational signs. 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 go to the bathroom in peace. Each of us can decide for ourselves in which bathroom we belong. It is important that we create safe spaces whenever and wherever we can. We realize sharing a bathroom could feel new and different—we appreciate your understanding. In our All Gender bathrooms we ask that no one be stared at, questioned or be asked to leave. We thank you for making our All Gender spaces inclusive so that it is safe for everyone. There are two All Gender Bathrooms designated for this conference. One on the first floor in front of the elevators, and another on the second floor at the top of the stairs to the right. 5 Scott Galvin Scott is a lifelong resident of North Miami. He was inspired to government service at a young age, having served as president of Student Government at North Miami Senior High. Galvin’s work experience is focused on education. He has taught History at the secondary level at public and private schools in the North Miami area. He is currently the Vice President of Education for Junior Achievement of Greater Miami. First elected to the North Miami City Council in May 1999, Galvin has served as the District 1 representative on the council ever since, winning elections in 2003, 2007 and 2011. His current term expires in May 2015. Charo Valero Charo is the Field Organizer at SAVE, South Florida's largest political advocacy organization for people who are LGBT. Since she was hired in May 2013, SAVE has been working on TransEquality, to secure protections in Miami Dade County for people who are transgender. Charo is also one of the founding members of PUSH, the collective that organized the first-ever LadyFest Miami, a two day festival in celebration of womanhood for women and their allies that empowers the local community and showcases local talent through art, music, and educational workshops and discussions. Before working at SAVE, Charo worked in the private sector in operations, accounting and finance. She holds a Masters in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Religious Studies at Florida International University. Born and raised in Panama, Charo moved to Miami 8 years ago. In every one of her undertakings, Charo strives to build community and empower other women to be leaders. Most recently, her organizing work has focused on deconstructing and raising awareness about the intersectionality of the most salient social justice issues facing Miami. Charo identifies as a queer Latina feminist. Landon (LJ) Woolston LJ is a trans-pan-queer Miami native and a graduate of the University of Miami. While he is completing his Master's in Social Work at FIU, LJ is also the Homeless Service Liaison for The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth, where he is working on the new youth homelessness initiative in Miami-Dade. In his career, as well as in his volunteerism and activism, LJ is most committed to affirming and empowering today’s LGBTQ youth. LJ also uses one of his hobbies, photography, as a form of activism -- a means of sparking critical dialogue around body and sex positivity, gender, and race. His images have been published in several queer publications and The New Times, and he has a permanent collection on display at Trans-Miami's drop-in center. LJ sees photography as a particularly powerful, radical medium for trans/queer folk to explore themselves, and to document their varied paths toward self-discovery, body-love and self-love. With community support, resources, and knowledge around self-advocacy (and a whole lot of trans and queer-positive selfies!), LJ hopes to see the eventual elimination of the barriers that prevent LGBTQ young people from living whole and authentic lives. 6 10:00AM – 10:30AM - CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION WUC 221 10:30AM – 11:15AM - WELCOME & GETTING CONNECTED Speaker: Scott Galvin WUC 221 11:30AM – 12:30PM - CONCURRENT SESSIONS 1 ID Program Room 101 (G) Non-Binary??? WUC 157 102 (H) Realizing Body-Shaming and Self-Identity for a Better You! WUC 223 103 (V) Out of the Past: Our Queer His/Her/Our/story WUC 221 104 (F) Mentoring: The Keystone to Leadership Development WUC 245 12:45PM – 1:45PM - CONCURRENT SESSIONS 2 ID Program Room 201 (H) Fitness is Fabulous WUC 157 202 (F) OOOPS Did I Say that? WUC 223 203 (G) Homosexuality and Spirituality WUC 221 204 (F) Word of Mouth: What you can’t get from the Position Description WUC 245 1:45PM – 2:45PM - LUNCH BREAK Dining Area WUC 1st Floor 3:00PM – 4:00PM - CONCURRENT SESSIONS 3 ID Program Room 301 (H) Victim Empowerment: Sexual Assault, Relationship Abuse, Stalking WUC 157 302 (F) With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility WUC 223 303 (G) Queer Artistic Expression WUC 221 304 (V) The Politics of Pride WUC 245 4:15PM – 5:15PM - CONCURRENT SESSIONS 4 ID Program Room 401 (F) We Won! Now What? - Next Steps with Prejudice Reduction Work in Miami WUC 157 402 (G) The Gray Spectrum and Asexuality WUC 155 403 (F) Lead Out Loud: It Gets Better WUC 245 5:15PM – 6:00PM - KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & CLOSING WUC 221-223 Speakers: Charo Valero and Landon (LJ) Woolston 6:00PM – 10:00PM - NETWORKING RECEPTION WUC 221-223 7 As a Worlds Ahead Institution, FIU is an institutional leader in embracing the diversity and inclusiveness of all its constituents. We hope that our theme of "Redefining Queer" serves as a resounding motif that will inspire conference participants to create a positive change back in their institutions as well as sustain a network of rainbow family members here in South Florida. 102 (H) Realizing Body-Shaming and Self-Identity for a Better You! “Realizing Body-Shaming and Self-Identity for a Better You" is about discovering the raw beautiful person you are and removing yourself from stereotypes and labels. While focusing on our true selves, we can put an end to bodyshaming and improve our mental well-being. Being happy puts greater energy into the world. Presenter: Benjamin Robles, Florida International University Program Tracks 103 (V) Out of the Past: Our Queer His/Her/Our/story To enhance student learning at the Redefining Queer Conference we have identified learning outcomes around competencies that students can use to further their knowledge and understanding of the Queer community. This presentation is designed to provide an introduction to the LGBTQA life across societies through the study of historical issues relating to gender and sexual orientation. Participants will learn about significant historical antecedents to the gay and lesbian movement in a fun and engaging way. (V) Valuing our Past to Create our Future: Programs designed to inform individuals about the LGBT movement both past and present on a National level. Topics will Inform individuals on the historical events that were the impetus for the LGBT movement in America and progress today. (H) Healthy, Happy, and Fabulous!: These programs focus on one’s own personal growth, development and how to nurturer one’s self to become Healthy, Happy, and Fabulous individuals. (F) Follow, Follow, Follow, the Leader: Programs designed to assist and develop leadership skills that center around effective communication, activism, goal setting, meeting procedures, and organizational structures. (G) Global Community Connections: These programs address issues of diversity and conflict in the community on a Global scale. Topics might include: transgendered issues, bias and hate crimes, religion, and racial or multiple identity issue. Program Session Descriptions Presenter: Gisela P. Vega, Florida International University 104 (F) Mentoring: The Keystone to Leadership Development This program will create dialogue on the importance of mentoring in leadership development. It will provide guidance and things to consider when selecting a mentor and maintaining a strong mentor relationship. Addressing the complete cycle of mentorship, attendees will gain a solid foundation of how to initiate, improve, and maintain a successful and rewarding mentor/mentee relationship. Presenters: Victor Rodriguez, Florida International University Jonathan Monti, Florida International University 201 (H) Fitness is Fabulous Society imposes social norms of how we are to look, which leads many college students starving themselves or feeling inadequate. Ultimately harming their long term health. This interactive session will help students learn how to make food and exercise choices that are right for them as an individual with the goal of improving their health. #fitnessisalifestyle Presenter: Sabrena Okeefe, FIU-Center for Leadership & Services 101 (G) Non-Binary??? The transgender community has had an increasing amount of support and visibility in recent years. However, there are many trans identities that are rarely discussed and often misunderstood. This workshop will address Non-binary gender identities and the struggles that they face. Other topics include: the issues of pronouns, picking a name, how to be an ally to Non-Binary folk, and coming out to others as a Trans Non-binary individual. 202 (F) OOOPS Did I Say that? Presenter: Ayana Cure, Florida International University Presenter: Krystal Nicholson, Florida International University Many students are unaware of the barriers that are present within effective communication. During this session, students will be engaged in team builders that focus on demonstrating and improving different forms of communication. The goal of this presentation is to identify communication barriers and build an effective leader. 8 203 (G) Homosexuality and Spirituality For far too long the Bible has been used as a tool for hate and discrimination, targeting the LGBTQA community and countless other minorities. In this workshop, we will look at the seven difficult verses that have been used to defend hate and ignorance. Join us as we reclaim the Bible and shed the chains of literalism that continues to drive a wedge between faith and the LGBTQA community. By addressing these difficult core verses that are used to discriminate against the LGBTQA community, it is hoped that participants we be empowered and some of the stigma behind them will be removed. Presenter: Harold Marrero, Florida International University 204 (F) Word of Mouth: What you can’t get from the Position Description Hindsight is 20/20, and this workshop is about all the things we wished we had known before becoming student leaders. The presenter will focus on how to leverage feedback, maximize your “invisible” resources, and how to create thriving leadership. Participants will be shown how the presenter invented the wheel (and you can keep the blueprints). Presenter: Shelby Juarez, University of Miami 301 (H) Victim Empowerment: Sexual Assault, Relationship Abuse, Stalking An in-depth presentation and discussion about three crimes that traditionally aged college students are at high risk for. We will examine exactly what consent means, the legal definition of sexual assault, and what can be done if someone is victimized. We will also look at the power structures behind domestic violence, and conclude with a brief overview of stalking crimes and how to report them. Presenter: Justin Santoli, Florida International University 302 (F) With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility What do you think of when you hear the word "Power?" Do you have a negative connotation of power or do you believe it is needed to create change? Come join in on a discussion about power and its effect on society today. Presenter: Ryan Keesee, FIU-Center for Leadership & Services 303 (G) Queer Artistic Expression This workshop will serve as a space for delegates to come and learn about the role of art in our lives. The goals of the workshop are to present and discuss different forms of art, to question what art means to you, and why works by LGBTQA artists are important. This will be a hands on interactive opportunity. Presenters: Daniel Capote, Florida International University Karina Delgado, Florida International University 304 (V) Politics of Pride April is pride month, a time to celebrate and educate. However not all pride celebrations are full of joy and happiness. This presentation is designed to explore the history of pride celebrations and how they are experienced in different parts of the world. Presenter: Jazmine Clifton, Florida International University 401 (F) We Won! Now What? - Next Steps with Prejudice Reduction Work in Miami We won county-wide anti-discrimination protections on the basis of gender identity and gender expression in December 2014! So now what? Anti-trans* prejudice still exists and our opposition is relentless. In 2015 SAVE is teaming up with the Leadership LAB and the National LGBTQ Taskforce to continue to push forward. We’ve launch a prejudice reduction campaign change the hearts and minds of voters in Miami and to prepare for any challenges to the anti-discrimination protections now in place. And we need everyone to work with us. This session will cover the current state of equality in Florida, the strategy and tactics behind the prejudice reduction campaign, the plan to build grassroots leadership with volunteers , and an intro to the Power Summit being held in May. Presenters: Charo Valero, SAVE Justin Klecha, SAVE 402 (G) The Gray Spectrum and Asexuality This workshop will cover the Gray Spectrum and the issues and identities therein. The presenters will provide a safe space for people to learn about the different sexual and romantic orientations that exist. This presentation will also help individuals explore their own identities. Presenters: Daniel Capote, Florida International University Ayana Cure, Florida International University 403 (F) Lead Out Loud: It Gets Better Learning to be an open-LGBTQA student leader on campus is easier said than done. This short presentation will enhance your understanding of using resources on your campus to create a positive and open setting for all student leaders to thrive. Participants will have the opportunity to network within this session, and learn what others are doing at their institution as LGBTQA student leaders. Students will be able to participate in the 'It Gets Better' video campaign to inspire others to get involved and know that there is support. Presenters: Stephanie Jamanca, Florida International University Edwin Serrano, Florida International University 9 CONFERENCE PARTNERS Our conference partners are those organizations and departments that have made this conference possible. We could not have put on this amazing conference without their assistance. We thank these groups for their investment in countless hours, people power, and in-kind donations. CONFERENCE SPONSORS Our Conference sponsors have provided significant financial assistance in order to help us put on this conference. We would like to thank our sponsors for their generous donations. Thank you to the GLBT Community Projects Fund at the Miami Foundation, the National LGBTQ Task Force, & MPAS LGBTQA Initiatives. 10
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