Safe Zone will host its first Trans Awareness Week March 25-29, with a day of audience-specific tailored workshops facilitated by social justice activist Jesse Beal, and other inclusive events.
Jesse Bealhas been a social justice and LGBTQ+ activist, educator and consultant for the past 15 years. They* present nationally at conferences and at many colleges, universities, and nonprofits. In addition, Jesse is an experienced student affairs professional with a demonstrated history of working toward equity and inclusion in higher education.
They served as the director of the Women’s and Gender Center at Amherst College, the acting director and assistant director of the Office of Diversity Services at Suffolk University, and the program coordinator for Sexuality and Gender Diversity at Brandeis University. Jesse has also taught a recurring course at Tufts University about social justice pedagogy and young adult fiction.
Prior to beginning their career in higher education, Jesse was a community organizer for a nonprofit committed to ending sexual violence and partner abuse. Jesse is the 2015 winner of the National Voice and Action Advisor of the Year Award from Campus Pride, for their years of work and dedication to make campuses more inclusive for LGBTQ+ students.
*Jesse uses the non-binary/gender neutral pronouns they/them/theirs
WORKSHOPS:
Teaching Trans: A Toolkit for Faculty and Staff Working Toward Trans Inclusion, March 26, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Faculty Center
Join us for lunch and a conversation about supporting trans and nonbinary students and trans-inclusive pedagogy. Participants will learn about trans identities in the classroom or education setting and strengthen their ability to facilitate conversations about gender identity. Particular attention will be paid to the intersections of race, class, and sexuality. Faculty and staff will be given the opportunity to discuss and work through past experiences and work through scenarios. This workshop is specifically designed for faculty and staff members who are charged with supporting academic and/or co-curricular education. All levels of experience are welcome.
Trans 101: An Introduction to Trans and Nonbinary Identities, March 26, 3–5 p.m., University Hall
What is a pronoun? How can our residential spaces support trans and nonbinary students? How can I make a difference on campus and in my communities for trans and nonbinary people? My friend told me they are nonbinary—but, what does that mean and how can I support them? I care about my trans students, but where do I start?
This engaging and skills-based workshop is focused on trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming identities, gender identity, and building ally skills. We will explore gender-based oppression and better practices for campuses, while lifting up the stories of trans and nonbinary people. Participants will leave the workshop with a greater understanding of gender, gender identity, and trans and nonbinary experiences. They will also have a baseline understanding of meaningful practices they can take on to create more inclusive communities for trans and nonbinary communities. Particular attention will be paid to the intersections of identities. All identities and levels of experience are welcome. Open to campus.
Self-Authorship, Gender Identity, and Story Telling, March 26, 6:30–8 p.m. Mod Hall
In this interactive and participant-focused workshop, we will explore concepts of self-authorship and the ways we narrate our own stories. We will examine our gendered socializations and they ways in which we have resisted and created new ways to be in the world. Participants will share how we self-author our lives and how we move beyond surviving and toward thriving. We will share the ways in which we have claimed space, named ourselves, and told our stories/our history. Reflection-based journaling, small group work, story-telling, and drawing will be utilized. This workshop is designed for students who identify as trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, gender non-conforming or who are questioning their gender identity. Allies are welcome to participate respectfully and will engage in their own self-work.