Header
FY 2014 Header
  
September 17, 2013 
Month, Year - Vol 1, Issue 1
In This Issue
How to Be An Ally
Selfies for Social Justice
The View at OSU
Coming Out Together
Ally Week Keynote
Pride OSU
Sigma Phi Beta
Ohio Lesbian Festival
Queer Compass
Queers & Allies
First Year Cohort
GradQueers
LGBTQ Student Organizing Summit
Save These Dates!
CCS Support Groups
Community Connections
Quick Links



Join Our Mailing List!
Like us on Facebook View our videos on YouTube Follow us on Twitter
Greetings!

This week the Student Life Multicultural Center, along with Greek Life and University Housing, is hosting a number of different programs and activities in recognition of Ally Week.

 

We are excited to have student organization partners that include Lambda, Allies for Diversity, Pride OSU, Shades, Fine by Me and Allies for Inclusion & Diversity Through Education. Each of these groups is contributing in different ways, ranging from video production to facilitation of the programs "How to Be an Ally" and "The View at OSU."

 

As we host opportunities to take a Selfie for Social Justice and signing the Ally Pledge, I am contemplating the difference between the awareness raising of Ally Week, and the work of consistently acting as an ally.

 

It makes me think of recent time spent with a colleague from the college in my hometown. I won't quote her directly; let's leave it at a dialogue that involved to many "isms" to be shared here. I'm also not going to go into a self-righteous dissertation about the use of those terms, nor will I bad-mouth my clearly bigoted professor and her plain old ignorance. Instead, it was I who made me angry during this collegial exchange.

 

I was upset by what she had said; both her intent and her choice of verbiage But, I was not surprised. With the older generation, to which my friend belongs, it's not unusual to hear such "casual" racism - at least, where I am from...but what did I say? What did I do? Nothing. I had one thing going on in my head-but nothing coming out of my mouth. Nothing. At the moment, I felt completely frozen and incapacitated. I was, and still am this afternoon, irritated with, and ashamed of myself for not speaking up.

 

It is simply not enough to disagree with isms in your head, but not use your voice when it is in front of you. I must take responsibility for my inaction. It is not enough for ME to disagree in MY head, and not use MY voice to interrupt it. Words are much more powerful than thoughts....and actions speak louder than words. These are the actions of an ally. I must do better.

 

I hope that you join us this week for the Ally Week awareness raising and skill building...and I hope that you join us in the work that continues daily...each day I hope to do better. I hope that we do better together.

 

 

In Pride & Community,

Angie Wellman

Angie Wellman 2012    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Angie Wellman, MSE, PCC

Intercultural Specialist

 Multicultural Center, Office of Student Life

 

 

 
September 17:  How to Be an Ally

Multicultural HandsThe "Becoming an Ally" workshop provides a space to explore how to be supportive and respectful to each other across identities and experiences, and to ask questions and engage in conversation.

 

The discussion will take place on September 17 in the Interfaith Room of the Ohio Union from 6-8 pm.

 

Come to this workshop to:

  • Explore different social identities
  • Think critically about institutional racism
  • Learn about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities
  • Discuss faith and spirituality
  • Recognize privilege, and discover how to address it

Participants will leave the training with newfound awareness and concrete strategies that can be used toward making our campus and larger communities more welcoming and affirming for everyone.  Resource materials and Ally buttons will be provided.  Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend!

Selfies for Social Justice: Ally Week Photo Campaign
Ally Week 2013Ally Week is an initiative that seeks to reach out to the entire Ohio State campus community in an effort to encourage students, staff and faculty to "Build CommUNITY" with and on behalf of people who are of a different race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious or spiritual identity, gender identity/expression, socioeconomic class, or other identity different than their own.

 

Ally Week sponsors, The Student Life Multicultural Center, Greek Life and University Residences, are invested in working with the Ohio State community to share the information and tools necessary for everyone to actively participate as an "ally" to members of our campus and Central Ohio community.

 

Join us in the Multicultural Center anytime this week to Pose for an Ally Week Photo explaining why you stand as an ally to a person, or a group, who is different from you, and to learn more about the different programs and activities you can get involved in during this week.

Selfies for Social Justice--Make your statement!

You can also take your own photo an upload it to

#osuallyweek

  
September 18:  The View at OSU
Group Themes such as oppression, difference, and interconnectedness will come to the forefront during this lively panel discussion, "The View at OSU" that will take place in the Great Hall Meeting Room One of The Ohio Union on September 18 from 7-9 pm.

Students will share their perspectives and personal experiences as African-American, Asian, LGBT, Latino, Jewish, and Mixed Race students on our campus. Panelists will also discuss ideas that, if implemented, can help participants create safe and inclusive spaces in our residence halls and classrooms.

Attendees will leave this dialogue with newfound awareness of different identity groups at Ohio State, along with concrete strategies that can be used toward making our campus and larger communities more welcoming and affirming for everyone.

Resource materials and Ally buttons will be provided. All are welcome to attend!

  
September 19:  Coming Out Together 
Coming Out Together The Student Life Multicultural Center in partnership with Counseling and Consultation are pleased to offer a a series of workshops entitled "Coming Out Together" on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 4 pm.

Let us support you with this series of workshops designed to empower you in deciding what coming out means to you. This program is designed to present ideas about coming out followed by an opportunity for discussion.

 

All are welcome and will find benefit in this series at any stage of the coming out process. You may have heard that "coming out" is a life-long process.  Whether you're deciding if its right for you to come out for the first time or the 100th time, we are here for you.

 

This series is open to all undergrad and graduate students. Please join us for this new opportunity for self-exploration and rich discovery. All gatherings will take place in the Multicultural Center, located in Suite 1000 of the Ohio Union.

  
September 19:  Ally Week Keynote: Ariel Luckey

In Celebration of Ally Week 2013 and Hispanic/Latino Heritage month, The Student Life Multicultural Center, in partnership with University Residences and Greek Life, are pleased to present Ariel Luckey at 7 pm on September 19 in the US Bank Conference Theater of the Ohio Union.

 

Mixing performance poetry, interactive exercises and live hip hop music in a multimedia presentation, Ariel Luckey invites his audiences to reflect on the dynamics of power and privilege in their personal lives and communities. In this highly engaging performance that will feature his powerful poem "ID Check", Luckey will be sharing stories of heartbreaking injustice and inspiring alliance building that provide opportunities for critical dialogue and cultural capacity building.

Ariel Luckey is a nationally acclaimed poet, actor and playwright whose performance and community work dances in the crossroads of education, art and activism.

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Ariel was named a "Visionary" by the Utne Reader for the innovation and quality of his first solo show "Free Land". Commissioned by the National Performance Network in partnership with La Peña Cultural Center and the White Privilege Conference, Free Land has toured across the country at over 50 theaters and universities. Ariel has been a featured artist at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity, the Nuyorican Poets Café and Café Cantante in Havana, Cuba.

The Gerbode and Hewlett Foundations recently awarded Ariel a 2012 Playwright Commission to create and produce his new play "Amnesia", in collaboration with La Peña Cultural Center. Ariel sees his creative work in the world as an extension of his most precious and important work as father to his two sons.

This event is free and open to all. For more information, contact Indra Leyva or Angie Wellman in the Student Life Multicultural Center.

  
September 19: Pride OSU

 Pride OSU will be having their regular weekly meeting on Thursday, September 19 at 9:00 pm in the Maudine Cow Room of the Ohio Union.

 

In recognition of Ally Week, they are having a "Bring An Ally To Pride Day". The theme is encouraging anyone in the LGBTQ community to bring an ally friend, but it is certainly not required.

 

All are welcome! For more information, contact [email protected].

  
September 15-21: Rush Sigma Phi Beta

Interested in going Greek? Sigma Phi Beta National Fraternity, Ohio State's first and only fraternity specifically for queer and allied men, is having their rush week September 15th to September 21stwith events including free dinner and Level Dining Lounge, capture the flag on the Oval, among others.

 

Sigma Phi Beta works to create a unique social and educational environment for their members within the traditional Greek fraternity system, while providing all open-minded men in college with career and character building opportunities.

 

For more information about the scheduled rush events, please contact Tiger Litam ([email protected]) or Erik Krause ([email protected]).

 
.

 

September 21: Ohio Lesbian Festival
OH Lesbian FestThe Student Life Multicultural Center is proud to be a sponsor of this year's Ohio Lesbian Festival.  Wondering what it is?

Fabulous performers and amazing music

Talking and connecting with other women

Workshops ranging from hula hooping and dog training to gender discussions and self defense Movies, merchants, games, arm wrestling, bonfires, food and so much more....

The Ohio Lesbian Festival held each year in Kirkersville, Ohio is a non-profit, volunteer-driven event designed to promote women's community building, creativity, and art.

The Festival recognizes in the world at large that heterosexism and misogyny are the norm, and women need opportunities and spaces to recognize and support one another, to define our culture, to find our own strengths, and to be renewed and empowered.

 

A group will be leaving campus together at 10 am to travel to the Festival. Limited free tickets for students are available from the Student Life Multicultural Center.

Email Angie Wellman to inquire about availability or additional questions. Visit the event website for more information.

  
September 22: Queer Compass
Pride 2013.2Queer Compass, to be held in the Multicultural Center on Sunday, September 22 from 3-7 pm, is an orientation to the Ohio State lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning community for both undergraduate and graduate students.

The Queer Compass is designed to help first year, transfer, returning, and graduate students navigate queer campus life. Additionally, students are able to get connected with campus and community resources, have an opportunity to ask questions about the climate on campus, connect with one another, and build community.

 

There will be lots of laughs, ice breakers, free food, and friends to be made. We look forward to meeting you! All LGBTQ or Questioning students are welcome.

September 23:  Queers & Allies 
Lunch  Q&A is targeted toward second year students and above. The group is dedicated to community building, education, service, and social activities to foster an environment of understanding, respect, and unity between the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community and the larger community with the direct support and assistance of straight allies.

Looking for a way to connect with other LGBTQ students on campus? This group is for you!

Were you in the First Year Cohort last year? This group is for you!

Looking to get involved in social justice work related to queer issues? This group is for you! 

All are welcome to attend; no RSVP is necessary. Just show up!

Queers & Allies meet every Monday night at 6 pm in the Multicultural Center, located in the Ohio Union.

  
September 23: First Year Cohort
cohort The LGBTQ First Year Cohort is offered to first year and transfer students. It is also an excellent resource for students who are coming out.  The group meets every Monday night at 8 pm in the Multicultural Center, located in the Ohio Union.

 

This program exists to build community and engage lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning & queer students in social, support and educational experiences. 

Student leaders help to facilitate each session, plan social outings, coordinate small groups discussions and serve as mentors to group participants.

All are welcome to attend. No need to RSVP--just show up!

  
September 27:  GradQueers Happy Hour
 Join GradQueers for its first Happy Hour of the 2013-14 academic year at Union Cafe in the Short North.  

When: Friday September 27th, 4:30-7:30 pm

Where: Union Cafe (http://www.columbusnightlife.com/unioncafe2010/index.php)

Why: To meet other awesome graduate and professional students

RSVP here (https://www.facebook.com/events/627093957311893/

 

We look forward to seeing you there! Please help us get the word out!  Forward this information to those who might be interested!  

Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GQatosu

To join our Google Group/list-serv e-mail [email protected]

 

GradQueers is social organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer and questioning students in the graduate and professional programs at the Ohio State University. We welcome all allies as well!

  
REGISTER NOW  for the LGBTQ Organizing Summit!
Equality Ohio
 The Student Life Multicultural Center is pleased to be partnering with Equality Ohio to present The Statewide
LGBTQ Student Organizer Boot Camp on October 26.
The event, which is open to all college aged students from across the state, will be hosted in the Ohio Union.

The "boot camp" will be a day of grassroots activism, planning, and celebration for university students and staff involved in LGBTQ organizing and advocacy. Daytime sessions include workshops, strategy meetings, and discussion session on topics related to legislation, organizing, and advocacy - presented by and for the student and non-student organizers in Ohio's movement for full LGBTQ equality.

An evening Student LGBTQ Organizing Awards show will take place later in the evening. (Check back for more details on this!)

Wondering what you will walk away with at the end of the day?

  • Meet peers involved in campus LGBTQ organizing around Ohio and share best practices with each other
  • Learn core organizing skills from Equality Ohio and university staff trainer

Bring your self! Bring your friends! Bring your whole student organization! Register by clicking here.

 

For more information, contact Aliya Rahman, Field Director at Equality Ohio.

 

 

Save These Dates!
Rainbow Horizon

  

October is LGBTQ History Month!

 

October 10, 2013 at 7 pm: Natonal Coming Out Day Keynote, Janet Mock

 

 November 18-22, 2013: Transgender Awareness Week

 

December 2, 2013 at 6 pm:  Queer Family HoliGay Dinner

 

January 22, 2014 at 7 pm: Gregory Cendana from the

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance

 

February 11, 2014 at 7 pm: JeShawna Wholley from the

National Black Justice Coalition

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUPS OFFERED BY COUNSELING & CONSULTATION
LGBTQ Support on Campus at CCS
True Selves

This is a group for students who are questioning or exploring their gender identity, and students who identify as gender variant, transgender, gender queer or who use other identity labels.  The goal of the group is to provide a safe, supportive and confidential forum to talk about identity, coming out, relationships with family and friends, dating, academics, transitioning, transphobia/sexism, and other issues of interest to members.  *Facilitated by Harry Warner- [email protected]  

 

 

 

 

Lambda Men's Group I & II

This group is for men who are oriented towards other men, regardless of identities or labels. Gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning men are welcome. It is designed as a safe place to discuss identity, community, coming out, self-esteem, relationships, homophobia/bi-phobia, and other issues of relevance.

*Facilitated by Harry Warner - ([email protected]) and Nikki Strange (Lambda I) Erin Woike(Lambda II)

 

Lavender Connection

This group is for women whose sexual orientation includes attraction toward others of the same gender. Women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer, or questioning are welcome to join. The group offers a safe place to talk about issues that may be affecting their lives including coming out, intimate relationships, identity, homophobia/biphobia and sexism, community issues, building support systems, family issues, etc.

*Facilitated by Catherine Hanson ([email protected]) and Lindsay Varkula.

Footer