CSUSM Celebrates gAyPRIL
By Whitney Frasier
Throughout the month of April, CSUSM will celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allied (LGBTQA+) community through a series of events that will include lectures, discussions, art collaborations and a pride festival.
For a full schedule of events, visit their website.
-----------------------------------------------Schedule of Events----------------------------------------------
Tuesday Talks: Queer People of Color
Tuesday, April 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
University Student Union, 3100
A Tuesday conversation will discuss the experiences of lesser-known sub communities in the LGBTQ+ spectrum and explore the identities that mainstream queer culture doesn't often recognize.
Queer Discussion: Sex vs. Gender
Wednesday, April 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
University Student Union, 3100
Learn about all sexual orientations and clear up any misconceptions in regard to gender identities during a discussion led by LGBTQA+ Pride Center peer educator Estella Hoang.
The Pride Project
Wednesday, April 6 from 1 to 5 p.m.
University Student Union, 3100
The Pride Center will host a “no hate” style photo campaign, encouraging students to be proud of their identities and share in others’.
Paint Me Rainbow
Monday, April 11 through Friday, April 15 during normal business hours
University Student Union, 3100
Collaborate in an on-campus art project and paint a tile that will fit into a mural that will hang above the LGBTQA Pride Center.
What I Be
Monday, April 11 through Wednesday, April 13
Time and Location To Be Determined
A life changing and intimate event with Steve Rosenfield, photographer of the What I Be Project, will provide individuals the opportunity to face their insecurities. Often times people make up stories about their lives not revealing their true image. Participants will be able to tell their story through his creative photography. Learn more about the photographer and the project by visiting his website.
Posters 4 Pride
Monday, April 18 through Friday, April 22 during normal business hours
University Student Union, 3100
Create posters to carry during CSUSM’s Pride Walk on Thursday, April 28 during U-hour. The Pride Center will provide supplies.
Queerjama
Tuesday, April 12 from 6 to 10 p.m
University Student Union, 3100
The Pride Center will host a pajama party filled with jeopardy, movies, bonding and free food.
Tuesday Talk: Femme/Masculine Space
Tuesday, April 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.
University Student Union, 3100
Discuss the experiences of lesser-known sub communities in the LGBTQ+ spectrum and explore the identities that mainstream queer culture doesn't often recognize.
North County Health Services on Queer Health
Wednesday, April 20 from 12 to 1 p.m.
University Student Union, 3100
North County Health Services' representatives will speak about the different services they offer such as HIV case management, behavioral health, volunteer opportunities and more.
Film Screening and Q&A: The Danish Girl
Thursday, April 21 from 5:15 to 7:45 p.m.
Location TBD
The film tells the story of Lili Elbe, one of the first individuals to undergo gender confirmation surgery, and her long struggle for self-discovery as a transgender woman.
Workshop and Q&A with Cadence Valentine
Friday, April 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Location TBD
Featuring trans educator, activist and CSU Northridge student Cadence Valentine, this workshop will help students, faculty, staff and the community become educated on and about inclusivity for transgender and gender non-conforming people. In addition, those in attendance will learn about representation, access and support for transgender and gender non-conforming students.
(Re)Negotiating Space: A Lecture by Preston Witchell
Monday, April 25 from 4 to 5 p.m.
University Student Union, 3100
PRISM President and CSUSM student Preston Witchell will present his research and thesis on spatial politics and navigating difference within communities.
NOT GAY: Sex Between Straight White Males
Tuesday, April 26
Time and Location To Be Determined
A lecture by Jane Ward, associate professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies at University of California Riverside, will discuss how sex between straight white men allows them to leverage whiteness and masculinity to authenticate their heterosexuality in the context of sex with men. By understanding their same-sex sexual practice as meaningless, accidental, or even necessary, straight white men can perform homosexual contact in heterosexual ways. Daring, insightful, and brimming with wit, Not Gay is a fascinating new take on the complexities of heterosexuality in the modern era.
PrideFest & The Queery Spring Launch
Thursday, April 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
University Student Union Terrace
Experience Pride Fest during U-hour at CSUSM. A pride walk through the campus will conclude with a festival at the University Student Union Forum Plaza.