Coming Out Week 2016
Emancipate The Hate:
Let Freedom Ring
Monday October 10, 2016
12-2 or 2-4pm: Day of Activism: Protesting Columbus Day!
@ Hardge Forum, MSSC
Kalyana Champlain, A.K.A. 5thElamentwill be leading us in a discussion about Columbus Day and how honoring this day is incredibly problematic and oppressive to many and should be to everyone when you learn the truth. We will create signs and protest in front of the Memorial Union following the discussion. Please share your voice with us!
Tuesday October 11, 2016
10-11am: Community Breakfast @ Multipurpose Room, G & S Center
Join us for a delicious hot breakfast and kick-off to our Coming Out Week activities! We will be discussing the theme for our week, providing exciting information about events for the week, and introducing you to staff of the Gender & Sexuality Center.
11am-12pm: Police Brutality Discussion
@ Conference Room, G & S Center
Major Michael Jagoda, Annie Russell, and Karoline Oliveira will facilitate a discussion concerning the very real problem of police brutality in the United States today. They will focus on various marginalized communities that are often targeted with this violence including communities of color and the LGBTQ community. This is an epidemic in our world today and we need to be aware and discuss this important issue and look to find solutions.
1-4pm: Care & Feeding Your Sexuality
@ Multipurpose Room and Group Consultation Room, G & S Center
Come to our workshop to learn more about sexuality in a queer friendly format and understand more about how to be as healthy as possible in relationships! The workshop will be facilitated by staff from Health Services and the Gender and Sexuality Center and will last from 1-3. Still have questions after the workshop? No worries, there will be a Q&A in our Group Consultation room at the Center with staff from Health Services to answer any additional or more specific questions you may have!
5-7pm: Visible at Last: A Sixty Year Journey with Dr. Carl Swanson,
URI Alumnus
@ Conference Room, G & S Center
Find out what URI’s history is like regarding the LGBTQ community. Learn what it was like to grow up gay and about changes at URI that occurred between the years of 1974-1978! This is sure to be an engaging conversation and look into history of the LGTBQ community at URI!
Wednesday October 12, 2016
10am-12pm: Safe Zone
@ Conference Room, G & S Center
This two hour interactive workshop provides information about the LGBTQ community including awareness, knowledge, and skills. At the conclusion of the workshop, each participant has the option to commit to be an ally to the LGBTQ community.
1-2pm: Accessibility & Inclusion @ Conference Room, G & S Center
Come and join staff from Disabilities Resources who will present a workshop on accessibility and inclusion. They will be sure to center much of the conversation around how this might affect the LGBTQ community specifically. It’s important to broaden our knowledge concerning this topic!
2-3pm: History of Pride & Freedom Rings @ Conference Room, G & S Center
Do you know what Freedom Rings or Pride Rings are? If not, or even if you do…please come and learn more about them, their history and what they mean to the queer community with Annie Russell!
3-5pm: Free & Confidential HIV Testing offered by AIDS Project RI @ Potter Building
Free and confidential HIV testing is being offered by AIDS Project RI and is co-sponsored by Health Services. Knowing your HIV status and being responsible citizens is vital to prevent the spread of HIV. Your status is just as important as knowing your social security number; take a moment to get tested!
5-7pm: Pumpkin Decorating & Pizza
@ Multipurpose Room, G & S Center
You will not want to miss this opportunity to socialize, eat yummy pizza, and decorate your very own pumpkin for Fall. Join our Center Staff to take a break from it all with delicious food and fun!
Thursday October 13, 2016
12-2pm: Poetry Workshop
@ Multipurpose Room, G & S Center
Jenna Guitar and Annie M. Kosar will be bringing their classes of students and all are welcome! Cody Suzuki will join us to discuss the art of poetry and how we can all best express ourselves with this art form. Whether you are a beginning or seasoned poet, or just interested in the medium of poetry, this workshop is for you!
2-3pm:Latinx Queer Lingo
@ Conference Room, G & S Center
We will be participating in a webinar experience for this program, centered on learning queer/cuir Spanish language for English speakers. Key concepts for community language will be explored.
3-4pm: Following The Unexpected Dream with Kim Hampson @ Conference Room, G & S Center
Known as Kimberley “Red” Hampson, she is Vice President of the Independent Women’s Football League and very involved in athletics in the RI community. Kim became involved with many sports when she was young including all of the sports that were considered “appropriate” for girls. She never imagined that one day she would be not only be playing football, but would work passionately for girls and women to play. Come and find out how this unexpected dream became a reality!
5-7pm: Keynote Event & Dinner with Pandora Scooter, Spoken Word Artist
@ Multipurpose Room, G & S Center
Pandora Scooter is a national touring spoken word artist. Pandora speaks to many who feel unincluded and sends a message of love and acceptance. Pandora will be performing a coming out piece followed by Q&A. This is sure to be an empowering event for everyone!
7pm: Pride Nightwith URI’s Women’s Soccer Team @ URI Soccer Complex
Show your PRIDE with the URI Women’s Soccer team as they take on St. Bonaventure on our home field. There will be lots of rainbows and a chance to connect with local LGBTQ organizations. You won’t want to miss this!
Friday October 14, 2016
12-2pm: Annual Coming Out Door
On The Quad
Our annual Coming Out Door on the Quad is co-sponsored by Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SGA) & the Gender and Sexuality Center. This provides everyone a chance to come out and show their pride in identity, regardless of how you identify. Bring your pride to show your support.
2-3pm: Drag Culture @ Conference Room, G & S Center
This workshop will focus on the state of Drag Culture today and discuss Drag as an art form. This workshop will also focus on the importance of Drag in the queer community. Learn all about Drag and then attend the Drag Ball later that evening!
8-10pm: Drag Ball @ Multipurpose Room, G & S Center
Our finale for the week is going to be incredible! Please join us for our URI Drag Ball. If you attended last year, then you know this is not to be missed!A variety of Drag Performances have been prepared for you and now you will have your own chance to perform in the true tradition of Drag Balls. Members from the Imperial Court of RI will be there in all of their splendor. Participate in the Ball, or just join us for an unforgettable evening!