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September 2023 NEWSLETTER
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHT
Congratulations, Melinda Brown, Dr. Raghav Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, and Dr. Luis Antonio Leyva!
Join us in congratulating Melinda Brown (pronouns: they/she) on their retirement! Melinda worked at Vanderbilt Libraries for 25 years, as the Librarian for Gender & Sexuality Studies and also as the Librarian for Inclusion Initiatives. She has worked with local, national and international Bi+ activists and organizations since the early 1990s. Melinda brought their interest in and experience with outreach and activism in the Bi/Pan+ and LGBTQ+ communities to Nashville and Vanderbilt.
 Congratulations, Dr. Raghav Kunnawalkam Elayavalli, one of two Vanderbilt nuclear physicists who won early-career grants from U.S. Department of Energy. Dr. Raghav Kunnawalkam Elayavalli is an assistant Professor of Physics in the department of Physics and Astronomy since fall of 2023. They work primarily in the field of high energy nuclear physics since their masters at Stony Brook University back in 2011. Their masters thesis was in the setup of a simulation package for the future Electron Ion Collider called EICROOT where they studied the interaction of lepton-flavor violating processes. After doing their PhD work at Rutgers University (2013-2017) with the CMS experiment at CERN, they moved their research back to RHIC science during postdoc positions at Wayne State University (2017-2022) and Yale/BNL (2020-2022) with the STAR collaboration. At Vanderbilt University, their main focus is on the new sPHENIX experiment at RHIC and the CMS experiment at LHC along with EIC physics heading into the future. They will also be members of the JETSCAPE collaboration which includes both theorists and experimentalists. Find out more about their momentous achievement here.
Lastly, join us in congratulating on Professor Luis Antonio Leyva receiving tenure and being promoted to Associate Professor of Mathematics Education & STEM Higher Education! Dr. Leyva joined the Vanderbilt-Peabody College faculty in 2016 as an assistant professor in the Department of Teaching & Learning. He directs the Power, Resistance & Identity in STEM Education (PRISM) Research Lab, where he mentors undergraduate and graduate students in conducting justice-oriented research in STEM higher education. Dr. Leyva’s research examines and seeks to disrupt the influence of interlocking systems of power, including racism and cisheteropatriarchy, that shape educational practices of classroom teaching, student support, and curricular design in undergraduate STEM education. As a critical race scholar advancing intersectional justice in education, Dr. Leyva’s research centers narratives of oppression, agency, and support among undergraduate STEM students to uncover how educational practices limit and expand leaning opportunities that affirm their identities across intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. He teaches courses about methods in elementary mathematics education, issues of equity and justice in education, the sociopolitical landscape of STEM education, and qualitative research methods for master’s and doctoral students. Dr. Leyva’s research, teaching, and service have been distinguished with the LGBTQ+ Educator of the Year Award from Out to Innovate (2022), Intersectional Advocate of the Year Award from Vanderbilt LGBTQI Life (2022), and Faculty/Staff Award for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion from Peabody College at Vanderbilt (2021).
Want to be featured in our newsletter? Fill out this form or contact Katja Tetzlaff for more information.
New Center for Research on Inequality and Health
The new Center for Research on Inequality and Health, part of Discovery Vanderbilt, begins this Fall. The Center will have a launch event titled Understanding LGBTQ+ Youth in Times of Change on Monday, September 18th from 5-6:30pm at Sarratt Cinema. Stephen Russell from UT Austin will give a talk about LGBTQ+ youth and well-being, and the Chancellor and Provost will both be there to make remarks. If the themes of inequality and health resonate with the courses you are teaching this fall, it would also be super appreciated if you can encourage attendance at this event as well with your students so we have a robust presence. Please RSVP here and see the Event Flier for more details.
LGBTQIA+ AWARENESS DAYS
September
 9/18/23: National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day
The KCPC will be giving away HIV/AIDS awareness silicone wristbands on 9/18.
 9/16/23–9/22/23: Bisexual Awareness Week
Stop by the KCPC to pick up bi pride gear and make pink, purple, and blue keychains and wristbands! More info below.
 9/23/23: Bisexual Visibility Day
Celebrate with Lambda and LGBTQI Life at our annual BiBQ event for tasty Southern food! Details below.
9/27/23: National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
The KCPC will be giving away HIV/AIDS awareness silicone wristbands on 9/27 while supplies last.
Find out more about the importance of these days on our Instagram.
LGBTQI LIFE EVENTS
KCPC Fall Semester Hours
 LGBTQI Life at the K.C. Potter Center is open Monday-Friday 8am-8pm and Saturdays 12-4pm. The KCPC is closed Sundays. If you would like to reserve the center for an event, please fill out this form.
LGBTQI History Month Event? Get in touch!
 Putting on an event for LGBTQI History Month in October? Let us know! LGBTQI Life can help promote your event, provide a space, etc. Contact katja.tetzlaff@vanderbilt.edu
9/12 LGBTQQIA+ Speed Friend-Making
 All LGBTQQI undergrad and grad/professional students and postdoc fellows are invited to Speed Friend-Making at the KCPC on Tuesday, September 12th beginning at 5pm. Find out more on AnchorLink or email lgbtqi@vanderbilt.edu.
9/14 Drop-in P.R.I.D.E. Training
 All are invited to our online Zoom P.R.I.D.E. Training on Thursday, September 14th from 5-8pm. Participants will receive a Safe Space placard. Email katja.tetzlaff@vanderbilt.edu. Please RSVP here to receive link.
9/19 LGBeadsTQ: Bi Pride Edition
 Did you know bisexuality is the largest queer identity at Vanderbilt? To celebrate Bi Awareness Week, stop by LGBeadsTQ: Bi Pride Edition on 9/19 anytime from 11-2pm to make keychains, bracelets, and more to celebrate bi+ identities. All supplies provided. Find out more on AnchorLink.
9/20 Diverse ‘Dores Day
Join us for Diverse ‘Dores Day 2023! This year, on Wednesday, September 20th from 11am-6pm, visit any of our participating offices to learn more about their services and how they support Vanderbilt’s diverse population in order to earn free giveaway items, food items, and custom-made t-shirts! To learn more about the details of this year’s event, search for “Diverse ‘Dores Day” on AnchorLink.
9/23: BiBQ with Lambda for Bi Visibility Day
 Join the Vanderbilt’s Lambda Association, our undergrad LGBTQ student org, for their annual BiBQ party to celebrate Bisexual Visibility Day on Saturday, September 23rd from 12-2pm at the KCPC. Pick up bi+ pride flags and other swag! All are welcome!
9/28 Polished: Neck Ties & Nail Polish
 LGBTQQIA+ students are invited to Polished: Neck Ties and Nail Polish, the first event of a new series to explore finery outside the binary and learn new skills! Join us Thursday, 9/28 from 5-7pm at the KCPC. Supplies are provided or bring your own. RSVP or email Katja Tetzlaff.
2024 Creating Change Conference: Sign-up to Attend!
 Undergraduate students are encouraged to sign-up for sponsorship to attend the 2024 Creating Change conference. Applications are due in October. Sign-up here!
Nashville CARES AIDS Walk: VU & VUMC Sign-up!
 The 32nd Annual Nashville CARES AIDS Walk presented by NPS Pharmacy is Tennessee’s oldest continuously running HIV fundraiser and advocacy event and takes place Saturday, October 7th from 9-11am at Hadley Park. To walk with the Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center Team Page visit: https://give.nashvillecares.org/team/525057
New Year, New Art at KCPC
 Calling all artists! LGBTQI Life at the K.C. Potter Center is ready to update their artwork across the space and we need you! We have several large and small frames available for a variety of displays, including pictures, artwork, poems, etc. Contact Katja Tetzlaff for more information.
CFT & LGTBQI Life: Queer Teaching, Queer Thriving
 With QTQT, the K.C. Potter Center for LGBTQI Life is proud to offer a 2023-2024 learning community about ways campus educators may help LGBTQI+ students to thrive academically and socially. Professors, staff, and graduate students, find out more online or register here.
Wednesdays 12-1pm LGBTQI Life Zoom Drop-in Hours
 This Fall, 2SLGBTQIA+ and questioning students, faculty, and staff are invited to stop by virtual office hours with Katja Tetzlaff (they/them), Program Coordinator for LGBTQI Life. Please email Katja for more information and to access the Zoom link.
Follow us on Instagram!
 Follow us @VULGBTQILIFE to find out more about all of our events.
Want to be featured on our page? Fill out this form or contact Katja Tetzlaff for more information.
LGBTQI Life Programming Survey
 What do you need from us? We want to know! Complete our short 3-minute survey to provide input on our LGBTQI Life events and programming for the whole year.
TUTORING AND DROP-IN SERVICES
LGBTQI Drop-In Hours @ BCC
Every Monday, 12pm – 1pm
 A representative from LGBTQI Life will hold drop-in hours at the Black Cultural Center every Monday from 12-1pm.For more information, contact katja.tetzlaff@vanderbilt.edu.
Writing Studio @ KCPC
Every Monday, 1pm – 3pm
 Meet with a tutor from the Writing Studio every Monday from 1-3pm at the K.C. Potter Center. For more information about the Writing Studio, go here.
UCC LGBTQI+ Drop-In Hours @ KCPC
Every Monday, 2pm – 4pm
 University Counseling Center has Drop-in Consultation Hours for LGBTQIA+ students at the KCPC. UCC Counselors will be available to students weekly without an appointment during this two hour window. You can find out more information here.
STEM Drop-In Tutoring @ KCPC
Every Tuesday, 3pm – 5pm
 Stop by the KCPC every Tuesday from 3-5pm for STEM tutoring. Find out more here.
LGBTQI Life Drop-in Hours online
Every Wednesday, 12pm – 1pm
Every Wednesday, LGBTQI Life will have Zoom drop-in hours from 12-1pm with Katja Tetzlaff (they/them). Find out more on AnchorLink or email katja.tetzlaff@vanderbilt.edu to access the link.
LGBTQI Life @ Rec Center
Every Wednesday, 4pm – 6pm
On Wednesdays from 4-6pm, LGBTQI Life will have a representative tabling at the Rec Center. email lgbtqi@vanderbilt.edu for more information.
OSCC Drop-In Hours @ KCPC
Every Thursday, 10am – 12pm
 A LGBTQIA+-identified member of the Office of Student Care Coordination (OSCC) has weekly satellite hours in our space. Find out more about OSCC resources here.
Project Safe Drop-In Hours @ KCPC
Every Thursday, 2pm – 4pm
 Project Safe has weekly satellite hours in our space. Anyone is welcome to attend these drop-in hours. Find out more Project Safe resources here.
VRS Pride Meetings
Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 12pm – 1pm
 LGBTQI-identified people in recovery or currently struggling with habits that are ultimately detrimental to one’s wellbeing are invited to Vanderbilt Recovery Support group meetings at the Center for Student Wellbeing. Location: VRS Lounge, Center for Student Wellbeing, 1211 Stevenson Center Lane.
Continuum: LGBTQI+ Support Group
Every Thursday, 4-5:30pm (virtual)
Continuum is a group for students wishing to give and receive support around sexual identity and/or gender identity. If interested, please contact one of the following UCC staff members:
Kyle Shadrick at aaron.k.shadrick@vanderbilt.edu
Ashley Weber at ashley.c.weber@vanderbilt.edu
CAMPUS EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
9/2 VEGI Fall Planting
 Who’s ready to plant?? Come learn how to sow a fall vegetable garden! Vanderbilt Community Gardens be planting greens, root veggies, flowers and more to harvest later this fall and to provide to Shade Tree clients facing food insecurity. All levels of experience are welcome. (We’ll have some snacks and beverages to fuel all that hoeing, too!) Find out more here.
9/1 Play Drag Show with Q.Ed, Owen Out & Allied, OutLaw, and Pride In Medicine
 Jimbo is preforming at Play Dance Bar! Graduate students must RSVP to your graduate LGBTQ+ student org for ticket. Find our more on AnchorLink. 18+.
DBT Drop-In: Fall 2023
 Do you ever feel like you need help coping with the stress of college life? Are you interested in adding more coping “tools” to your “toolbox”? If so, our Drop-in DBT workshop might be for you! In this weekly, drop-in group you will learn tangible skills to better approach problems in life. This workshop is open to all students! No referral or screenings needed. Please contact heather.n.bay@vanderbilt.edu with any questions. Sign-up on AnchorLink.
9/6 Wond’ry Book Swap for National Read a Book Day
 Join us for our Wond’ry Book Launch on National Read a Book Day, September 6th, from 4 PM to 6 PM. Bring a book (or books!) that you’ve read and discover a new one to take home with you! Share your love of reading with your Vanderbilt community: inspire and be inspired. Taking place on the first floor in the atrium of the Engineering and Science Building.
9/7 Vanderbilt Libraries Fall Celebration
 Join the Vanderbilt Libraries to kick off the new academic year and celebrate with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (while supplies last), retro games, and our awesome library staff. Find out more here.
9/11 Untangle: Trauma Sensitive Expressive Arts Group
 Untangle and align your thoughts and emotions at our expressive arts group. The Untangle group offers a space to connect, in the “here and now”, and experience the healing power of creativity. Through visual art, movement, music, and storytelling emotions are liberated facilitating insight and growth. No prior experience in art making is needed and art material will be provided. Find our more here.
9/12 & 9/20 “Vandy Cooks With Faculty” at The Rec Center
 New this academic year and held at the Recreation and Wellness Center is Vandy Cooks with Faculty! Faculty will share their passion for cooking as they prepare and share favorite dishes at monthly presentations. On 9/9, join Marilyn Holmes, Rec and Wellness Center AD and registered dietitian and Vanderbilt Association for South Asian Cultural Exchange cuisine leaders (Saksham Saksena, Sagnik Yarlagadda and Mridul Sharma) as they share their cultural cuisine history and expertise in preparing a traditional Mumbai Street food – Pav Bhaji. And on 9/20, join Professor Peter Lorge, first presenter for this inaugural session, as he shares two of his favorite Chinese recipes. Find our more: Vandy Cooks 912 and Vandy Cooks 920
9/15 ‘Dore Passport: Opening Doors to Grad Student and Postdoc Success!
 Come along on a fun and informative journey to explore your campus resources with the Graduate Development Network! Start and end your journey in Alumni Hall for fun, treats, and giveaways from 12-3pm!
9/30 Pride Doesn’t End In June | Makers’ Market
 Show out for your LGBTQ friends for this special “Pride Doesn’t End in June” themed Makers’ Market held on 9/30 on 12th South. Event will be held from 11am-3pm and feature local products sold by our LGBTQ community members. Find out more here.
Every Thursday: Relax and Reset Yoga @ BCC
 Certified yoga instructor Jo-Jo Jackson will lead yoga sessions all semester to help nourish the body and the spirit! These Relax and Reset Yoga sessions will take place every Thursdays from 6-7pm at the BCC.
Survey: VU+ VUMC Menstrual Products Initiative
 A Vanderbilt medical student is working on a VU/VUMC campus initiative advocating for inclusive, gender-neutral language. Specifically, changing signs on restroom waste bins from their current “Place feminine products here” and visuals of a stick figure in a dress, to a more inclusive label of “Place menstrual products here” with gender-neutral visuals. Please provide feedback about this initiative here.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Nashville Public Library’s Men’s Mental Health series
 Join the Nashville Public Library’s “Be Well at NPL” series on September 2nd for Suicide Prevention Month as part of their Men’s Mental Health series. Each program will be held in the 2nd Floor Special Collection Center one Saturday per month from 2-4pm. All events are free and open to everyone.
9/5-9/10 Sex Down South Conference
 Sex Down South, a yearly educational conference in Atlanta, GA is truly a celebration of the ever-evolving field of human sexuality. This year’s theme is Body Love, and we invite you to reject societal norms and expectations around beauty standards. Meet new people, connect with old friends, and explore in a supportive and inclusive environment.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Vanderbilt University LGBTQI+ Task Force
 The Vanderbilt University LGBTQI+ Task Force is evaluating and assessing the impact of anti-LGBTQI legislation on students, faculty, and staff, and is considering highly innovative strategies and solutions that can be deployed to ensure the physical safety, and address the uncertainty, of our LGBTQ+ community. Find out more about the Task Force and resources here.
Campaign for Southern Equality Emergency Grant
 The Campaign for Southern Equality has launched the Southern Trans Youth Emergency Project (STYEP), a new regional effort which provides rapid response support directly to the families of youth who are impacted by anti-transgender healthcare bans in the South. We have developed a regional referral network of providers in access states and are helping as many families as we can through this time of crisis. Find out more here.
Trans Aid Nashville
 Trans Aid Nashville (TAN) is of our community, for our community. Transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming, and others who feel they fall into this community are welcome to access what resources we have available. Find out more here.
Trans Lifeline: Relocation Assistance
 Find out more about Trans Lifeline Relocation Assistance resources here. Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
Resources for Families of Transgender Youth in TN
 The Campaign for Southern Equality has resources for transgender youth and families in Tennessee impacted by HB1/SB1. Resources include travel grants for families of transgender youth, lists of support groups, and more. Visit their website to learn more about this law and access their resource guide.
Study on Mental Health Effects of Anti-Trans Legislation on Transgender Adults
 Graduate students at California State University Northridge are conducting a research project on mental health effects, minority stress, and resiliency among transgender adults, as related to the amount of anti-transgender or trans-affirmative state legislation in their home state. You may be eligible to take the survey if you: 1) are 18-49 years old, 2) identify as transgender, and 3) have lived in Tennessee, Texas, or Missouri in the past six years. Take the survey at this link. If you have any questions, please contact: alex.blake.836@my.csun.edu; erika.baron@csun.edu; hyun.park@csun.edu
Study on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health
 Vanderbilt researchers are recruiting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 13-17 from across the state of Tennessee to better understand the mental health of Tennessee’s LGBTQ+ youth. What they learn from this study will inform tailored, context-appropriate, affirmative interventions for LGBTQ+ young people in our state. Below is a link to the study screener where youth ages 13-17 can find out if they are eligible. Legal guardian permission is required for teens under the age of 18. redcap.link/SPIRiTEMA_Parent_YA. Any questions can be directed to ClarkLab@Vanderbilt.Edu. Youth and parents/caregivers can learn more about their work here: clarklabvu.com/participate
Tennessee LGBTQ+ Health Equity Survey
 Inclusion Tennessee, the Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ Health, and the Vanderbilt University LGBTQ+ Policy Lab have teamed up to create a survey looking at LGBTQ+ Health Equity in Tennessee. This is an anonymous survey that will help us fight for the rights of our LGBTQ+ community. Scan the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/queerhealthTN to take the survey today!
Trainings on LGBTQ+ Health Offered by the Human Right’s Campaign
 The Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ civil rights advocacy group in the United States, offers free online training in LGBTQ patient-centered care. In addition to the trainings that the HRC offers through the Center for Affiliated Learning, they also offer trainings through the Veterans Health Administration and other community organizations!
VUMC Program for LGBTQ Health Newsletter
 Go to the VUMC Program for LGBTQ Health webpage to find out more information and sign-up for their newsletter.
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This group is a place for employees who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their allies. The LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group, known as the Glammadores, will host regular meetings aimed at providing resources for LGBTQIA+ employees and allies, including social networking, meetups, guest speakers, support navigating workplace interactions and more. For more information or to join, contact 
The Bi/Pan/Fluid affinity group provides a supportive and brave space for people who want to explore bi/pan/fluid or otherwise non-straight/non-heterosexual identities and experiences. Join us for conversation, exploration, and fun! Connect 
BlackOut is an affinity group that facilitates the coming together of black LGBTQIA+ members of the Vanderbilt community in order to provide support and share space and experiences. BlackOut is co-sponsored by The Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center. Connect 
The Queer and Asian (Q&A) affinity group provides space for students who are LGBTQIA2S+ and Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander. Join us for resources, conversation, and fun! Connect 
Willow provides an affirming, open space for women, women-aligned people, and lesbians attracted to other women, women-aligned people, and lesbians to discuss their experiences, share resources, and find a focused, supportive community where their identities are centered. Join us for meetings, movie nights, and more! Connect 
Plurality provides a brave space for LGBTQIA+ people who identify with or are practicing polyamory or consensual non-monogamy. Plurality delves into the history, representations, and skills involved with polyamory and consensual non-monogamy. Join us for resources and discussions! Connect 
