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October 2023 NEWSLETTER
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHT
Congratulations!
Join us in congratulating Stephanie Mahnke, Ph.D. for becoming the new Executive Director of the Tennessee Pride Chamber of Commerce. Stephanie’s last day as Director of LGBTQI Life was September 22nd.
Want to be featured in our newsletter? Fill out this form or contact Katja Tetzlaff for more information.
LGBTQIA+ AWARENESS DAYS
October is LGBTQIA+ History Month
10/8 International Lesbian Day
10/11 National Coming Out Day
10/15 National Latinx HIVAIDS Awareness Day
10/20 International Pronouns Day
10/24-10/29 Asexual Awareness Week
10/26 Intersex Awareness Day
Find out more about the importance of these days on our Instagram or History Month webpage.
LGBTQI LIFE EVENTS
10/2 LGBTQIA+ History Month Reception
 Join us for our LGBTQIA+ History Month Reception on Monday, October 2 from 12-2pm at the KCPC to unveil our digital timeline of LGBTQIA+ history at Vanderbilt. Refreshments provided. RSVP and find out more here.
10/4 Banned Books Week: Reception
 All are invited to join our reception to kick-off Banned Books Week on 10/4 from 12-2pm on the Commons Yard. Resource guides and a limited supply of books donated by Parnassus will be available. Find out more on AnchorLink.
10/5 Banned Books Week: Panel
Join our Banned Books Week Panel on 10/5 from 5-7pm at the Library Community Room featuring local teachers, librarians, and activists. Find out more on AnchorLink.
10/6 Accurate & Affirming: Inclusive Medical Illustration
 Join educator and medical illustrator Katja Tetzlaff, MS for a talk and discussion about the history of medical illustration, the current state of the profession, and the future of diverse and inclusive biomedical visualizations, particularly as they relate to transgender, non-binary, and intersex representation. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP here.
10/6 TGNB Author Series: Lydia Conklin Encore Event
 For an encore event in our Trans & Nonbinary Author Series, LGBTQI Life will host Lydia Conklin for a read from and celebrate the paperback release of Rainbow, Rainbow and a Q&A followed by mixer on 10/6 at 6pm in Alumni Hall 206/Reading Room. RSVP here.
10/9 LGBTQI Life Previous Directors Panel
 Featuring researchers, Dean K.C. Potter, and the first directors of Vanderbilt’s LGBTQI Life office, this panel will discuss the rich history and climate of Vanderbilt and Nashville’s LGBTQIA+ communities. Join us for an afternoon of intimate discussion around the challenges, joys, and contributions of Vanderbilt’s LGBTQIA+ community. RSVP here.
10/10 World Mental Health Day: Rock Garden Painting
 Want a plant you don’t have to worry about? Relax while you paint a rock garden for World Mental Health Day at the KCPC from 12-2pm. Food and supplies provided. More tips about mental health will be provided by our event partners the Center for Student Wellbeing, Student Care Coordination, and the University Counseling Center. RSVP here.
10/11 National Coming Out Day
 All are welcome to our annual National Coming Out Day celebration from 1:00-4:00pm on Alumni Lawn. We will have food trucks, therapy dogs, photo opportunities, giveaways, popsicles and popcorn, and so much more! Find out more on AnchorLink.
10/12 Continuum: Coming Out Edition (in-person)
 In celebration of National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11) and LGBTQI+ History Month, the UCC in collaboration with the KC Potter Center is hosting a special “coming out” edition of Continuum, wherein undergraduate and graduate students can share their stories of coming out as sexually and/or gender-diverse individuals. Students are invited to participate in this safe, confidential, and affirming space, while enjoying snacks and refreshments with peers and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists from the UCC on 10/12 from 6-7pm in Sarratt 189. Find out more here.
10/17 Trivia Night: Students vs. Faculty vs. Staff
 Vanderbilt students, faculty, and staff are invited to face-off during Trivia Night on Tuesday, October 17th from 5:30-7:30pm at the Rec Center Multipurpose Room. The winning team will receive prizes and bragging rights! Our drag queen trivia host is Nashville’s own Miss Kennedy Ann Scott! RSVP here. 18+.
10/19 Queer Teaching, Queer Thriving
 The Center for Teaching and the K.C. Potter Center for LGBTQI Life are proud to offer a 2023-2024 learning community about ways campus educators may help LGBTQI+ students to thrive academically and socially. Open to all faculty, graduate students, and staff of any background, the QTQT learning community will discuss a wide variety of issues. October’s theme is Navigating Coming Out: Implications of disclosing our own identities and how to support others through their coming out process. Sign up here.
10/23 LGBeadsTQ: All Identities Welcome!
 Join us at the KCPC for LGBeadsTQ on Monday, Oct. 23 from 12-4pm to make keychains, bracelets, fidget toys, and more to celebrate all LGBTQIA+ identities during History Month. All supplies provided. No experience necessary. RSVP here.
10/26 Polished: Neck Ties and Nail Polish
 LGBTQQIA+ students are invited to Polished: Neck Ties and Nail Polish, an informal event series to learn how to look fancy and be fearless in your queerness. All supplies are provided. No experience necessary. Come enjoy finery outside of the binary, make friends, and learn new skills! RSVP here.
10/27 Trans Affirming Practices Demo with VUMC Trans Buddies
 Focusing on the physical aspects of social transition, LGBTQI Life and VUMC Trans Buddy Program will host a Trans Affirming Practices Demonstration on 10/17 from 5-7pm in Alumni Hall 206/Reading Room. Find out more on AnchorLink.
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!
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.
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.
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
10/2 “Rorem Retrospective” Concert
 Join the Blair School of Music on 10/2 for the “Rorem Retrospective” concert at 8pm in Turner Hall to kick off LGBTQIA+ History Month. Known for both his breadth of output for both vocal and instrumental forces, Rorem entered gay icon status through the publication of his diaries over forty years, beginning in 1966. In addition to a selection of works by Rorem, a new work by Blair composer Russell Platt—writing in honor of Rorem—will be performed. Find out more here.
10/18 V14 DEI Symposium: Perspectives from LGBTQIA+ Scientists
 The 2023 VI4 DEI Symposium theme is Careers in STEM: Perspectives from LGBTQIA+ Scientists and will take place at Light Hall 208 12:00-4:00pm. Open to Vanderbilt community. This event will feature four outstanding speakers from around the country who, in addition to presenting a bit about their research, will discuss their experiences as LGBTQIA+ scientists in academia and beyond. The event will feature a panel discussion, as well as a casual networking reception afterwards.
10/24: Gender Affirming Care, Medical Privacy, and Trans Rights by C.P. Hoffman
 The Office of Diversity, Equity and Community at Vanderbilt Law School, in partnership with Vanderbilt’s LGBTQ+ Policy Lab, LGBTQI Life, The Carpenter Program in Religion, Gender and Sexuality, The Office of the Provost, and OutLaw, is honored to host C.P. Hoffman on Tuesday, October 24th, 12:30-1:30 PM Central Time. The lecture, entitled Gender Affirming Care, Medical Privacy, and Trans Rights, is part of the Law School’s Dean’s Lecture Series on Race and Discrimination and will address the policy issues related to gender affirming care bans in the US especially in the South and in Tennessee. They will also discuss medical privacy issues for transgender populations and the broader transgender health policy landscape.
10/25 Intersex Worship Service with Marissa Adams
 To honor Intersex Awareness Day, the Divinity School will have a Weekly Worship service at 11:30am in The Space (G-29) in the Vanderbilt Divinity School (411 21st Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37240.) Preacher Marissa Adams, an intersex women, advocate, and educator, will be our speaker.
Tuesdays: Bible Study on Gender, Sexuality, & Scripture
 Vanderbilt Divinity School’s Episcopal student ministry Canterbury will host a six-week Bible study at St. Augustine’s A-Frame called Gender, Sexuality, & Scripture on Tuesdays from September 19 – October 25th. The group will spend time focusing on topics like gender diversity in the Bible, women’s leadership in the ancient church, and de-clobbering the passages that have been used to harm the LGBTQIA+ community. All are welcome, all are celebrated! Lunch will be served. See the flier for more information and scan the QR code or go here to register.
10/30 Rev. Ted Karpf Lecture
 Reverend Canon Ted Karpf will be on campus to speak about his book, Acts of Forgiveness: Faith Journeys of a Gay Priest on Monday, October 30th at 5pm in The Space (G-29) in the Vanderbilt Divinity School (411 21st Avenue South Nashville, TN 37240.) The “Restoring Broken Shards: A Queer Activism Amidst Faithlessness and Hope” lecture by the Reverend Canon Ted Karpf will be followed by a panel discussion.
10/31 Inclusive Book Group: The Color Purple
 All are welcome to join our Inclusive Book Group discussion The Color Purple on Tuesday, October 31st at 12pm in the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities. This discussion will include a conversation about the lesbian presence removed from the original film version. Limited e-book copies are available through Central Library service desk. Sign up here. E-book available here. If you would like a copy of the book, please request it here. For more information, contact womenctr@vanderbilt.edu.
______ “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.
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
10/7 Nashville CARES AIDS Walk
 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
10/7 Chappell Roan: The Midwest Princess Tour
 Bold pop hooks, sex positivity, honest songwriting, and a heavy dose of glitter make up the world of Chappell Roan, the next multi-faceted force in pop music. Chappell Roan’s The Midwest Princess Tour will be at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville on October 7th. See our community partners’ tables while you are at the concert!
10/7 Nashville Public Library’s Series: Shame and Addiction
 Join the Nashville Public Library’s “Be Well at NPL” series on October 7th for 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. October’s theme is Shame and Addiction.
10/20-10/22 21st Annual Nashville Black Pride Celebration
 Join Nashville Black Pride for their 21st Annual Nashville Black Pride Celebration October 20-22nd, 2023 that includes community awards and a local vendors market. Find out more about NBP online.
10/21 Holigay Market Benefiting Nashville LaunchPad
 Come out for the Holigay Market benefiting Nashville LaunchPad featuring local artisans, crafters, makers, and more on Saturday, October 21 from 10am – 5pm at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Food and beverages available. Find out more online.
10/26-10/28 Parents in Process: 2023 Reconcile and Reform Conference
 Are you a Christian parent who has an LGBTQ child and lots of questions? Are you concerned about what the Bible has to say about your child? If so, you are not alone on this journey—and you are invited to attend a daylong program on Thursday, October 26, for parents just like you. The Reformation Project is hosting our biannual Reconcile and Reform conference at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville South Cool Springs from October 26-28. Before the conference officially starts on the evening of October 26, we’ll host our Parents in Process pre-conference program for Christian parents of LGBTQ children. Get tickets here.
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 
