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March 2024 NEWSLETTER
LGBTQIA+ AWARENESS DAYS
March LGBTQIA+ Awareness Days:
March is Bisexual Health Awareness Month
Week varies in March: National LGBT Health Awareness Week
10 March: National Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
20 March: National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
31 March: International Transgender Day of Visibility
Find out more about the importance of these days on our Instagram.
LGBTQI LIFE EVENTS
LGBTQI Conference Proposal Submission Deadline Extended to TODAY, Friday, March 1st!
 Vanderbilt’s Office of LGBTQI Life has extended the deadline to TODAY, Friday March 1st to submit proposals for our first VU LGBTQI Conference for and by VU students, post-docs, faculty, and staff. Need an additional extension? Email lgbtqi@vanderbilt.edu. The Conference will take place from 9am – 4pm on Thursday, March 28th, 2024.
3/1 Women’s History Month “Lesbian Love Letters” Exhibit
 Celebrate Women’s History Month by checking out an exhibit on the hidden history of women’s queer relationships and romantic friendships at the KC Potter Center! Our exhibit is available to view whenever the center is open, and all are welcome! See the exhibit in our den and dining room from March 1-31st.
3/5 ‘What’s [sex] got to do with it?’: Romantic friendships in early 20th century women’s colleges
 In honor of Women’s History Month, the Office of LGBTQI Life presents “‘What’s [sex] got to do with it: Romantic friendships in early 20th century women’s colleges.” by Dr. Lizzie Smith. Join us on March 5th from 4-5pm in Sarratt room 189 to learn about the hidden history of queer women’s relationships in higher education. Find out more here.
3/20 Drop-in P.R.I.D.E. Training (Online)
 All are invited to us for an online, drop-in P.R.I.D.E. Training on Wednesday, March 20th from 5pm-8pm on Zoom. All participants who complete the training will receive a Safe Space placard. Email lgbtqi@vanderbilt.edu if you have any questions. RSVP here.
3/23 Nashville Queer History & VU: Walking Tour (RSVP required)
 Saturday, March 23 from 12:00-1:30pm. Join local queer historian Sarah Calise, founder and director of Nashville Queer History, as she takes you on a roughly 1-mile walk around Centennial Park, covering 8 tour stops that delve into topics like queer women in the suffrage movement, cruising culture, queer music history, the Civil War, Pride protests, and more on. Space limited. RSVP on Anchorlink required.
3/38 Inaugural Vanderbilt LGBTQI Conference
 Vanderbilt’s Office of LGBTQI Life warmly invites campus to attend for our first VU LGBTQI Conference, designed for and by VU students, post-docs, faculty, and staff. The event will take place from 9 am to 4 pm on Thursday, March 28th, 2024 in Sarratt Student Center and the Community Event Space. This year’s theme is Freedom to Thrive: Be You at VU. Our keynote speaker will be Dominique Morgan. Find our more here.
3/30 Nashville Queer History & VU: Driving Tour (RSVP required)
 Explore Nashville’s LGBTQ+ history on our Nashville Queer VU Driving Tour, designed especially for Vanderbilt students and staff Saturday, March 30 from 1:00-3:00pm! Join local queer historian Sarah Calise, founder and director of Nashville Queer History, as she takes you to important spots that have shaped the community’s story. From iconic bars to meaningful memorials, discover the diverse and resilient spirit of Nashville’s LGBTQ+ scene. Join us to celebrate inclusivity and learn about the city’s queer culture. Space is limited. Must RSVP on Anchorlink.
Lav Grad: Graduate and Undergraduate Speakers, Award Nominations, RSVP, and more…
Are you graduating? RSVP by April 8
Interested in being our speaker for Lavender Grad? Submit here
Want to nominate someone or an organization for an LGBTQI Life award? Nominate by April 8
Just attending? RSVP by April 15 for food order
Faculty and staff can submit videos for graduates here by May 1
For all questions, email lgbtqi@vanderbilt.edu
LGBTGIF… it’s back! Every Friday in Spring 2024
 Thank goodness it’s Friday! Bringing back a campus tradition starting Friday 1/12 and continuing EVERY FRIDAY for the whole semester, all LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff and students are welcome to bring their lunches and eat in company with community at the K.C. Potter Center every Friday from 12-2pm. Bring your lunch and enjoy coffee and tea. Let us know you’re coming to LGBTGIF here!
Queeries & Conservations. Every Wednesday in Spring 2024
 LGBTQIA+ and allied students, faculty, and staff are invited to gather at the KCPC to chat about queer culture and share refreshments each Wednesday at 4pm for Queeries & Conversations. Weekly topics vary, and campus affiliate group or organization @Vanderbilt LGBTQI Life can host a conversation!
Check our Instagram stories on Tuesday/Wednesday to find out the topic!
Interested in sharing a special interest, fan theory, or learning about others’ thoughts on an issue? Email us at lgbtqi@vanderbilt.edu to host a conversation about a topic of your choice!
Facilitator Needed: BlackOut Affinity Group
 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 here.
Want to be a facilitator? Please email lgbtqi@vanderbilt.edu
Follow us on Instagram!
 Follow us @VULGBTQILIFE to find out more about all of our events and all LGBTQIA+ awareness days.
Want to be featured on our page? Fill out this form or contact Katja Tetzlaff for more information.
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.
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.
Writing Studio @ KCPC
Every Thursday, 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.
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
3/1 Live. Learn. Lead. Symposium 2024
 The Leadership Symposium aims to explore and teach strategies to navigate conflict, enhance work-life balance, and develop impactful mentorship connections as female scholars and professionals. This empowering event is not just about listening – it’s about actively practicing leadership skills, expanding your network, and reflecting on how you can thrive as a leader. Discover the keys to resilience and wellness as a leader through interactive and fun sessions that provide tangible takeaways. Following the keynote address and panels, students will engage in a networking reception with each other, attending faculty and alumni, and Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, USN, Retired.
The Live Learn Lead Symposium is sponsored by the Vanderbilt University Sesquicentennial Grant. This event is open to all students at Vanderbilt University, including undergraduate, graduate and professional students. The Symposium will be an in person event with no virtual component.
Register here.
3/3 Lambda’s 29th Annual Charity Drag Show: Good vs. Evil
 Join us for Lambda’s 29th Annual Drag Show for charity THIS SUNDAY, March 3rd! This year’s theme is Good vs. Evil, and will feature all Tennessee drag artists to highlight the resilience of our local drag community amidst an increasingly hostile political atmosphere. The drag show will consist of a preceding brunch, the show, and photo opportunities after. We will be donating all ticket sales and student performer tips from the event to Nashville Launch Pad, a local community non-profit providing emergency housing to Queer young adults.
Want to volunteer? Sign-up here. Interested in performing? Check out the flyer!
3/3 Resilience in the Face of Adversity Workshop
 You’re invited! Monday, March 3rd at 3pm in Rand 308, Project Safe is bringing Tonya Whiteside, the author of Focus: Building Vision with Clarity and Purpose and Rebuilding Life after Trauma, Vision Coach and motivational speaker to facilitate this workshop on cultivating resilience in the face of adversity. Tonya shares that even on the emotional road upward to recovery, you can rebuild your life and that the power to build resilience is already within you. Learn how to better handle adversity, professional stress, personal crisis, and life’s other challenges proactively and constructively. Whether you are dealing with stress or recovering from trauma, this program will offer tools and strategies for guide you in coping and healing.
This workshop is for faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate and professional students. Please RSVP here.
3/6 CRIH Seminar Series: “Imposterization in Academia, Psychological Distress, and Class Reproduction”
 The Center for Research on Inequality and Health‘s Seminar Series presents “Imposterization in Academia, Psychological Distress, and Class Reproduction” by Jo Phelan, Columbia University from 12:00-1:00pm in Buttrick 344. Sign-up for CRIH Seminar Series here.
3/14 Out & Allied Presents: Y2 Ki-Ki
 📞 Ring, ring… Hello, fabulous friend! This is Owen Out & Allied calling with exciting news about our upcoming Y2 Ki-Ki, where we’re diving into the spirit of queerness and celebrating connections in true Y2K style. Get ready to transport yourself back to the glory days of Y2K fashion! We’re encouraging everyone to channel their inner Y2K diva or heartthrob. Think glitter, metallics, and all things bold and daring. It’s a fashion extravaganza, and we can’t wait to see your fabulous take on Y2K attire.
Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas:
- Glitter and Metallics: Shine bright like a Y2K diamond with outfits that shimmer and sparkle.
- Neon Dreams: Bring out the vibrant neon colors that defined the Y2K era. Think electric pinks, greens, and blues.
- Butterfly Clips and Hair Sparkles: Don’t forget the accessories! Channel your inner 2000s with butterfly clips, hair sparkles, and all things nostalgic.
- Cargo Pants and Crop Tops: Embrace the Y2K street style with cargo pants paired with a trendy crop top.
- Bedazzled Everything: If it’s not bedazzled, is it really Y2K? Bedazzle your outfit for that extra touch of glam.
Remember, it’s all about expressing yourself authentically and having a blast! So raid your closet, hit the thrift stores, and create a look that screams Y2K fabulousness. RSVP here.
3/23 3rd Annual Connect Community Health Fair
 The Connect Community Health Fair is a unique opportunity to interact with inclusive and affirming health and wellness providers. The health fair is FREE TO ATTEND and no registration is required.
The Connect 2024 Community Health Fair is scheduled for March 23, 2024 from 10 am – 3 pm at Tech Hill Commons, 500 Interstate Blvd., Nashville, TN 37210. Find out more here.
Call for Black Artists: Photography, painting, quilting, collage, multimedia art, and sculpture (Deadline 3/25)
 The (Trans)formation of Silence 2024 Exhibit. Calling all graduate and undergraduate visual artists to submit creative work to be featured in a Spring 2024 exhibition on Blackness, womanhood, and queerness. Selected artworks will be prominently displayed in a dedicated space, providing a platform for you to connect with fellow artists and enthusiasts. Please submit up to 3 images with your name, degree program, and art titles in a zip file to amina.shumake@vanderbilt.edu.
3/27 CRIH Seminar Series: “Discussion of: What We’ve Become: Living and Dying in a Country of Arms”
 The Center for Research on Inequality and Health‘s Seminar Series presents Vanderbilt University’s Jonathan Metzl and his research topic “Discussion of: What We’ve Become: Living and Dying in a Country of Arms” from 12:00-1:00pm in the Nursing Annex 167. Sign-up for CRIH Seminar Series here.
3/27 Short Documentary Film Screening: Under G-d
 Join us for a screening of the documentary short Under G-d. The screening will be followed by a brief panel discussion with Rebecca Epstein-Levi (Jewish Studies and GSS) and Sara Mayeux (Law School) on Wednesday, March 27th at 5:00pm.
Under G-d is about the national Jewish response to the Dobbs Decision woven through the lived experiences of impacted women and the various lawsuits currently being launched by Jewish and interfaith leaders to challenge the overturning of Roe v. Wade, state by state. RSVP here.
3/27 VRS Pride Meeting
VRS Pride is open to members of the Vanderbilt Community (undergrad, graduate/professional, and staff) who identify within the LGBTQI+ community and are navigating addiction recovery or are questioning their use of alcohol, drugs, or other habits detrimental to wellbeing (gambling, shopping, disordered eating, etc.).
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
VOICE: Vanderbilt Outreach Initiative for Community Empowerment, Application due 3/15
 Are you a student interested in community impact and engagement? Look no further! Vanderbilt Outreach Initiative for Community Empowerment (VOICE) offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful, long-term service commitments in Nashville while honing essential service-leadership skills. If interested, check out our website for more information and the application on Anchor Link! Applications are due March 15th at 11:59 P.M. Questions? Email madison.woods@vanderbilt.edu.
Research Study: LGBTQI People, Disclosure, and Social Media
 Researchers at Virginia Tech created a study is to examine the patterns of disclosure of sexual orientation and gender identity by LGBTQ+ college students on various social media platforms. Students will have a chance to reflect on how they use social media concerning their LGBTQ+ identities and experiences disclosing this identity to various groups of individuals both online and offline. Additionally, students will be exposed to communication research and how it is conducted through self-administered surveys. Students’ names will not be attached to any of their responses.
We are seeking students who:
- Are members of the LGBTQ+ community
- Are 18 years or older
- Are a college student (undergraduate or graduate)
- Use social media
For questions or more information, please feel free to contact members of the research team – Dr. Mike Horning (mhorning@vt.edu), Danny Robertson (danihrobertson@vt.edu) or Nahaly Nafisa Khan (nahalynafisa@vt.edu). Start the survey here.
V150 Time Capsule: Contribute Your Thoughts!
 In 1874, the Vanderbilt community pulled together materials for a time capsule in Kirkland Hall, which we recently unearthed and opened. As part of Vanderbilt’s Sesquicentennial celebration, we’re putting together a new time capsule that will be installed. In addition to a variety of items representative of our time, we would like to include statements from Vanderbilt students, alumni, faculty and staff about their aspirations for the future of Vanderbilt.
We invite you to contribute your thoughts! We encourage you to share with your friends, members of your student organization, etc. Thank you for being part of this exciting time in Vanderbilt’s history.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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 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
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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 
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 
