APRIL 2024 NEWSLETTER
LGBTQIA+ AWARENESS DAYS
April LGBTQIA+ Awareness Days:
April 6: Asexuality Day (the first was celebrated in 2021!)
April 22: Day of Silence
April 26: International Lesbian Visibility Day
Find out more about the importance of these days on our Instagram.
LGBTQI LIFE EVENTS
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
4/2 Banned Books Initiative: Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
 Join with the Banned Books Initiative and read the #1 most banned book in the United States: Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe. Join us for a discussion on Tuesday, April 2nd from 12-2pm at the K.C. Potter Center. Food and beverages provided. Sign-up here.
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!
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
4/3 Center for Research on Inequality and Health Seminar
 Join us on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 12pm to 1pm in Buttrick 344 fora seminar with Kristen Schilt with special guest Michelle Johns – How Does Sexual Identity Impact the Aging Process? A Comparison Across Two Nationally Representative Samples. RSVP for the seminar lunch here.
4/4 A Conversation with Rob Smith, CEO of Phluid Project
 Join Owen Out & Allied and the Venture and Entrepreneurship Club for a conversation with Rob Smith, CEO of the Phluid Project on Thursday April 4th at 1:15 PM CST in Averbuch. RSVP for lunch here.
The Phluid Project, founded in 2018, embodies the concept of fluidity both outwardly and inwardly. It challenges artificial boundaries of gender, skin color, and status, advocating for a world free from imposed limitations. Grounded in community, activism, and education, Phluid values inclusivity and celebrates diversity across all spectrums. Through gender-free fashion and partnerships with like-minded brands, it aims to amplify underrepresented voices and break down societal barriers. By promoting self-expression without constraints, Phluid envisions a more inclusive future for all, proudly supporting the LGBTQ+ community as a certified member of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
4/10 Transgender Health and Policy in Tennessee, the South, and the United States
Wednesday, April 10 | 12pm to 1pm | Light Hall 208
 The Center for Research on Inequality and Health are excited to announce an upcoming seminar with Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH) for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Admiral Rachel Levine: Transgender Health and Policy in Tennessee, the South, and the United States.
Admiral Levine will combine her unique perspectives as a pediatrician, a high-ranking government official, and her personal lived experience as a transgender person to comment on LGBTQ+ rights and health broadly and transgender health specifically in the United States, the South, and Tennessee. Join us for an engaging lunchtime conversation and discussion that will include significant time for Q&A with the Admiral.
RSVP here.
4/10 World on Wednesday: Flourishing, Community and Migration among Transgender Latinx in Los Angeles, California
 Bárbara Navaza is a cultural anthropologist, professional translator and interpreter, as well as a PhD candidate in anthropology at Vanderbilt. For a decade, she worked in public health programs with migrant populations in Spain, focusing on HIV prevention, Chagas Disease, Tuberculosis and International Travel. In her latest work, she examines the intersections between health, gender and citizenship by looking at the experiences of flourishing, community and migration among transgender Latinx living in Los Angeles, California.
Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. Please click here to register. More information can be found on Anchor Link.
4/13 inVUsion 2024
 Join MLC for our annual celebration of the diverse cultures and identities on Vanderbilt campus! With 20 cultural and identity organizations represented at inVUsion, you will be experiencing the culture, games, and cuisines from all over the world! There will also be student performers and an international fashion show! Find out more and RSVP here.
4/13 Future Physicians as Advocates: Creating Collective Impact from Community Voices
 On Saturday, April 13th, from 9 am-3:30 pm, Vanderbilt Homeless Health Service is hosting “Future Physicians as Advocates: Collective Impact from Community Voices.” Register and find out more for this free conference here. Conference registration closes March 31st, 2024, with a possible extension if tickets are not sold out.
This day-long conference brings together local non-profits, medical professionals, community stakeholders, and aspiring advocates (medical students and undergraduates) at Light Hall, Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN, USA to learn from one another. Our hope is that this day of dialogue, reflection, and empowerment will catalyze partnership-formation and coalition-building while showing students the myriad ways in which they can become part of the incredible community working to combat homelessness in Nashville.
We will be hearing from the CEO of the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, Park Center (Recovery & Mental Illness), Room in the Inn, Shower the People, Nashville Launch Pad (LGBTQ+ shelter and housing), Project Return, Oasis Center (youth homelessness), Mary Parrish Center (Domestic Violence Transitional Housing), Dr. Jim Withers (founder of the Street Medicine Institute), the Social Mission Committee at Vanderbilt University Medical School, Open Table Nashville (housing policy organization), and The Contributor.
4/22 Equity & Engagement Cafe with the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance
 Please join us April 22nd from 5-7pm for an interactive networking and engagement event focused on health equity in the greater Nashville area. Featured speakers include Dr. Kitt Carpenter from Vanderbilt University’s Center for Research on Inequality and Health and Dr. Rebecca Selove from TSU’s Center for Prevention Research. The event will be at the Tennessee State Museum at 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208. All are welcome! Hors d’oeuvres provided. Registration required by 4/15 at QR or https://redcap.link/7ofsl224j.
4/20 Spirituality & Religion Among LGBTQ+ People
 Join speaker Rev. Meredith Cox, MDIV, MA, BCC, and staff chaplain for VIVID Health Tuesday, April 30th at 12:00pm in the Nursing Annex 161 for a talk about spirituality and religion among queer and trans people. Box lunches provided for the first 50 people. Register/RSVP here.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
4/9 Nashville Predators 9th Annual Preds Pride Night
The Nashville Predators 9th Annual Preds Pride Night is on Tuesday, April 9 against the Jets at Bridgestone Arena. Arrive early for the Pregame Plaza Party for a performance by artist Emily Ortego, music from DJ Griffin Green, a fan-painted Pride mural, Glitter Bar and more.
Plus, there will be a Pride Night Jersey Auction featuring this year’s Pride logo designed in partnership with local artist, Brad DeLeone. The vibrant colors are representative of the community and this dynamic logo will be featured on the custom Nashville Predators jerseys available through the Preds Foundation auction.
Purchase tickets here.
4/9 Gatherings: Safety, Inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ Identity
 Every employee should feel safe and seen in the workplace. For people in the LGBTQIA+ community, the road to safety and inclusion in the workplace can be filled with disappointment, discrimination, and more. Join this Gathering to talk about what safety and inclusion has looked like for you, as well as ways to improve these things in the workplace. This Gathering is intended for member of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
Gather sessions will not be recorded. Lyra will not share your participation details with your employer or anyone else. If you have any technical questions, please contact learnadmin@lyrahealth.com.
Complete the following steps to register for the Gatherings.
- Visit learn.lyrahealth.com
- Upon reaching the log in page, go to “New user? Register”
- Complete the registration form (enter #vanderbilt511 for the customer code)
- Check your email for the link to complete the registration process
4/10 Then and Now: The History of Minority Cultures in Nashville at Nashville Public Library
 Join us Wednesday, April 10th at 5:30pm for a catered event in the Then and Now series sponsored by the Nashville Public Library and Vanderbilt University. Co-sponsored with API Middle Tennessee, join us for presentations about the history of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Use QR code to RSVP.
4/12 The T Journey Mixer
Meet & greet with members of the Middle TN trans community, share stories, & discuss resources for our vibrant trans community.
Featured speakers include At-Large Councilmember Olivia Hill, Middle TN Transgender Alliance Chair Jordan Works, and Nashville Pride Board Member Rell Freeman. Find out more here.
4/24 Gatherings: Safety, Inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ Identity
Every employee should feel safe and seen in the workplace. For people in the LGBTQIA+ community, the road to safety and inclusion in the workplace can be filled with disappointment, discrimination, and more. Join this Gathering to talk about what safety and inclusion has looked like for you, as well as ways to improve these things in the workplace. This Gathering is intended for member of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
Gather sessions will not be recorded. Lyra will not share your participation details with your employer or anyone else. If you have any technical questions, please contact learnadmin@lyrahealth.com.
Complete the following steps to register for the Gatherings.
- Visit learn.lyrahealth.com
- Upon reaching the log in page, go to “New user? Register”
- Complete the registration form (enter #vanderbilt511 for the customer code)
- Check your email for the link to complete the registration process
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 
