First Year Experience at Fall Reception Kickoff Event, Though the Eyes Of

Volume 1, Issue 2 October 2012 First year experience at Fall Reception Inside this issue: By: Dominique Bryant matter how anyone there identified themselves, I am confident that everyone felt Real Queer Film Series The preparation was hectic, the perfor- welcomed. Bebe Zahara’s performance was Assistant Director screens “reel” mance exciting, and the faces welcoming. I phenomenal. The only other time I’ve ever topics within the LGBTQ have never before experienced an event like experienced anything like her performance community in a new series pg. 3 this. In my opinion, this event allowed for was through a television screen. people to let down their natural defenses and genuinely interact with new people. Obviously live performances are much different and the energy she brought exploded Liaison Spotlights Generally speaking, when individuals are off of the stage. As a first time worker for Focusing on different liaisons each in an environment where they don’t feel the Center, and first year student, I am ex- month, we interview a newcommer comfortable they’re afraid to be themselves. cited to see what awaits my future as I con- as well as a seasoned liaison. pg.4 tinue to work with the Center and being a I truly believe that there was no level of part of these events at Rutgers. discomfort at the Reception that night. No

Red Arts Series Generation trouble kicks-off a three part series on AIDS in the arts. pg. 6

RU Ally Week Introduction of RU Ally Week, an initiative meant to highlight the community of social justice allies at Rutgers. pg.8 Kickoff event, though the eyes of an veteran Liaison By: AnnMarie Burg We host a variety of performers each year the past two years. Each year, the Fall Re- – from acapella singers to sword swallow- ception surpasses the former year’s atten- When I began working here in 2010, I knew ers to drag queen performer, Bebe Zahara dance and events by leaps and bounds. very little about the Center and the support Benet. Each year the guest list gets more and resources it provided to our LGBTQA exciting, the space more decorative and the I’m excited to see how social media tech- students and allies – I learned quickly and thrill goes on and on. niques have created a huge outreach to our it’s been an amazing journey. students, Rutgers staff and the community. The Fall Reception is not only a fun event This outreach, in turn, raises the visibil- One of my favorite responsibilities is to as- for all, but it is a time where we update ev- ity, communication and connection to the sist in the planning and preparation of the eryone about the Center’s new resources Center. LGBTQA Fall Reception, scheduled at the and upcoming programs. We formally start of each fall semester. introduce the student groups and our new I am happy to see the increase in students and returning students mingle and new walking through our doors each day– it’s a This year, the LGBTQA Fall Reception had friendships begin. place for the students to establish friend- a record high attendance of over 325 stu- ships, learn, commiserate, and feel af- dents, staff and liaisons. I have seen much progress and growth over firmed. I am so pleased to be a part of it all. Programming for community and traditions: Our feature of the Film Series launches with Queer People of Color in mind By: Zaneta Rago films from queer and ally filmmakers which us our community wants more of these re- Center for Latino Arts and Culture’s own Silismar Suriel all focus on contemporary queer issues. sources as well. By: Benito Nieves On September 25th, the Rutgers Center for “In the [Latino/a] community, there is a Social Justice Education and LGBT Com- We were absolutely thrilled to have been Our second installment of RQFS, Criminal Common in the Latino/a culture, preserva- way of framing what some see as ‘doing munities, along with the Center for Latino able to co-sponsor this event with some of Queers, occurred last night and had a won- tion of family and tradition is essential; but, good by’ others. Take for example being Art and Culture, the Institute for Research our amazing partner organizations around derful turnout which created an enriching as students may experience during their de- LGBTQ in the Latino community. There is on Women, Health Outreach, Promotion the campus. dialogue around queer experiences in the velopment years, preservation can be com- this concern some have about whether that and Education and LLEGO: for LGBTQ Prison Industrial Complex. plex. In her work with student groups and identity disrespects the family, even the ex- students of color and allies, welcomed Dr. September 15th to October 15th is Latino/a their programming initiatives, Silismar Su- tended family; or whether it represents reli- Celiany Rivera-Velazquez to campus for Heritage month at Rutgers, and creat- We hope that you join us for our last film riel, Program Coordinator in the Center for gious compliance, demonstrates masculin- our first Reel Queer Film Series. ing forums for LGBTQ people of color to screening, Diagnosing Difference, dur- Latino Arts and Culture (CLAC), faces two ity, or fits into one of the bubbles formed in share their stories is absolutely central to ing November’s TransWeek. If you have a seemingly contrastive, prevalent values: urban communities. For some students, it’s The Reel Queer Film series is a brand new the work that we do at SJE. We had almost film you would like to see from the center, foundation and intersection. While pro- difficult to identify with the Latino commu- monthly installment series of cutting edge 60 people attend the event, which shows please email us as [email protected]. grams uniting students may be based on a nity, when an LGBTQ identify intersects,” core foundation, like civility or sisterhood, regrets Suriel. an individual experiences this in relation to their own identity. Suriel, in the past decade Even within LGBTQ communities, Suriel of advising student groups – culture, Greek notices a pressing expectation of what stu- letter, faith, professional, and governance dents want from their peer leaders, such based – has witnessed the struggles and as being “out” about their queer identity. best practices of finding co-existence be- As she warns, some students cannot afford and resources our university offers. Rather tween foundation and intersection. such spotlight, based on the consequence than deter this, we started training students of family disapproval, disowning, and ces- on the skills needed for these conversa- “A shift has occurred in the last four to five sation of financial support. tions. We also encourage them to seek col- years,” observes Suriel. “We understand laboration with offices like CAPS and the more and more what it takes to be a com- To combat these conflicts, Suriel utilizes VPVA office.” munity. Our language is changing, for re- her professional focus on programming as a spect. Our acceptance for who makes up way to bridge communities and help foster Responding to change in the community is our community is growing; and that accep- cross-cultural education. Though, she rec- a strength of the CLAC team, identifies Su- tance is increasingly visible.” ognizes a growing pattern with inter-peer riel. As some intersections become increas- dependence. As issues shift to more serious ingly visible in spaces where foundations Suriel currently advises the Latino Student and intimate identity focuses, students are are prevalent, the office helps to minimize Council; Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incor- relying on each other for advice. resistance and foster solidarity. porated; LAWO - Latin American Womyn’s Organization; Sociedad Estudiantil Do- “Our student communities are growing Suriel invites, “We want more program- minicana; and LLEGO - the LGBTQQIA closer, and we want this,” begins Suriel. ming collaborations, especially those with Calling all Knights, LLEGO invites you to their nights “Our student leaders are on the front lines, People of Color Union at Rutgers. In her intention! We don’t want to tell students group football. “chosen” family, and the upcoming QPoC and when serious issues arise in conver- By: Benito Nieves work with student group executive officers, they can keep those [Latino/a] traditions Reception in the Red Lion Café at the Rut- the dialog on Latino/a identity formation is sation, [those students] are the ones their and adopt new insight into who practices The Queer People of Color (QPoC) are mo- “We went back and forth between formats gers Student Center, Tuesday, October 16, ongoing, and urgent. peers turn to, despite the programs, offices, them; we want them to experience it.” bilizing! LLEGO – the LGBTQQIA People for our meetings,” shares executive board at 7:30 p.m. of Color Union at Rutgers – are back for member, Em Kay. “This one just seemed another academic year and are inviting you to stick.” Kay, the liaison between LLEGO LLEGO is proactive about supporting to join their meetings. The group organizes and the Asian American Student Council, members of the community, especially every Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Center for joins team members Allison Kroeper, Brian those within other student groups. Chap- Latino Arts and Culture, near the Rutgers Robles, Jade Carcamo, Jay Chopra, Nomin man, the executive board’s most senior Student Center. Ujiyediin, Salan Chapman, Shantae Bedas- member, reflects on what she has observed sie, and Shia Cutis in unifying the QPoC over the years as crucial community point. LLEGO is governed by nine diverse execu- community and allies by utilizing collab- “My message for everyone, everyone, is tive board members, all of whom share an orative programming and advocacy. to come out and support LLEGO and its active role in engaging and facilitating the events; because we will surely do the same,” group. Group philosophy states, “If the ball’s With so many events under their belt this affirms Chapman. “We shouldn’t be com- in your court, the floor is yours!”Student academic year, the LLEGO leaders are keep- peting – for space, members, resources, members of LLEGO toss around ideas – be ing the momentum. Still to look forward to whatever – because we are a community, they about safe sex, confidence in the self, this semester is Gayme Night, discussions and we need camaraderie.” tips on coming out, or understanding queer on being queer in prison, improve-style lingo – and they do so by tossing around a coming out skits, a Thanksgiving dinner for 2 3 Introducing new liaison and the Criminal Justice Program’s most resourceful man, Administrative Asst. Matthew Bellof By: Benito Nieves New to Rutgers, Matthew Bellof enters the community with a plethora of experience: international academia and internship, program management in the areas of academic and student affairs, and a long-prac- ticed commitment to aiding individuals with special needs. The latter of those hits home with a passion.

As a deaf individual, Bellof carries piquant, often humorous stories of constructing af- firmations and overcoming challenges. Pedagogy is a profession; though, in his perspective, some of those teaching lessons ought to promote laughter.

“I genuinely believe that laughing makes you feel better. Like an apple a day, I think Against the odds: Sara Beth Bailey returns to the liaison it’s important to laugh -- out loud -- at least once a day,” suggests Bellof. program with a conversation on the coming out narrative By: Benito Nieves “coming out narratives”, including those in- Academic Engagement and Programming Bellof dedicated much of his undergradu- volving unsupportive interpersonal parties in Bishop House, room 209 A -- located on ate and graduate years to being an advocate Though Sarah Beth Bailey, Assistant Direc- and conservative family dynamics. Some College Avenue Campus, right across from for and educating others about the deaf and tor of New Student Programs, enters her students seek council when those narra- Au Bon Pain and the Center for Latino Arts hard of hearing population. Some of that third year both as liaison and Rutgers staff, tives seem “against the odds”, recognizes and Culture (CLAC). Students may sched- work included revising disability policies, her experience in advocating for and advis- Bailey; and she is one liaison who wants to ule with Bailey via calling 732-932-7442 creating platforms of support for the popu- ing LGBTQA students sagas many more; help students in that process. or emailing [email protected]; lation, and teaching in-class sign language. and her colorful credentials are evidence though drop-in visits are always welcome. of such. Students visiting Bailey will enter a As coordinator of the FIGS program – First As a member of the LGBTQ staff at Rutgers, space with LGBTQA supportive décor and Year Interest Groups Seminars – Bailey Bailey, as a staff member, develops student Bellof is able to recognize and engage in the visible credentials of her work with stu- works closely with the upper-class student programs and trains instructors to facilitate coming-of-age dialog so crucial to queer completed a qualitative and ethnographic defines sex, particularly in LGBTQ com- dents throughout her career in education. mentors and their facilitation of one-credit those programs; but, she is also a student youth and young adults. Like many LGBTQ research study of the coming-out process. munities, is a conversation he believes is seminars focusing on transition to college in the Ed.D. in Education program with individuals who indentify the intersections important to some students. During her time at Rowan University, and exploration of an academic interest. concentration in Education, Culture, and of identities, he recalls the embrace of his “I’m an awesome listener,” asserts Bellof. Bailey served as advisor for a gay-straight Society. The duet of these helps her to func- sexual orientation being a rather mute ex- “[I take in] all the information – meaning Being a resource is of high priority for this alliance student group; and it was this ex- Donna Martino, a history major and wom- tion as a liaison with a multifaceted campus perience. His sexual identity was clear to a student [can discuss] his or her thoughts new liaison; and students coming to see perience that laid the foundation of LG- en and gender studies minor, and FIGS perspective. In her current academic work, him; though, as he puts it: “I never consid- about possibly coming out or not being him will find evidence of this inside and out BTQA advisory commitments. Additional mentor, shares her appreciation for Bailey’s practice in challenges related to equity and ered myself different [in that regard].” sure how to come out – and then [I help] of his office. The wall lining his doorway is higher education work for Bailey includes guidance. social justice in education is a primary fo- not only to sift through those thoughts, but ornate with LGBTQ information and pro- residence life in the University of Maryland cus; and with some proactive application, During his time at Tufts University in also make sense of them in an analytical gramming dates. Inside, an assembled one- and outreach programming for Seton Hall “Ms. Bailey has been nothing but helpful Bailey will be able to utilize her student the New England area, Bellof served as way, almost.” stop-shop binder for campus navigation University. and supportive in my experience as a FIGS work to further strengthen her role as a li- a member of Team Q – a speaking panel may address a multitude of student needs. peer instructor, particularly when I needed aison. promoting gender and sexual awareness. Bellof also recognizes that many of the Both of these projects were Bellof’s way of “I want [students] to know that I have cho- advice on how to handle certain LGBTQ Additionally, he managed the 2007 Safe coming out narratives of this generation staying proactive about helping students. sen to work with college students,” assures topics in class. While I identify as queer “I want students to know they are not Colleges Conference in a continuing effort include elements of sexual exploration and Bailey. “I am committed to working with myself, [she] has been able to give me re- alone, that they have support. Even if stu- to bridge allies to the LGBTQ community. “hook-up culture”. As a liaison, he wants Bellof is the Administrative Assistant for them -- helping them learn, grow, graduate, sources and tips on how to be a professional dents want to chat and talk – about baking, Compounding these roles was a continuing students to know foremost he supports sex the Program of Criminal Justice, and can and feel safe during that entire time.” when handling the topic in relation toward gardening, whatever – I am here for them,” self-evaluation of his own coming-out nar- as healthy acts in one’s life; but he also sup- be located in Lucy Stone Hall, room A345, my students.” invites Bailey. rative. He examined it and spoke about it ports student’s values of monogamy and on the Livingston Campus. He can also be Bailey – an Ohio-farm native from a ru- with others; and during graduate school, he abstinence. Moreover, demystifying what reached at [email protected]. ral family – is experienced with students’ Students can locate Bailey in the Office of 4 5 Red Arts Series Part 1: Literature as a learning institution for LGBTQ people By: Benito Nieves of playwright, Chay Yew, Lee bends the Dr. Rick H. Lee, an instructor of literature conversation of identity and discovery to fit in the English department at Rutgers, ob- the mold of the individual. serves, “When we are little boys and little girls, we have texts that teach how to be Lee also recognizes the emergence of a new [such]. Even in our intersections – be it type of narrative serving as reconsideration faith, race, or ethnicity – we have some- for how AIDS is “remembered”: the ghost thing that guides us; but when we’re queer, story. Less of October’s-end spooks and the narrative is missing. Sexual minorities more genuine scripts of hauntings, bereave- lack these institutions of learning.” ment, and reflection, the LGBTQ ghost stories surfacing are a testament to the need Lee knows the pertinence of telling a nar- for bridging generations. Lee offers the New perspectives: Coming out as a freshman at Rutgers rative, especially when the intentionality is example of Ben Francisco’s “Tio Gilberto to help audiences understand history, jour- and the Twenty-Seven Ghosts,” which tells By: Josh Siegel Eventually, everyone got the idea. This is pause the television, because I had to tell neys, and themselves. He joined the Rut- the story of a young gay male protagonist, the first time in my life that I was able to them something. gers community in 1997, and has continued James, who is rather indifferent to the spec- I was able to come out to myself at around be open and honest with people in a public My step-mom immediately jumped to the to open the dialog (prominent in his class- ters that haunt his uncle’s home, mainly the end of August, right before [this] se- setting. conclusion that I had some medical issue rooms) surrounding what he coins “genera- because they are GRID/AIDS victims and mester began. that was life threatening, and my birth mom tion trouble” – a concept explored in-depth “relics of a past era, a sadder time not worth My parents are the greatest people alive asked if I was going to drop out of school. in his dissertation and publications. Partly remembering”, as critic David Grossman I knew… the only way I was able to be truly and my biggest support system. I have two in this concept, he acknowledges the rejec- details. To learn more about Lee, visit rick-lee.com accepting of others [in the Rutgers com- moms and I love them both. I laughed and said no I’m not sick and I’m tion gay males of newer generations have munity], I would have to start with myself not dropping out of school…I’m gay! with identifying with AIDS; though, in this “There are many ways we have for remem- The Red Arts series spotlights Rut- -- that was my ‘aha’ moment. They are the most loving and accepting disaffiliation, enters the prospect of harm- bering the AIDS epidemic. We have AIDS gers faculty whose professional and people I have ever met, and because of this, There was a second pause and my step mom ful, generational disconnect. memoirs, the AIDS Quilt, obituaries; but I was able to start a new chapter in my life I knew that I had to tell them that I was gay; said “I am so happy you feel safe and com- these ghost stories engage a necessary dia- personal research opens the dialog as openly gay. I never identified as gay or but, [as their son] it was still difficult to ad- fortable with yourself to be able to tell us.” Lee’s pedagogy frequents literature on log between who is remembering and who on AIDS in the LGBT community. straight, but as I began to feel more com- mit. AIDS and identity-intersections; though, as is being remembered,” notes Lee. fortable with my housemates, I began to My birth mom didn’t say much, but what he explains, even when sex and identity are Advocacy has many faces, and the tell them that I was gay by saying things [At the end of this September], we were she said -- “Welcome to the club” -- meant not the focus of class discussions, students Bridging generations into a “social whole” features in this series will have one like “Wow that guy is cute” or “Yea, I’d date watching television together, and a com- so much to me. It meant acceptance and find these threads crucial to the dialog, and is Lee’s foremost solution for generational thing in common: AIDS, as told him.” mercial came on. I asked if they could love. sew them in. disconnect. In his article, “Generation through the arts: the page, the stage, Trouble: Reflections on Gay Male Identity, For information on how to be supportive to a friend that is in “Students come with an existing repertoire Generational Consciousness, and Social and conversation on canvas. about their own and others’ identities,” Lee Belonging,” Lee urges gay readers to rec- the process of coming out please check out our link: remarks. “Sometimes, they use the class- ognize the place of the AIDS epidemic not For over three decades, a stigma has room as an outlet…and it makes more only in gay history but also in their own plagued the LGBT community: queer sense to encourage them not to compart- lives. being synonymous with HIV and mentalize their understanding of identi- AIDS. ties.” “The AIDS epidemic [is] significant not only as [a historical marker], but also be- For those students seeking literature to ex- cause [it has] transformed, in different and The work of the faculty members in- plore their sexual identity, Lee is a valuable profound ways, gay men’s relations to the troduced here responds to AIDS with resource for recommending texts across generation concept…especially in the con- messages pertinent to our campus genres and historical periods. In recitations text of the concept’s definition as a stage or and larger community. of Oscar Wilde and allusions to the dramas phase in the trajectory of the life course.” 6 7 RU ALLY WEEK Ally Week Schedule of Events for October 15th-19th

October 15 RU Ally Week Pledge Station and Ally Photo Shoot 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | LSC Coffee House | Livingston Stop by our pledge station all week for free giveaways, a professional photo shoot, & information about social justice initiatives on campus. RU Ally Week Kick-Off! 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | LSC 201 AB | Livingston Join the Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities, along with our campus partners , for the inaugural RU Ally Week! October 16 RU Ally Week Pledge Station and Ally Photo Shoot 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | LSC Coffee House | Livingston Annual Queer People of Color Reception 8:00 PM | Red Lion Café | Rutgers Student Center October 17 A message from one ally to another RU Ally Week Pledge Station and Ally Photo Shoot 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | LSC Coffee House | Livingston By: Lyanne Ventura campus who cares about or shares similar Safe(R) Space Training problems. 6:00 PM -9:00 PM |LSC Gathering Lounge| Livingston LGBTQ & Ally Training Program for RU Students, As a proud ally working at the Center, I feel Faculty and Staff that it is important for me and other stu- Everyone deserves to feel included and (RSVP Required: http://bit.ly/saferspace ) dents to take the Ally Pledge and support should be aware that there are people on October 18 those students around campus who may campus who are there to support their RU Ally Week Pledge Station and Ally Photo Shoot feel like they are alone, don’t belong and/ struggle. 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | LSC Coffee House | Livingston or those facing difficulties with coming out. Bias Prevention Education and Awareness Day! I am pledging to stand for change and I en- October 19 Over the past year working at the Center I courage other allies on campus to come out Last day to take the RU Ally Pledge and your Ally to RU Ally Week to take the pledge and get Photo! have seen many students come in for issues 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | LSC Coffee House | Livingston that are often very unique and for that very their pictures taken. Let’s change the world reason they may feel like there is no one on allies!! New Assistant Director brings Ally Week to Rutgers By: Zaneta Rago examining systems of racism, classism and for making this week possible: the Asian ableism because the LGBTQ community American Cultural Center, the Center for From October 15th to October 19th SJE includes people of color, folks of the work- Latino Art & Culture, B.R.I.D.G.E, Rutgers will be hosting a pledge station at the Liv- ing class, and those with disabilities. This Love, the Queer Student Alliance (QSA), ingston Student Center. RU Ally Week means folks within the LGBTQ community the Institute for Research on Women, the highlights how we can all work towards need to work towards different forms of al- Department of Anthropology, Student Life, being allies through action, advocacy and lyship as well. Career Services, the Educational Oppor- awareness. tunity Fund Program, the School of Arts Our pledge station will consist of a social and Sciences, Academic Services, Student While the traditional narrative of “being an justice resource fair, pledge signing and Involvement – Community Service Initia- ally” focuses on how heterosexuals can be professional photo shoot for the “I am an tives, the Office for Violence Prevention better allies to those who are LGBTQ, RU Ally because...” photo campaign. A sample and Victim Assistance, the office of the Ally Week is meant to raise awareness to photos can be seen above as an example of Dean of Students, Health Outreach Promo- the incredibly diverse world and campus we what the campaign will look like. tion & Education, and Rutgers University live in along the lines of multiple identities. Health Services. We can not be LGBTQ allies without also We would like to thank our co-sponsors 8