Campus C mpass A Guide to Gender & Sexuality at Tulane University A publication of The Office for Gender & Sexual Diversity (OGSD) © 2013 Tulane University Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity Table of Contents Guide to Campus About the Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity ......................... 1 Contact Information ....................................................................... 2 Welcoming Space .......................................................................... 3 Programs & Events ........................................................................ 4 Internships ..................................................................................... 8 Student Organizations ................................................................... 9 Annual Calendar of Events .......................................................... 11 Online News and Networks ......................................................... 16 Academics ................................................................................... 17 Housing ........................................................................................ 20 Health and Well Being ................................................................. 22 LGBTIQA Students of Color..……................................…………..24 Trans* on Campus ...................................................................... 28 Leadership Opportunities ............................................................ 27 Guide to New Orleans Community-Based Organizations ................................................ 34 Festivals, Parades & Other New Orleans Events ......................... 40 Wigs, Costumes, Thrifting & Make-up ......................................... 45 Additional Resources Tips from Tulane Students ........................................................... 48 Useful Vocabulary ........................................................................ 50 Nighttime Transportation & Safety Escorts ................................. 58 Bias, Discrimination, and Your Rights ......................................... 59 Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault, and Dating Violence ......... 63 2 OFFICE FOR GENDER & SEXUAL DIVERSITY SEXUAL & GENDER FOR OFFICE The Office for Gender & Sexual Diversity Mission The mission of the Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity (OGSD) is to work with all members of Tulane University to foster a climate of respect, understanding and appreciation for diverse genders, sexualities, cultures, and histories; to encourage critical thinking about gender and sexuality; to provide support and leadership development for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, allies, (LGBTIQA) and gender non-conforming (GNC); and, to ensure an open and affirming learning environment, free of homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia, sexism, and other forms of gender- and sex-based bias and discrimination. OGSD works closely with the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) to provide educational, social, and cultural opportunities that address the ways in which gender and sexuality intersect with race, ethnicity, class, nationality, dis/ability, and religious identifications. Our Work To accomplish our mission, we create a welcoming environment for all individuals who are interested in developing their understanding of gender and sexuality. We serve as a hub for social, cultural, academic, and intellectual resources. We provide mentorship, academic and career development, leadership opportunities, advising, advocacy and social justice trainings, a designated lounge and meeting space, social and cultural programming, critical dialogue and engagement, and internship opportunities. We sponsor academic lectures, panels, and workshops on gender and sexuality-related issues. And, we provide campus-wide education, consultation, and workshops for faculty, staff and students. Past programs have focused on the role of sexuality in the Civil Rights movement; the criminalization and activism of people who identify as transgender; the history of LGBTIQA people in New Orleans; the relationship between LGBTIQA and asexual communities; and, the intersections of race and class with sexuality and gender. We collaborate with administrators throughout the university to addresses issues of bias, harassment, and discrimination and to ensure that policies, facilities and programs are inclusive of gender and sexually diverse individuals. We work with community–based organizations, artists, and other universities in New Orleans to foster a citywide culture that respects and appreciates gender and sexual diversity. And, we conduct on-going campus climate assessments and evaluations of the Office and its service. 1 Contact Information Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity (OGSD) Lavin-Bernick Center (LBC) Garden Level Suite G04 29 McAlister Place New Orleans, LA 70118 Phone: (504) 314-2183 CONTACT INFORMATIONCONTACT Fax: (504) 862-8795 Email: [email protected] Director of The Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity Red Vaughan Tremmel, Ph.D. Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies and History Email: [email protected] Phone: (504) 314-2183 Fax: (504) 862-8795 Assistant Vice-President for Student Affairs and Intercultural Life Carolyn Barber-Pierre Email: [email protected] Phone: (504) 865-5181 Fax: (504) 862-8795 2 Welcoming Space SPACE WELCOMING Whether on the uptown or downtown campus, you can expect Tulane University to be a welcoming and inclusive environment. There are four spaces, however, that serve as a hub for gender and sexual diversity on campus: The O, the Mosaic Lounge, and two Living Learning Communities: Mo’ 5 and Willows of Culture. It is from these spaces that the Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity (OGSD) and LGBTIQA undergraduate student organizations meet, socialize, work, study, and live. The O is a comfortable space on the garden level of the LBC that has couches and chairs for students to drop in and relax any time. It is comprised of the Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity (OGSD), the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), and Religious Life. Here you will find the staff of OGSD and OMA, a living room/study area, Internet access, a TV, DVD player, movies, games, information, and a resource library. Students may also reserve the O conference room for meetings. The Mosaic Lounge is located on the ground floor of Warren House, beside SOHO (Weatherhead), and is a designated safe space for LGBTIQA students. Inside the MOSAIC lounge you will find safe sex supplies, Internet access, a TV, DVD player, movies, games, books, information, and much more. Student organizations often hold meetings and study breaks here. Living Learning Communities LGBTIQA-identified students and their allies may be particularly interested in two Living Learning Communities that are dedicated to multicultural, gender, and sexual diversity. As a residential community within the housing system, Mo’ 5 is designed to offer first-year students the experience of living in an inclusive, diverse, dynamic, and close-knit community and opportunities to grow as agents of social change. Mo’ 5 is a socially just living and learning community based on mutual respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sex, age, class, sexual orientation, religious preference, ability/disability and/or international status. Each member of this community is valued for their unique backgrounds, life experiences, and complex social identities. At the crossroads of diverse cultures, residents have the opportunity to learn about themselves and their peers in an atmosphere of respect and appreciation. Additionally, students develop unique knowledge bases, consciousness, and skills that enable them to effectively participate and take leadership roles in a globalizing and diverse world. The Willows of Culture House, located on the 4th floor of Willow Residences, is designed to offer upper-class students the opportunity to live and learn with other students who are interested in the interdisciplinary study of gender, sexuality, race, and ethnicity. Throughout the year, in an informal setting, students will be introduced to scholars, community organizers and artists who draw upon gender/sexuality/race/ethnic studies to inform their work. 3 Programs & Events Multicultural/LGBTIQA Orientation This orientation, offered to students as well as their guardians and parents, introduces students to multicultural/LGBTIQA life at the university. Hosted by the O (Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity Office of Multicultural Affairs Religious Life). PROGRAMS AND EVENTSANDPROGRAMS Peer Mentoring Program Open to all students, this program provides students opportunities to learn from mentors who serve as resource guides, advisors, and referral agents. Although each mentoring relationship is different, there are a variety of activities for mentors and mentees. Some eat lunch together, some attend football games or performances, and others go on cultural trips together. Mentors refer mentees to campus resources when they cannot help in a situation. Also, the program offers numerous programs throughout the year such as mentoring/study groups/sessions, cultural awareness programs, celebration of seasons/traditions, and end of the year social and recognition activities. If you would like a mentor or a mentee, contact [email protected]. Hosted by the O (Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity Office of Multicultural Affairs Religious Life). The O Multicultural/LGBTIQA