This semester has had so many unique challenges so we wanted to share that we're proud of you for doing your best and getting through it. Good luck with finals week - but regardless of how they go - you will still be the same worthwhile and important person you were before ;) Also, this summer, we're going to continue to do a monthly newsletter every third Monday of the month and provide virtual programming. More details below :)
Queer Joy @ UMD: Summer 2020
Wednesdays at 3pm Eastern Time in June, July, and August 2020
A weekly time to come together and share in some positive community energies. Sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes but typically start on time and last about 10 to 25 minutes. Please arrive on time.
A prompt will be given by the facilitator (e.g. draw something that makes you happy today and share; tell us about a favorite class you have taken as a student; write a poem about queerness; etc.) and you have the opportunity to respond to the prompt if you want to, or just to share in the space together. Not every prompt will focus on "queer" identities/issues, but this is an opportunity to come together with the LGBT Equity Center community, and the sessions are facilitated by one of our staff members - Shantala, Luke, or Shige.
Open to UMD students, staff, and faculty. You must use your umd.edu account to register and join (log in at umd.zoom.us ahead).
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Pride Month 2020: Netflix Parties!
If you’re anything like us, you’ve already burned through all of your favorite shows and are getting a little tired of scrolling through Netflix trying to find your next big adventure. Well, fortunately for you, Pride Month has you covered! We’re streaming three of our favorite movies for the next three weeks, and we’re inviting you to join the party. RSVP at go.umd.edu/prideparties, pop your favorite bag of popcorn, and enjoy the show!
Final Netflix Party is on May 14th: Moonlight
(Additional details: In order to join the Netflix party, you’ll need to have a Netflix account or to start a 7-day free trial. RSVP for the Netflix party at go.umd.edu/prideparties, and you’ll be sent a link to the Netflix Party within the hour before it begins. Simply click the link, click the red “NP” icon to join, and you’ll be a part of the party!)
Pride Month 2020: Spotify Playlist!
Have you heard the word? Pride Month is hooking you up with a curated Spotify playlist of some of our favorite queer and trans artists to help get you through this time-- and you’re invited to the party! Check-out that playlist at go.umd.edu/pridespotify, and drop a song or two by your favorite artists to share with others.
(Just a few rules for the playlist: Everyone is welcome to contribute to the playlist, though we ask that you only add 1-3 songs per person. Music by LGBTQ+ artists is encouraged but not required for entry. Moderators of the playlist reserve the right to remove any songs deemed inappropriate for inclusion and may block individuals or trolls who have contributed to the playlist nefariously.)
Spring Virtual Community Hours
Join us for a low-key time to check in and be virtually connected to community. **You will need to register in advance for these community hours. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Please use your UMD email account to register and set up your UMD Zoom account as well.
Community Hours for UMD Students: Ends Tues., May 12th
Come join the LGBT Equity Center for our Virtual Student Community Hours! Our final Student Community Hour is Tuesday, May 12th. Please feel free to join the Zoom session with or without audio or camera, as you prefer. The registration link for all community hours can be found here. ***Please note, due to the settings in Zoom, the registration will appear as recurring daily Monday-Sunday, however, the final Student Community Hour will only occur on Tuesday, May 12th.
If you'd like to meet with our staff during the week, please email lgbt@umd.edu or call 301-405-8720 to make an appointment.
Pride Alliance Discussion Groups are Virtual!
Discussion groups are a part of the larger LGBTQ+ student organization, Pride Alliance. All groups will meet through Discord and are open to newcomers and respectful allies.
Male-Identified Queers (MIQ): Mondays, 5-6pm (Ends today for the semester)
For gay, bi+, trans, queer, asexual, etc male-identified students. https://discord.gg/2pvA2Eg
Ace Space: Mondays, 6-7pm (Ends today for the semester)
For students who identify within the asexual and/or aromantic spectrum. https://discord.gg/qnWwkMd
Bisexuals at Maryland (BAM): Tuesdays, 5-6pm (Unknown end date)
For students who identify as bisexual, pansexual, or any other non-monosexual identity. https://discord.gg/PyK8cW5
Queerness and Disability: Tuesdays, 6-7pm (Ends tomorrow for the semester)
For queer individuals living with any kind of disability or impairment. You do not need to call yourself "disabled" to be welcome in this group. "Disability" could include mobility issues, cognitive/mood disorders, chronic illness, hearing/vision impairments and/or anything you label as such. https://discord.gg/6TmDVRU
True Colors of Maryland (TCOM): Thursdays, 5-6pm (On break for two weeks but will continue this summer)
For students of color, of all genders and sexual orientations. https://discord.gg/w5vuWxb
TransU: Thursdays, 6-7pm (Will continue this summer)
For transgender students and students questioning their gender. Inclusive of non-binary identities. https://discord.gg/TpwSyQe
Want to improve campus climate and educate UMD students on LGBTQ+ equity and rights? Become a Peer Educator and join our speakers bureau on LGBTQ+ inclusive practices at the University of Maryland by enrolling in LGBT 350 - LGBT People and Communications. This course fulfills Scholarship in Practice as well as Cultural Competency.
The course is open to all, but you must first speak with staff in the LGBT Equity Center for an assessment of knowledge and skill level. LGBT 200 is generally a prerequisite, but if your current level of knowledge is sufficient, you may be given permission to enroll.
To request an appointment, email speakersbureau@umd.edu. Please provide your name, pronouns, year, preferred email address, and three different times you are available, Tuesday-Friday, for a virtual meeting with Shige Sakurai or Aqdas Aftab of the LGBT Equity Center.
Friendly Reminder about the All Gender Restrooms Toolkit and Pronouns on ELMS-Canvas
We wanted to remind you of a few online resources. If you're interested in advocating for all gender restrooms, please visit our online Toolkit by clicking on the following link: https://go.umd.edu/restroomstoolkit.
Additionally, don't forget, you can change your pronouns on ELMS-Canvas! How?
1) Sign in on elms.umd.edu
2) Account -> Settings -> Edit Settings -> Pronouns
You can also update your name pronunciation at: Account -> Namecoach
