1. Trends and Topics related to the LGBTQ Community
Fayetteville State University
Brent Lewis
Director of Cultural Programs & Safe Zone Office

2. Introductions
Name
Gender Pronouns

3. Learning Outcomes
The learner will have greater knowledge and skills related to social norms and trends
The learner will have increased knowledge about institutional and community resources
The learner will have improved academic performance and higher academic achievement

4. Activity
Pull a slip….

5. Trends and Topics Safe Spaces Gender Pronouns Inclusion
Campus Resources
Community Advocacy
Restrooms
Gender Identity
HBCUs
LGBT People of Color

6. LGBTQ…what? L = Lesbian G = Gay B = Bisexual T = Transgender
Q = Queer or Questioning

7. Gender Identity vs Sexual Orientation Big Distinction!
Gender identity/expression and sexuality are not inextricably linked
Do not assume one’s sexuality is related to their gender expression
terminology-and-definitions

8. LGBT Students of Color
May feel they have to lead double lives (out with LGBT people, not out with people of color)
May feel pressured to “choose” which of their identities is most central to them
May feel their sexuality is invisible because others only see their race
May experience discrimination from other people of color based on religion
May “speak a different language” in terms of identity terminology
May experience overlapping forms of discrimination and harassment (homophobia, racism, sexism, classism, etc.)
May resist coming out because they fear the loss of community or family support

9. Issues Faced by Trans* Individuals
Facing assumptions about sexual orientation
Receiving access to businesses and services
Obtaining knowledgeable/welcoming health care
Having to educate everyone around them
Finding and keeping jobs
Using public restrooms
Housing
Documentation
Safety
Names and pronouns
Many trans folks exert a lot of emotional energy worrying about whether or not people “read” their gender as they wish to be read
Trans folks are asked to leave restaurants for making other customers feel uncomfortable, turned away from hospitals/doctor’s offices because people don’t want to treat them or want them seen in their waiting room
Let folks know that there is a list of gender-neutral restrooms online (13 academic buildings w/o them)
Most medical providers are not knowledgeable about trans health issues and most are not “trans friendly”
Most violence against GLBTQ people is directed at trans individuals

10. HBCUs…
2002 – gay student beat with a baseball bat in shower at Morehouse University
2002 – gay male attacked by members of the Howard University marching band
2006 – lesbian fired from Morehouse after supervisor sees from her significant other
2009 – Morehouse bans clothing “usually worn by women”
2011 – openly gay band member beat to death by peers at Florida A&M

11. The Current State of HBCU’s…
Only 20% of HBCU’s have LGBTQ organizations
Only 3 HBCU’s have LGBTQ Resource Centers (Bowie State University, North Carolina Central University, & Fayetteville State University)
2 of 2012’s Top 10 HBCU Successes were related to LGBTQ Initiatives
We CAN be a part of this change!
Remember: HBCU’s were founded to provide EQUALITY in education!

12. HRC HBCU SuMMIT

13. Inclusive Language
People’s immediate experiences differ from one another based on previous experiences
Our language choices have the power to hurt and exclude others and to damage relationships
Consciously changing our language can contribute to social change

14. Strategies for inclusivity…
Allow for diversity in how people refer to themselves
If you use inclusive language, truly try to represent everyone
Encourage people to speak for themselves
Words can hurt, but they can also convey understanding and respect

15. Activity
Based on your letter (on the slip) L, G, B, or T .. Form groups.
Each group will discuss: If you were a ____ student attending FSU, what do you think your lived experience would be like?
Is the community welcoming?
What are we doing well? What can we improve?
What topics do we need more discussion about relating to your letter?

16. Community Resources
Equality NC- Advocacy Organization
LGBT Center of Raleigh
LGBTQ Center of Durham
Campus Pride- Charlotte
Human Rights Campaign- Washington, DC
National Black Justice Coalition- Washington, DC

17. Fayetteville State University: LGBT Campus Resources
Safe Zone Office – Student Center- Suite 127, Director, Brent Lewis, ,
Follow the Safe Zone office on Facebook at Fayetteville State University
Safe Zone office Website:
Club FLAME- Advisor- Dr. Emily Lenning; Associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice; , , 333 Lauretta Taylor

18. Questions??
Don’t ever hesitate to contact me… Brent E. Lewis Director of Cultural Programs & Safe Zone Office Office: (910)