2012 LGBTQ Events
Fairfield University Celebrates LGBTQ History Month with an Engaging Slate of Events
Fairfield University will be celebrating National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ History Month this October with an aggressive and engaging series of events that focus on the experiences of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community. In a continued partnership between the Academic and Student Affairs divisions, the slate of programming is intended to bring together students, faculty, staff, and alumni to reflect on the history, culture, and future of the LGBTQ community. The events include an exciting mix of films, speakers, panels, and socials. All events are free and open to the public.
LGBTQ & Ally Art Show Reception
Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. - BCC Lower Level
In a first for the Fairfield University community, members of the campus community are invited to the LGBTQ & Ally Art Show, where LGBTQ artists from the CT area will come together to exhibit their art and connect with the community. All are welcome to the reception to view art unique to the campus for a night of self-expression and creativity. The artwork will be displayed for a week prior to the reception for all to interpret on their own before meeting the artists.
Out at The Workplace: An LGBT Alumni Group Panel
Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. - BCC 200
In an interactive panel, Fairfield University alumni will address students about being openly gay in the workplace and offer strategies for career success while embracing diversity.
LGBTQ History Month Keynote featuring Jennifer Finney Boylan
Thursday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. - Kelley Center Presentation Room
Jennifer Finney Boylan the author of twelve books, including She's Not There: a Life in Two Genders, and I'm Looking Through You: Growing Up Haunted. A novelist, memoirist, and short story writer, she is also a nationally known advocate for transgender civil rights. Jenny has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Live with Larry King, the Today Show, the Barbara Walters Special, NPR's Marketplace and Talk of the Nation; she has also been the subject of documentaries on CBS News' 48 Hours and The History Channel. She is a regular contributor to the op/ed page of the New York Times and Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Since 1988, she has been Professor of English at Colby College in Maine. She has also served on the judging committee of the Fulbright Scholars, administered by the U.S. Department of State.
The Third Annual Fairfield University LGBTQ Social
Thursday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. - Kelley Center Lobby
The Alliance student group invites all members of the Fairfield University community - graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, staff and alumni, to a social mixer that celebrates LGBTQ History Month immediately following Jennifer Finney Boylan's talk. Refreshments and friendly conversations will be provided.
Harvey Milkshakes
Sunday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. - Loyola Commons
We will be watching the powerful movie about the story of Harvey Milk, and his struggles as an American activist who fought for gay rights and became California's first openly gay elected official. We will have discussion afterwards about the movie, LGBTQ rights, and how far we've come as a country. Milkshakes will be served to those who come. FYE Magis credit offered to first year students.
Gender, Sex & Sexuality Commons (GSSC) LGBTQ History Month Reflection - Cancelled*
Monday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. - 70 McCormick Lounge
The Gender, Sex & Sexuality Commons is hosting a reflective dinner to review LGBTQ History Month and its impact on campus. We will have an open dialogue on topics brought up, where Fairfield can grow, and what students can do to help the cause. Food and light refreshments will be provided.
All Love: An LGBTQ Film Series
In celebration of LGBTQ History Month, Fairfield University presents a series dedicated to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) experiences through film on three consecutive Tuesdays in October. All films are free and open to the general public. Light refreshments will be served and all screenings will take place in the Barone Campus Center (BCC) upper level in Room 200. These films are First-Year Experience (FYE) approved events.
Weekend
Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.Two people meet in a bar and have a one-night stand that bleeds into the weekend. Intimacies are shared, hearts are opened, and viewpoints are challenged. It just so happens the two are young men. Russell is slightly closeted, Glenn is out and a bit angry. Post-gay politics are explored. The cinematography is lush, the styling reminiscent of British Kitchen Sink Dramas. Winner of 15 awards worldwide, Weekend is the kind of honest romantic film that lingers with you long after the credits roll.
Pariah
Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m.Based on the life of a 17 year-old high school senior living in the Bronx, Alike struggles with her identity at home, in school, and in the lesbian nightclub scene across town. She doesn't quite fit in anywhere and wrestles with the polarizing issue of gender in the African-American and lesbian communities. Throughout the film, we hear a young woman's voice grow stronger punctuated by readings of her poetry. Winner of Independent Spirit Awards and Sundance, Pariah is a powerful film from first-time director Dee Rees which speaks to all of us searching for our place in the world.
Trans - Cancelled**
Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.The film series closes with an award-winning 2012 festival favorite documentary. From a Navy flight surgeon to a 7 year-old to a college student, these are the stories of boys and girls, men and woman ... and all the shades in between. Stories of extraordinary people who face fear, discrimination, ignorance and violence in the hopes they might one day be able to live ... ordinary lives. TRANS explores the diverse idea of gender and what it means for many different people to transition into a space that is both comfortable and empowering.
*The reflection dinner is cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. We hope to see you all at next year's events!
**Due to Hurricane Sandy we were unable to show Trans and we will not be rescheduling it this semester. However, there is a chance it will be included in next year's film series. If you are student, staff, or faculty member you can borrow a copy of Trans from the library with your StagCard.
Do you know of an on campus event focused on LGBTQ issues during the month of October that is not listed? Please e-mail mmarquez@fairfield.edu to have it included.
LGBTQ History month events are sponsored by The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, The Humanities Institute, Dolan School of Business, Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions, Office of Student Diversity Programs, Department of Student Programs and Leadership Development, Office of Residence Life, The Department of Communication, The Women's Studies Program, Campus Ministry, Mission & Identity, The English Department, Alliance student group and Fairfield University LGBT Alumni.