Fairfield University will be celebrating National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ History Month during October with an expansive and engaging series of events that focus on the experiences of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community.

In a unique partnership between the Academic and Student Affairs divisions, the slate of programming is intended to bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni and the regional community to reflect on the history, culture and future of the LGBTQ community.

According to Meredith Marquez, associate director of student diversity programs, "LGBTQ History Month is a visible way for Fairfield University to recognize our LGBTQ students, alumni, faculty, staff, and administrators as well as continue to build an ally support system for them. We are committed to making sure that every Fairfield University student, as well as other members of the community, regardless of sexual orientation, feels not only safe on campus but welcomed and accepted and this series of events is designed to contribute to that welcoming atmosphere. We are also pleased to share some of this programming with the greater community beyond the campus.

The LGBTQ History month events include an exciting mix of films, speakers, panels, and socials. Several are free and open to the public, including the following:

LGBTQ & Ally Art Show Reception
Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m.
Barone Campus Center

In a first for Fairfield, members of the campus community are invited to the LGBTQ & Ally Art Show, where LGBTQ artists from the Connecticut area will come together to exhibit their art and connect with the community. All are welcome to view art unique to the campus for a night of self-expression and creativity. The artwork will also be displayed for a week prior to the reception.

LGBTQ History Month Keynote featuring Jennifer Finney Boylan
Thursday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Aloysius P. Kelley Center Presentation Room

Jennifer Finney Boylan is the author of 12 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, Boylan 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.

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.

Pariah
Tuesday, Oct. 16 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 that speaks to all of us searching for our place in the world.

Weekend
Tuesday, Oct. 23 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.

Trans
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.

Posted On: 09-27-2012 11:09 AM

Volume: 45 Number: 58