Editor’s note: Because Delfin Bautista does not identify with one gender, the non-gendered pronoun “they” is used.
The LGBT Center’s 2nd Annual Queer Studies Conference will bring education and expression to the table during its panels, discussions and keynote speakers on Thursday and Friday.
The theme of the conference is “Ethically and Queerly Sexual: Creative Explorations of Gender, Ethics and Sexuality.” Delfin Bautista, director of the LGBT Center, said the presentations seek to discuss issues such as literature, sexuality, media, masculinity and various items in a queer context, with more than 24 presentations. The conference is free, but donations are encouraged for the center.
“It’s a variety of different perspectives and explorations of those three things: gender, ethics and sexuality,” Bautista said.
In the past, the conference has focused on presentations by graduate students, however, this year, presentation slots were open to anyone.
“It’s also an opportunity for things that are important for students that they may not get an opportunity to talk about in class an outlet for that,” Bautista said.
The conference, Bautista said, is a way for the center to be an educational experience, as well as a safe space for identity.
“(The conference is) an opportunity for us to do something more (academic) and fulfill our academic charge, not only providing students a safe space to watch TV, but a safe space to express their research interests, as well as faculty and staff,” Bautista said.
The keynote speakers include: Kit Yan, a queer, transgender and Asian-American slam poet and Kate Ott, assistant professor of Christian Ethics at Drew University and author of
Sex+Faith: Talking to Your Child from Birth to Adolescence.
The LGBT Center is working on creating a Queer Studies certificate to be offered to underclassmen. Megan Villegas, graduate assistant in the LGBT Center, said she hopes that people who attend the conference might gain interest in the certificate.
Sarah Jenkins, program coordinator for the LGBT Center, said she looks forward to the different topics of research and hopes people come to listen and discuss.
“It’s amazing how many different kinds of research people can be doing within queer theory and queer studies,” Jenkins said. “So I’m hoping some people will learn a little something new.”
Jenkins said she encourages anyone to attend, no matter how they identify.
“I think queer studies is something that personally, I think everyone should have a little taste of,” Jenkins said. “It’s definitely not just something for people who identify as LGBTQ, … it’s an area of study that is going to be enriched by the myriad of people that can contribute to it.”
The week will also conclude with Pride Graduation, celebrating and honoring the accomplishments of the center, as well as celebrating the send-off of seniors and graduate students who will be leaving after this year.
“There’s just been so much going on and everyone’s been working really hard and so what I’m hoping is that Pride Graduation really will be a fun moment of exhale,” said Megan Villegas, graduate assistant in the LGBT Center.
Jenkins said Pride Graduation is a way to honor scholarship, achievement and to end the busy week.
“It’s a fun kind of continuation of an already queer-filled week,” Jenkins said. “It will be emotional to say goodbye to some of our student workers who are graduating, that I’ve really grown attached to.”
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If You Go:
A full calendar can be found on the LGBT Center website: ohio.edu/lgbt
What: Kit Yan Workshop
When: 10 a.m., Thursday
Where: Baker University Center Room 354
Admission: Free
What: Kit Yan’s Slam Poetry Performance and Discussion
When: 7 p.m., Thursday
Where: Walter Hall Room 135
Admission: Free
What: Kat Ott: “OMG…Hook-ups…Co-habitation…Delaying Marriage?: What are Sexual Ethics for Emerging Adults?”
When: 9 a.m., Friday
Where: Friends of the Library, Alden Library Room319
Admission: Free
What: Closing Plenary Panel with Kate Ott
When: 4:45 p.m., Friday
Where: Walter Hall Room 135
Admission: Free
What: Closing Reception
When: 6 p.m., Friday
Where: Walter Hall Atrium
Admission: Free
What: Pride Graduation and Community Celebration
When: 6 p.m., Saturday
Where: Baker University Center 242
Admission: Free
