web.uri.edu/GLBT/ (401) 874-2894
The Mission of U R OUT @ URI is to create a visible support network of out Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Ally students, faculty, and staff members at the University of Rhode Island. This network will provide opportunities for networking, resource sharing, and mentorships for those individuals who identify within the URI LGBTQA Community. By fostering a community of diversity and inclusion, this list strives to demonstrate strength in numbers so that individuals feel supported at URI. Check out the project’s brand new page here and consider participating by registering at this link. Picture From history
In her 1928 song “Prove it on Me Blues,” Ma Rainey tells listeners all about being a woman who loves women.
Volume 2, Issue 6 URI Visibility Project
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Picture from History
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From the Desk of Annie R.
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Redefining Realness
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Free HIV Testing
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Upcoming Events
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Volunteer at the Center
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Annie M’s Queery
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Lavender Graduation
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F ro m t h e d e s k o f A n n i e Ru s s e l l . . . Adams hall 111
URI LGBTQ Center
V i s i b i l i t y P ro j e c t L au n c h e s
The LGBTQ Center staff is incredibly proud and excited to announce the date of our groundbreaking for the new LGBTQ Center. Please join us on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at 10am for the official groundbreaking for our new
center. This is a monumental occasion, as URI will become the first institution of higher education in the country to design and build a freestanding LGBTQ Center. The location is 19 Upper
College Road and the even will last approximately 30 minutes, with a reception and refreshments to follow. Please email Annie at annierussell@mail.uri.edu if you have questions about the event!
Have Suggestions, Questions, or Comments? Email our Staff! Annie Russell, Ph.D. Director annierussell@mail.uri.edu Annie M. Kosar, M.S. Coordinator, Programs and Services anniem@mail.uri.edu Emily Goupil Graduate Assistant egoupil@my.uri.edu Kelly Burne Coordinator for Advanced Learning kelly_burne@mail.uri.edu
Redefining Realness: A Review Janet Mock’s memoir, Redefining Realness, is not your average transition memoir. “Why tell your story if you’re not going to tell it in its entirety?” Mock points out at one point. Her narrative stays beautifully true to this philosophy, refusing to reduce her story to just “the titillating details that cis people love to hear.” The result is a sometimes tragic, sometimes touching story of selfactualization, familial love, and everything in between. Throughout the book, Mock blends her personal narrative with valuable background information about the realities and needs of the larger trans community, particularly trans women of color. In doing this, she walks a fine line between providing necessary information about an underrepresented community and making generalizations based on her own experiences. Thankfully, Mock recognizes this and writes openly about the risks of generalizing based on a single story. Whatever your relationship with the trans community is, you are sure to learn something new from this book.
Free and Confidential HIV Testing April 16 Wednesday, 3-5PM Health Services, Potter Building
Like us on Facebook! Facebook.com/ urilgbtq
Administered by AIDS Project RI (Only mouth swab, not blood test)
Have you met our staff yet? If not, you probably haven’t been coming to the LGBTQ Center! Our hours are: Mon - Wed: 9 am - 5pm Thu: 9 am - 11pm Fri: 9 am - 5 pm Sat - Sun: Closed
L av e n d e r g r a d u at i o n
Save the Date: Join us on Thursday, April 17 from 6-8pm for URI’s second annual Lavender Graduation. This event will give the URI LGBTQ community and its allies a chance to reflect on our year and celebrate our graduates! This year’s ceremony will be hosted in the Multicultural Center’s Hardge Forum and feature spoken word poet Kit Yan. Want to learn more about Kit Yan? Check out his website! Are you graduating in 2014? Apply now to be recognized at Lavender Graduation!
Check out our events calendar to see what else is happening at the LGBTQ Center!
Vo l u n t e e r W i t h t h e LGBTQ Center
Follow us on Tumblr! Uriglbtq.tumblr. com
Are you looking for ways to support the LGBTQ community on campus? Do you have a community service requirement to meet for a class? Consider volunteering with the LGBTQ Center! You can download a volunteer form at our website or contact Annie M. Kosar to discuss volunteer opportunities.