LGBTQ+ Mid-Month Check-In [September]

Fall is Approaching!

Fall is approaching and we're closing in on the first full month of the semester. We hope everyone's classes and other activities are going well! This issue of the biweekly newsletter includes many of our own events as well as those of our campus partners!

Table Of Contents

1. First Month Done!
2. All Together Queer (ATQ)
3. QT BIPOC Initiative
4. Virtual Queer Graduate Student Gatherings
5. Upcoming Campus Events
6. In Full Colour: Center Art Gallery
7. Trans Clothing Closet Resource
8. Queer Buddy System

First Month Done!

We hope the first month of the semester has been kind to you.

If you haven't been keeping up with us, our programs All Together Queer (ATQ) and the QT BIPOC Initiative each held their first event this month! We invite you to attend their regular meetings to socialize and build community! 

If you haven't been to visit us (in Student Union Building I, Suite 2200) recently, we are regularly open Monday - Friday 9am-5pm.

All Together Queer (ATQ)

ATQ is a biweekly, student-centered learning community co-facilitated by the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Housing & Residence Life's Ridge team that focuses on empowering all students, including queer, trans, non-binary, and questioning students in the face of personal and political stress. Come learn to embrace your identities, build community, and face the world’s challenges in a space of acceptance and celebration of what LGBTQ+ communities bring to the world.

ATQ's last regular meet-up this month will be held on September 25th from 5:00-7:00pm.

You can register for the upcoming meeting below!

QT BIPOC Initiative

First piloted in Fall 2023, our QT BIPOC Initiative works to build community in GMU’s campus community for Queer and/or Trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Color folks, as well as those who support them.

This semester, two center interns and one of our graduate professional assistants have dedicated their time and efforts to leading this initiative and creating a strong groundwork of community at our university through regular meetups. The purpose and goal of these meetings is to allow students, faculty, and staff who are QT BIPOC to have space and find support.

We are lucky to also work with Juton Myers in African and African American Studies Program, who serves as an advisor to the group, and is deeply invested in this work.

QT BIPOC's next regular meeting for September will be held on Monday, September 29th from 5:00pm-6:30pm.

You can register for the upcoming meet-up below!

Reach out to our QT BIPOC Initiative team at qtpoc@gmu.edu to get involved or partner on a future program!

Queer Grad Student Gatherings

If you're a queer grad student seeking socialization with your peers, our weekly virtual gatherings are perfect for you! 
This week's virtual gathering is on Friday, September 19th from 6-7pm. Its schedule is subject to change. Stay up to date with our Mason360 or direct any questions to lgbtq@gmu.edu

Upcoming Campus Events

Alongside our own events, we also have campus partners who provide valuable experiences and resources that we wanted to highlight for you. We hope you are able to take advantage of some of these great opportunities in the next couple of weeks!

Events

In Full Colour: Center Art Gallery 

If you haven't heard, the center opened its very own art gallery this past spring! Students can submit their own artwork through the application form linked in the center's linktree, or by using the button below. 
Many types of art are allowed including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. There are a few restrictions, but if you have any questions, you can contact our staff at lgbtq@gmu.edu.
You can take credit for your art by including your name and artist's statement, or you can remain anonymous. No matter what kind of art you create, we would love to display it in our center! 
Note: All submitted artwork is subject to approval by our center staff.

Trans Clothing Closet Resource

Created in 2019, the Trans Clothing Closet is a resource where transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students can find free clothing and accessories. No one has to prove they are “trans enough” to use the closet.

The Trans Clothing Closet Resource is IN our LGBTQ+ Resources Center, in Student Union Building (SUB) I, Suite 2200.

We are generally overstocked, so stop by and get a new fit!

*At the moment, we are NOT accepting donations*

You can read more on our website or reach out to us via email with questions at our new TCCR at GMU email address: tqmason@gmu.edu.

Queer Buddy System

We're excited to continue to offer our Queer Buddy System Discord server, a resource available to students seeking community virtually! If you haven't already, be sure to open the verification channel and fill out the form required to gain access to all channels of the Queer Buddy System server.