11th annual “Intricate Identities: DMV-Area Gender and Sexuality Student Conference” to take place November 12, 2016

On Saturday, November 12, 2016, Gallaudet University will host the 11th annual Intricate Identities: DMV-Area Gender and Sexuality Student Conference, led by the LGBTQA Resource Center. ~The conference begins with registration and brunch at 11 a.m. and concludes with a closing reception that begins at 5:30 p.m.

This is the first time that Gallaudet is hosting this conference, which was first held at American University in 2005. Gallaudet students have presented at past conferences, and Dr. Cara Miller, G-’10 & PhD ’11, LGBTQA Resource Center coordinator, has served on past conference planning committees.

“The mission of the conference is to create a community space for interactive education, group and personal reflection, and research exchange on intersectional leadership, activism, and issues of student interest as they relate to the topics of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression as well as diversity, inclusion, and liberation,” said Miller.

“This is a powerful opportunity for students at colleges and universities across the DMV (DC/MD/VA) area to gather with similarly-interested peers for a dynamic and intensely self-reflective day of sharing and learning.”

Gallaudet’s Office of Diversity and Equity for Students (ODES) is organizing the event, which is co-sponsored by many area universities including American University, Bowie State University, George Mason University, Georgetown University, The George Washington University, Howard University, and the University of Maryland College Park.

The conference has five objectives for the participants. They will:

• Consider how LGBTQ+ identities and issues are explored in academia.
• Develop a deeper understanding of identity and how this manifests itself on campus and in the world.
• Explore personal identity development and intersectionality.
• Consider career fields in regards to those with LGBTQ+ identities.
• Learn how to become advocates, agents and allies on their respective campuses and communities.

Thus far, over 200 people have registered, including many from the Gallaudet community. Online registration has closed, but will be available in person on-site from 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. on the Upper Level of the Plaza Dining Hall.