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Colette Gerrity

Transgender and Nonbinary Leaders on Campus

Queer Peer Alliance (QPA) Club Photo, Photo Courtesy: QPA


Over the course of Dean College’s history there have been many different types of leaders. Such as Paula Rooney being the first woman president on campus. However, there are some hidden leaders on campus that deserve the spotlight as well.


            When most people think of Transgender and Nonbinary people, they mainly think about characters on shows or activists. What people do not realize is Transgender and Nonbinary people are also just people. They eat, sleep, and have normal lives. All Transgender means is transitioning from a person birth gender to the opposite one. For instance, someone who is assigned male transitions to female. Nonbinary however means someone who does not fit under the gender terms of male or female. They use they/them pronouns or use neopronouns such as xie/xem/xyr/xyrs/xemself. Dean College has shown how easy it can be to accept people of all genders. This is shown through professors, important students and Resident Directors on campus.


            Dr. Liz Faber is one of the most influential and important professors on campus. The reason why they chose Dean over other colleges was specifically for the Arch Learning Program. They have many different classes that teach about gender identity, race identity, and how queer people were viewed in certain time periods. They teach many different books that were hidden through history due to the queer identity that authors may have had during the time. Dr. Faber is also a Nonbinary professor.


            Professor Faber officially came out as Nonbinary a few years ago. They go by they/them pronouns and dresses androgynously. They have been working here for almost four years and have met many different types of students, professors, and faculty. They deeply care about their students and the people around them. When asked about being Nonbinary they stated, “There is no one way to be Nonbinary, just as there is no one way to be binary trans.” This is a unique way to look at someone of the Nonbinary spectrum, as people of the Cisgender community might think that there was only one way of being Nonbinary. Some people on the spectrum may like more feminine ideas and styles, but do not fully agree with their gender being female. There can be people who love very masculine activities, but dress femininely. There is no one way of being a person. People will be people. To those reading who are gender curious, here is a quote from Professor Faber: “Play with gender! Gender is a vibe, and it is ok to change.”


Dr. Faber, Photo Courtesy: Dean College


When asked about what they would like to change in their realm at Dean they stated, “On the smaller side and from facility perspective, name tags having pronouns or something in that realm. On the bigger side, more gender inclusive events!” When also asked what they want their students to know they stated, “I love them no matter who you are! You are a person, and I am really happy you are here!” Professor Faber has shown courage through what they teach on campus and how they treat people of all genders, race, and sexualities.


Fletcher is a sophomore here at Dean. He was an arts, entertainment, management major who is currently transferring to the communication department.  He is also on the E-Sports board as the marketing manager. He has shown great dedication to his peers, friends, and other students on campus. Fletcher is also a Transgender man. However, he originally chose this campus for a different reason.


Fletcher originally came here to escape the old traditional ways of Ohio. So, to his surprise when he met other students who were queer, he felt more comfortable being here. However, very few of the population here do misgender him. “People here on campus are good, however there are very few who try and misgender me. I just ignore them.” This is really sad to hear as it can be tough for young adults transitioning to hear misgendering terms. Fletcher explains more on this topic. “Misgendering, you hear around school, if it is accidental and you correct yourself that is fine, however if you do it on purpose it hurts.” Fletcher, however, even when hurtful things are spoken, would rather try to help the populous with education rather than to immediately punish those who may be ignorant of this important subject. “Make more events to help educate the public about the harms of misgendering and how it effects people.” Finally, when asked about giving advice to other students on campus who are gender curious, he states, “Experiment with your identity, gender is a spectrum.” Fletcher has shown that even when faced with hate, there can still be hope for those who are willing to listen.


Kieon Samuel is a senior who is smart, kind, and friendly individual on campus. He is the head of the Queer Pride Alliance on campus and is a Resident Advisor on campus. He has shown great strength in his club leadership, attitude on campus, and as an RA in Horne. Kieon to most is one of the most positive and kindest students anyone will ever come across. Kieon is as well a Transgender man.


Kieon Samuel talks about his experience coming to Dean. “It was definitely hard in the beginning. I had some teammates that weren't supportive and professors who ignored my preferred name which made it harder for me to feel comfortable and welcomed on campus, but now it doesn't change anything. That's because of joining Queer Pride Alliance (although at the time it was called True Colors) and I've gotten very far in my transition where no one questions my gender identity.”


At the beginning it was a harder journey Kieon as students and professors alike would not respect his identity, he would eventually find QPA and make a mark at Dean. He also wanted to make others feel safe on campus which is why he became an RA. “I wanted to be a Resident Assistant because I wanted to be there to support residents on campus in any way that I could.”


When asked about other peers who are curious about their gender he stated, “I would tell them to not be afraid to be curious and experiment with different pronouns, names, or gender expressions. I was only curious at first but after trying out a new name and pronouns for a few weeks I was able to figure out my gender identity.” When also asked about more inclusivity he also states, “I would love for there to be floors, or a house dedicated to LGBTQ+ students, for students to be able to have their preferred name in their email, more inclusivity training for Faculty and Staff, and I would love to have the school be a part of the Campus Pride Index.” Finally, when asked about final advice he states, “I would consider talking about someone else's transition to others without them around because it breaks the trust of the person that told you and it also puts them in harm’s way if that person isn't someone safe to tell.” Kieon has shown great hope in this community as he holds many different club and RA events to help people of the Queer Community here at Dean.


Shia is a Resident Director on campus. They currently help direct the buildings Adams, Bourett Hall, and Mittchell House. He is also one of the head advisors for the QPA club and was a fantastic vampire during the Monster Bash here on campus. Shia has shown great dedication to his job and shows even greater dedication to the residents they take care of. Shia is also Transmasculine.


What Transmasculine means is someone who identifies with masculinity. Shia’s pronouns are they/them and he/him. Shia when asked about why they came to Dean stated, “moving from the South to Massachusetts and to Dean has provided me a lot of peace. Being able to express myself openly in both my personal and professional life has been fulfilling and quite healing.”


Shia also shared the reason why they became a Resident Director as well. “One of the main reasons I wanted to pursue a career in higher education was to be there to support students, especially LGBTQ+ students, through the transitions of college life. I felt very alone during my undergraduate years and wished there was someone who understood what I was learning about myself that I could have confided in.” Shia also shares how they feel about Dean and transitioning. “Transitioning can be challenging everywhere, but I feel like Dean College has been one of the most accepting places that I've lived. I have always felt like I could just be myself and it has always been accepted and celebrated.”


When asked about what they wanted their residents to know Shia states, “it’s okay to be curious. It's okay to try different names, pronouns, and identities. It's okay to change your mind if something does not feel right. It's never too late to explore new parts of your identity. Personally, I began questioning my identity the most in my junior year of college and began most of my transition post-college. There is always still time.” When asked about a something that students, peers, and the public should know he stated, “if you misgender someone, it may be best not to be overly apologetic as that can have the wrong impact and make a trans person feel burdensome. A quick apology, fixing your mistake, and moving on with your discussion is typically a better approach.” Overall Shia has given great advise and has shown great dedication to the job he was given and in his final note he states, “even though I primarily oversee the students in Adams Hall, Bourret Hall, and Mittchel House, I enjoy connecting with all the students on campus. If you ever want to chat, share ideas, or just need some support, I’m always here for you!”


      All these people thought have different genders have shared their stories, thoughts, and ideas about how to make Dean a better and safer place here. They all show great courage, attitudes, intelligence, and kindness throughout their time here at Dean College. As a finally thought to end this article I would like to thank those who are brave enough to be who you are. Even though times may be tough do not forget who you are and never forget you are not alone.

 

Written By,

Colette Gerrity

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