QPOC Summit and Intersecting Identities Allies Training
These two events grew out of a need for students to have a space to learn in an open, safe, and honest environment. I wanted to make sure students had a chance to lay out their priorities, concerns and questions with out being overshadowed. I have received a far amount of questions about having such events. Why have QPOC closed?, Wouldn’t students learn more all together? Why have separate sessions? I can honestly say I had some of those same questions, until I realized that taking time and space for yourself is not counter-progressive. The reason we organize with multiple layers of our identities is to ensure we leave nothing out and we provide a smoother road for the ones who come next. It is difficult to fight for bigger picture issues like Domestic Partner Benefits when I don’t fully understand who i am and why i would want them. How do I feel proud in my identities if I never learn about the ones who proceeded before me and took those curves in the road so I don’t have to. I have to come to healthy terms that my race, gender identity, and sexual orientation are inextricably linked. It is in this spirit we hold both of these events. To give space to start the process of figuring out the layers of our identities and making sure that our fights are infused with our rights be who we are and learn in modes we choose.