As part of LGBTQ History Month, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center hosts its commemorative event on Saturday, Oct. 20. Queer(ing) the Airwaves: QTPoC Media Symposium, this year’s commemorative event, brings together Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPoC) creators, activists, writers, podcast and video producers, and community members for a day to engage in conversations about the intersections of gender, sexuality and race, and working in new media. The event begins at 10 a.m. in 319 Sims Hall.
The symposium will feature Diamond Stylz of the “Marsha’s Plate: Black Trans Talk podcast;” Sir Knight, Syracuse University alumnus and host of BlackTransTV channel on YouTube; and a conversation with Nikeeta and Money of “Queer WoC: The Podcast” on writing, producing and editing your own podcast, followed by a live recording.
“Queer(ing) the Airwaves is an important opportunity for Syracuse University and community members to meet and learn from Queer and Trans People of Color using podcasts and YouTube to create original content and tell our own stories,” says Jorge Castillo, assistant director of the LGBT Resource Center.
The symposium hosts the following workshops:
10-11 a.m., Diamond Stylz, “Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Accessories”
This workshop will be a comprehensive analysis of sexual orientation, gender identity and biological sex. Attendees will explore how the intersection and variety of those identities play out in society to the detriment or advancement of socio-economic lives.
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Sir Knight, “A Self Love Workshop”
Sir Knight, founder of BlackTransTV, will discuss and explore the overall health benefits of self-care and the beauty of self-love. As black men of the trans experience, they understand the importance that self-care has for overall well-being. Both men have found refuge in learning how to love themselves and know that self-care is essential in a highly toxic world. This workshop will discuss methods such a journaling, mirror talk, affirmations, meditations and more to help attendees learn to love and care for themselves better.
2 p.m., Nikeeta and Money, “Live Recording of Queer WOC: The Podcast”
“QueerWOC: The Podcast” started as a Tumblr page and has grown into a community space for Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer and Trans women of color. Money, a family therapist by day and lewd lesbian by night, and Nikeeta, a community organizer who loves Luther Vandross, host this biweekly podcast celebrating the lives, loves and laughs of queer women of color. The podcast highlights a queer woman of the week, shares healing practices from Money’s therapy bag, explores social justice terminology with Nikeeta and tells tales from their dating chronicles.
Lunch will be provided during a break at 12:30 p.m. with vegan and gluten-free options available. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided during the workshops.
Following the symposium, from 5-7 p.m., The LGBT Resource Center, in partnership with Black Cuse Pride and Qolor Collective, is hosting a closed QTPoC networking social at Sugar Magnolia Bistro in Armory Square (316 S. Clinton St). Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. Gluten free and vegan options available. All QTPoC are welcome to attend.
For more information about LGBTQ History Month, visit the LGBT Resource Center website. Accommodations requests and additional questions should be sent to lgbtq@syr.edu or 315.443.3983.
