Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM) is partnering with the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (TGRCNM) again to host an on-campus event aimed at educating on how to be allies for gender-diverse communities.
The Transgender 101 training will take place on Thursday, March 12 in the Centennial Engineering Building Auditorium, room 1041, from 5:30-7 p.m.
This marks the second occasion oSTEM has partnered with TGRCNM. Indeed, the training itself will be directed by a representative from the resource center.
The training is frequently conducted in a variety of workplace and classroom settings and is intended to inform the public on how to approach pronouns, terms and definitions as they relate to transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary and gender variant individuals. The training promotes creating a culture of inclusion while acknowledging the hardships these groups continue to face.
Pat Arite, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, planetary science and communication and the treasurer of oSTEM, said the purpose of hosting the event is to heighten awareness for a community often overlooked in STEM fields.
"The resource center will give us a general overview of what it means to be transgender and in general how to be respectful and mindful of a person's gender presentation and sexual orientation," Arite said. "A lot of times, people are ignorant to these kinds of topics because they don't personally know anyone in that community or have never had the option to ask their questions."
Arite said the event is being marketed more heavily toward staff members and faculty compared to last year's initiative.
The University of New Mexico Pre-Medical Society is also partnering with oSTEM this year to present the training. Participants in the training will enjoy free refreshments in addition to educational enrichment.
Arite emphasized the importance of the event for groups often overlooked in scientific realms, which grants them a platform to provide their unique contributions for continuously diversifying STEM fields.
"As a person who doesn't conform to the traditional binary gender system, this event is important to me because it's working to continue to promote inclusivity within the STEM field and how we can help educate others about the transgender community," Arite said. "Part of scientific inquiry includes review by others, and transgender people can provide a unique perspective that historically has not been included in this field."
Beatrice Nisoli is a beat reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @BeatriceNisoli
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox