UCO to host annual conference

by Elisabeth Slay
Staff writer

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Women’s Research Center and BGLTQ+ Student Center is back at it again as BGLTQ+ people from all around the world join them for the Third Annual International Gender and Sexualities Conference.

According to the Director of the Center, Dr. Lindsey Churchill, the conference is Thursday-Saturday October 4-6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Skirvin Hilton in Oklahoma City.

“The conference is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, activists and community members from throughout the world to present visual art, poetry, dance, roundtable discussions and research presentations about an array of topics concerning gender and sexuality,” Churchill said.

Through academic presentations, performances and another art form, those in attendance will learn about differing LGBT+ issues.

“This conference offers the LGBT+ community a chance to learn about aspects of their history from peers as well as cutting-edge research concerning sexuality. It also provides the opportunity to explore various topics concerning the LGBTQ+ community through many different types of presentations,” she added.

“Some examples of presentations this year include sexual education during the AIDS crisis, Disney villains and sexuality, transphobia in mass media, a roundtable discussion about issues of substance abuse in the LGBT community, exploration about two-spirit peoples in Native American society and much more.”

As the title suggests, experts from all around the world will attend and present at the conference, which is an aspect Churchill greatly appreciates.

“We have presenters from throughout the world, so it is a great opportunity for both networking and learning about gender and sexuality from a global perspective,” Churchill said.

“For example, we will have discussions with participants from Uganda and Iran about women’s issues.”

A new aspect of this year’s conference is presenting these topics in the form of dance and other art forms.
“The conference this year has really integrated the performing arts and visual arts piece. I am really excited to see all of the work coming out this year,” the professor said.

According to Churchill, the purpose of the conference is to inform others as well as express in-depth the importance of gender and sexual identity.

“Issues of gender and sexuality impact every aspect of our lives. These issues intersect with race, class, religion and nationality and influence people’s experiences and representation in our society both locally and globally,” Churchill said. The Center provides a haven for the BGLTQ+ and women communities on UCO’s campus as well as community engagement through varies projects.

For Churchill, the Center offers opportunities for the BGLTQ+ community and allies that haven’t always been offered. This conference also embodies that ideology.

“I love how many students present their research but also how many international participants we have every year. I love to see the way people learn from one another at this conference and the connections they make,” Churchill said.

Early bird registration ends August 17. The price for students is $79 and for non-students is $229.

From August 17 to September 14 registration for students is $99 and for non-students is $249. Those who register on site the days of the conference must pay $129 for students and $199 for non-students.

For more information on the conference email thecenteratuco@gmail.com or visit the Center in Room 214 of Thatcher Hall at UCO.

Copyright The Gayly. 9/15/2018 @ 10:55 a.m. CST.