MSU launches, celebrates new LGBTQ studies specialization

Thursday, Sept. 19 — Celebrating the launch this semester of a new LGBTQ and Sexuality Studies undergraduate specialization, Michigan State University is hosting an all day symposium Friday welcoming the new discipline.

Friday’s events include poetry readings, presentations on emerging LGBTQ studies and a student resource fair. All events are at Synder-Phillips Hall on campus, starting at 10 a.m. and going till 7 p.m.

The specialization is a joint project of MSU’s Center for Gender in Global Context, Lyman Briggs College, the College of Arts and Letters and the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. It is open to students starting this fall semester.

“This Specialization provides the opportunity to obtain a comprehensive, global, cross/interdisciplinary academic experience in sexualities, gender identity and expression, and queer identities and activism,” according to a statement about Friday’s event. It’s “especially suited for students who plan to work with or advocate for issues of diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural understandings.

Here’s the lineup for Friday’s activities — check out the event's Facebook page for more information:

• 10-11 a.m.: Welcome and poetry reading by MSU professor Anita Skeen
• 11 a.m.-noon: Faculty and administrator comments and a presentation from the MSU Pride Scholarship winner
• Noon-2 p.m.: Lunch break
• 2-3 p.m.: “Something Old, Something New: The Past, Present, and Future of LGBTQ Studies,” presentation by Western Michigan University professor Susan Freeman
• 3-5 p.m.: Student resource fair
• 3-4:30 p.m.: “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Student Services at MSU” roundtable discussion
• 5-7 p.m.: Premier of documentary “Transbeing,” followed by Q&A with the director and cast members