GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Diversity Council, in partnership with Alton Pride, will host its annual TransFormation event this month to bring the campus and greater community together to learn about and discuss gender diversity, trans experiences and allyship in a welcoming space.
The event will take place Thursday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Trimpe Ahlemeyer Atrium (TR 141) on the college’s Godfrey Campus.
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“Our goal is to bring some of the conversations happening on social media and in political rhetoric back to real lived experiences,” said Jen Cline, LC Associate Professor of Sociology. “I think there is a lot of value in giving people the chance to sit and listen to one another.”
Coffee and pastries will be available at 9 a.m., followed by several breakout sessions from 9:30-10:45 a.m.
The breakout sessions will include:
- Trans 101, hosted by Metro Trans Umbrella Group: An introduction to transgender and gender-diverse identities, experiences and terminology.
- Ask Me Anything: Candid conversations with parents of trans kids who are also 2SLGBTQIA+ advocates. (2SLGBTQIA+ is an expanded acronym used to represent a diverse spectrum of sexual orientations, romantic orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.)
- Trans & Gender Diverse Community Conversations: A discussion-based space focused on lived experiences, questions, resources and community.
The breakout sessions will be followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
This year’s panel will feature:
- Ryan, Mr. Trans USA; Transgender Man
- Wes, Mx. Trans USA; Gender nonconforming
- Essence, Queen of Metro East Pride; Transgender woman
- Jen, Parent of a Transgender child; PFLAG Edwardsville
- Zoey, Moderator; 2025 Alton Pride Queen
A food and supply drive to support Metro Trans Umbrella Group will be taking place during the event. Donations of shelf-stable foods, canned goods, snacks, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) hair products are welcomed. A raffle will also be held, with tickets available to those who attend and donate.
No RSVP is needed to attend. This year’s event partners include PLFAG Edwardsville, Metro Trans Umbrella Group and Alton Pride.
For more information, contact Cline at jacline@lc.edu.
