LGBTQA Panels

A group of students, representing a range of different identities, come to residence hall floors (usually during study break) and tell their coming out stories and answer questions about their experiences.  Time: 45 minutes (designed for study break).

 The Mission of the LGBTQA Panel Program is to:

To put a human face on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or ally students.

To provide accurate information, while offering a challenge to myths and stereotypes.

To encourage dialogue within and beyond the panels by preparing and educating peers

What happens during an LGBTQA Panel?

• A group of students, representing a range of different identities, come to residence hall floors (usually during study break) and tell their coming out stories
• Panelists will answer questions and can help facilitate a discussion about the issues raised
• General information about the Gender and Sexuality Center and other resources is provided

What do RAs need to do to prepare for a panel?

• Please advertise the panel (posters, weekly e-mail, website, door dives, whatever method you feel is necessary). Even if you are having this as part of study break, please let your residents know what they are coming to.
• Think about appropriate snacks or beverages for this type of event.  Please do not choose a snack that is disruptive or time intensive (pancakes, root beer floats, fajitas, etc.).
•  Remember even panelist like Study Break snacks. Think about distributing the snack following the panel so you keep people there for the entire program. You don’t want someone leaving during the middle of someone’s personal story.

What should RAs do following a panel?

• Follow up with a Gender and Sexuality Center Associate and let them know how the panel went. Was it too short, too long, not enough diversity in stories, did the panelist arrive on time, were they able to answer your residents’ questions.
• Continue these types of conversations in your community.
• Plan to take your floor to another GSC event. Show them that these issues are important to you and that you are just doing this to complete your diversity requirement. It is something that YOU care about.
• Think about sending a floor thank you card to the panelist. Everyone (most everyone) loves cards and to know that there story was valued

How do I get trained to be on a panel?

• Panel training happens a few times per year and is usually advertised through the GSC email list
• Training consists of learning about how panels work, writing your coming out story, and practicing telling your story
• Everyone is welcome to be panel trained! Whatever your story is and however you identify or choose not to identify, your story matters!

If you're interested in having a panel come to your floor or would like more information about panel training contact Seth (althausb) or Kristy (spiakk).