Speak Your Mind

The Speak Your Mind weekly series encourages community members to discuss important issues of diversity in a comfortable and non-threatening atmosphere. The discussions are facilitated by an expert on the subject who begins the meeting with an informative introduction of the issue and then leads the discussion with directed questions and an open forum. Dinner is served at each discussion with topics rotating each week between those related to multiculturalism, gender, faith, and the GLBT community.

Because topics often change to reflect current atmosphere on campus, we might not have information far in advance. Look for our posters across campus or join our d-list, the Speak List.

Upcoming Discussions

Tuesday, January 27 5 PM	"The East is the East" Dinner & Board Game Hosted by Helen Wang Danforth Lounge, University Center Food, fun, enlightenment. Let students in Fall semester's 76-350, Asian American Literature take you on an exploration on the complexities of notions of the "East" and the "West." Come prepared to laugh and banter in this interactive board game of their own design. "Eastern" food will be served.
Tuesday, February 3 5PM	Proposition 8 Revisited Hosted by Rowshan Palmer and Dr. Anthony C. Infanti Danforth Lounge, University Center It's not over yet. In celebration of National Freedom to Marry Day, join Dr. Infanti, who researches sexual orientation and tax laws, in a discussion of gay marriage and California’s Prop 8. Our guest speaker is also author of Everyday Law for Gays and Lesbians (and Those Who Care About Them). Co-sponsored by ALLIES and Out@Heinz.
Tuesday, February 17 5PM	Is Inequality Making Us Sick? Hosted by M. Shernell Smith and Dr. Amy Burkert Class of '87 Room, University Center Join Dr. Amy Burkert and students from MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-health Students) in a discussion about the role that understanding diversity plays in our health and well-being. Part of Black History Month.
Tuesday, February 24 5PM	Identity Theft: Stealing Stereotypes Hosted by M. Shernell Smith and Dr. Edda Fields-Black Wright Room, UC That isn't you and it sure isn't me. Join Dr. Edda Fields-Black and the Morewood Gardens Special Interest Group SPICE (Speak Peace, Inspire Change & Empower) for a discussion about identity theft as it relates to particular cultural groups.
Tuesday, March 3 5PM	Black Masculinity: Barack Obama to 50 Cent Hosted by Lucas Christain Baker Hall 255A We will view a short 10-minute web documentary titled "Barack and Curtis" and engage in a conversation about the changing state of Black Masculinity. The discussion will include societal expectations for black men and the images and characters dictating the parameters of those expectations.
Tuesday, March 24 5PM	Gender and Horror: What the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Did for Feminism Hosted by Rowshan Palmer and Rebecca May Danforth Lounge, University Center Join Rebecca May, a doctoral candidate in English, for a discussion about gender and horror films. How can representations of violence and gore help us to position ourselves as gender advocates? Can one be a feminist and a horror fan?
Tuesday, March 31 5PM	Book Discussion: He's a Stud, She’s a Slut and 49 Other Double Standards Every Woman Should Know by Jessica Valenti Hosted by Rowshan Palmer Danforth Lounge, University Center Jessica Valenti is the founder and executive editor of feministing.com and author of several gender-focused books, and was also the keynote speaker for MOSAIC 2009. Come ready to discuss your opinions on the book and its themes. Space is limited and a few books are available by contacting Rowshan Palmer.
Tuesday, April 14 5PM	NSFW (not safe for work): Who Decides What's Offensive? Hosted by Rowshan Palmer and ALLIES Danforth Lounge, University Center The topic of sex is often deemed "inappropriate", despite the fact that sex impacts the lives of most adults. We are surrounded by strong morals and mores concerning sex, often with little to no explanation for who set the standards and why. Is pornography obscene? What about images of the human anatomy or foul language? Come discuss how we, as a society, decide what is appropriate. Sponsored by ALLIES in celebration of Gaypril.
CANCELED Tuesday, April 28 5PM	What turns you on?: The Pleasures, Perils and Politics of BDSM Hosted by Rowshan Palmer and ALLIES McKenna Room, University Center BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism) is an erotic practice frequently pathologized by professionals and the public. How do intimacy, power, pleasure, and communication work together in this practice? Come debunk pre-conceptions in this informative sex-positive discussion on the politics of BDSM. Sponsored by ALLIES in celebration of Gaypril.