The MU Libraries’ Diversity Action Committee invites you to learn to be a resource for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) and ally students, faculty and staff on campus. Safe Space is a training designed to give you the tools and knowledge you need to be an effective ally. This training session will be conducted by Struby Struble, coordinator of the LGBTQ Center. The session will take place March 29, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. room 4F51-A Ellis Library.

What is Safe Space? Participants in the training learn about the challenges of homophobia, campus resources, and how to be supportive to members of the LGBTQ community. At the conclusion of the training, participants have the option to display a Safe Space symbol as a signal to LGBTQ individuals that they maintain a safe and affirming environment. Homophobic and heterosexist comments, language, and actions will not be allowed in a Safe Space, but they will be addressed in an educational and informative manner.

The Safe Space symbol sends a message to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students, faculty, and staff that people displaying it are understanding and supportive resources for LGBTQ or ally individuals who are seeking help, advice or simply someone with whom they can talk. Those who identify as LGBTQ are members of often invisible minority groups and so are their allies and friends. The Safe Space Program is designed to help LGBTQ people identify supportive people and offices. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to become Safe Space allies in order to make the allies of the LGBTQ community more visible so that LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff can easily identify places where they can feel at ease because they know that they will not face discrimination due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

RSV’s are requested for head count purposes. Leo will send an Outlook meeting notice.

Four Women: A Conversation about Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Camilla Williams, and Mary J. Blige
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Ellis Library Colonnade

PRESENTERS: Dr. Maya Gibson, Assistant Professor, MU School of Music; Dr. Treva Lindsey, Assistant Professor, MU Women and Gender Studies, and Dr .Stephanie Shonekan, Assistant Professor, MU School of Music

DESCRIPTION: Nina Simone’s iconic 1966 song “Four Women” brilliantly highlights the roles that have defined (and confined) black women in the United States. Simone herself was an artist that broke through the boundaries of these stereotypes to create her own way, to define her own terms, and to ultimately establish herself as a distinctive voice in American music and culture. Reflecting on this legacy, three scholars discus the lives and work of three black female musicians: jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, opera diva Camilla Williams, and queen of hip-hop Mary J. Blige. The discussion will explore the contributions of these artists on the history of American music and culture.

Release time is available with supervisor approval. RSVP’s are not required.

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Also, don’t miss Naomi Tutu on Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m. Tate Hall auditorium (room 22). Naomi is the daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The title of her presentation is Now you have struck the women, you have struck A Rock: Women, Africa and the Diaspora Struggling for Justice.  Naomi will explore the roles women of Africa and the African Diaspora have played in the struggle for human rights.  Too often the story told of these women is as submissive objects of history. The truth is, throughout the world and throughout history, they have been actors and activists often leading the pace of change.