FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northridge — The Pride Center of the University Student Union (USU) invites all Matadors to celebrate Trans* Empowerment Week. From Monday, Nov. 15 to Friday, Nov. 19., come enjoy an exciting weeklong series of fun community-building activities, trans resources and educational workshops for allies to build their knowledge for our CSUN Trans* community. This is a special opportunity for all Matadors to help create a welcoming and inclusive space with the Pride Center to let the trans students know they are supported. Trans CSUN students will have the opportunity to make new friends and build community with other transgender, gender-queer and gender non-conforming individuals.
“With Trans* Empowerment Week, the Pride Center wants to tell the CSUN community that trans students, faculty, and staff are here and they deserve to be seen, valued and made to feel like they belong on our campus,” said Whitney Workman, Pride Center Acting Coordinator. “Our series of virtual and on campus events are focused on providing support and empowering the Trans* community.”
Kick off Trans* Empowerment Week with two special events taking place on Monday, Nov. 15. From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Thousand Oaks Room at the USU, join us for “Trans* 101”, where you will learn the basic Trans* terminology, inclusive language and ways you can be an active ally to the trans* community. Then, finish off the day by coming to the Pasadena Room at the USU to relax and enjoy our “So Pretty” film screening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., where you will be immersed in the stories of four young LGBTQIA+ individuals in New York City as they navigate life, love, identity, relationships and art.
On Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom, you’ll receive expert advice and practical help at the “Name Change Clinic” when it comes to filling out paperwork, paying fees and showing up to court for a legal name and/or gender change in California. Later in the afternoon from 3 to 4 p.m., see how you can improve your living space at “Home Maintenance Tips” with Mercury Stardust, the Trans Handy Ma’am. From 4 to 5 p.m., discover valuable information on how you can move forward towards your career goals at “Trans in Your Career” in partnership with the Career Center. Then, come learn more about masculine and feminine makeup techniques from 6 to 8 p.m. by tuning in for makeup tips and tricks from makeup artist Damien D’ Luxe and Melissa from the Pretty Fix.
On Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 7 to 8 p.m., join us on the Pride Center’s Instagram Live presentation of the Varie-T Show, a variety show featuring all trans artists, hosted by your fave local trans Latinx drag queen Elektra LaKill where you can enjoy an evening in this fun trans-centered space.
On Thursday, Nov. 18, come to the Pride Center on campus and spend an entertaining time gayming and plunging into the realm of fantasies. From 4 to 6 p.m., take a dive into “Adventures of the USUniverse,” where will use your imagination to create your own unique characters and narrate your personal journey. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., it’s “Gayme Night” featuring fun party games and the perfect place to bond with your peers in the LGBTQIA+ community.
On Friday, Nov. 19 from 3:00 to 5 p.m., celebrate the history and legacy of the trans community, support trans creatives, and stand in solidarity with CSUN’s trans community at our TRANScendance Art Show in the Sol Center of the USU.
On that same day from 5 to 6 p.m., join The Pride Center by coming together as a community on the Plaza del Sol for the Trans* Day of Remembrance Vigil to honor the memories and lives of trans* loved ones who have been taken by anti-trans violence. Trans advocate Mallery Jenna Robinson will read the names of the lives lost during the last year and talk about the importance of bringing awareness to the ongoing violence against trans people. Make plans now to participate in this extraordinary week filled with inspiring and educational workshops along with many opportunities to create new connections. For more information about Trans* Empowerment Week, please visit csun.edu/pride.
