The LGBT Center Discussion Group
The LGBT Center Discussion Group - New to campus? Exploring your identity? New to the LGBT Center? Want to reconnect with friends from last year? Want to learn about ally opportunities? Looking for a place to discuss LGBT related issues or explore new ideas? This group is for you. Meeting dates and general discussion topics are listed below. These meetings are open to LGBT students and allies. The LGBT Center discussion group takes place in 315 Crowell Building, on East Campus from 6-7pm. 315 is within the Office of New Student and Family Programs.
Fall 2009 Schedule
September 15th - Finding Your Niche in the LGBTQ Community at Duke
Whether you are LGBTQ or an ally all are welcome to join us for an initial discussion about different groups on campus, events planned through the LGBT center, resources available, ways to get involved, and ways to show your support.
September 29th - Embracing our Identities: You Are More Than a Category
LGBTQ Students are sometimes concerned that if they openly identify others will automatically view them as solely LGBTQ. Do you fear that you will no longer be seen as a sorority sister, a team captain, a student government leader, a member of your faith community, or just the same friend you have been to others through the years? How does embracing your LGBTQ identity enhance the contributions you can make in all parts of your life?
October 13th - Conversations with Family and Friends: From Coming Out to Feeling Invisible
Coming out to one’s family is an important decision. What are typical ways that family members might react? What are typical things they may be thinking? What can you do to help facilitate their understanding? What can you do to best support yourself through this process? What happens when you finally come out to family and then they never again broach the subject? How do you address invisibility in the family?
October 27th - Closets Are for More Than just Clothes and Linens
The decision to come out is a personal decision and it is also an ongoing process. Some people are comfortable only coming out to closest friends while others want everyone to know their identity. Is there a right or a wrong way to come out? Is there a right or wrong way to talk about this topic with friends you think might be LGBTQ? Do I have to always be open or are there some reasons I may choose not to be open. Are there also reasons I may choose to come out?
November 10th - Who Says I Have to Look/Act a Certain Way to Be a Part of the LGBTQ Community
Do I look gay?!?!? What does looking gay or acting gay look like? Does someone who identifies as queer have to have tattoos and multiple piercing? Do people who identify as trans dress in nontraditional ways? Do all lesbians really dislike men? If I identify as bi does that mean I should have sex with more partners? Do members of the LGBTQ community marginalize people if they do not fit the stereotypes or if they fully embrace the stereotypes?
December 1st - What You Did not Learn from Your Parents About Sex
Here’s your chance to ask anonymous questions about sex….no, we did not say have anonymous sex… we said ask anonymous questions!!! You may have a technical question…you may have a “just curious” question…you may have an ethical question…all questions are invited.
If you have further questions, or would rather meet indvidually to discuss some of the issues listed above please contact the staff.