Prism Center at UVM

Activist, healer, and educator Frances Reed, founder of HealthyBinding.com, will lead a free, 2 hour virtual workshop for students on healthy chest binding. Frances will cover differences in various binders, staying healthy, stretching, and avoiding pain or harm, and answer your questions. Trans, non-binary, and students of any gender who bind or are considering it are welcome. Space is limited, rsvp required. RSVP at https//go.UVM.edu/binding
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Brought to you by and Prism
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Image 1: black text on a lavender background with trans and enby flag corner accents next to a portrait of Frances, a white genderq***r person with glasses and blue and purple hair.
Image 2: a picture of Frances in a light beige tank binder in front of a Pride flag.

Save the date! Home for the Holidays the Prism Centers end of the semester celebration is happening soon. Make sure to stay up to date with us on social media to get more details as they come.

Image Description:
Blue background with multiple blob shapes of different shades of blue and orange. There are star accents around the border of the image. Speech bubble with text that reads “Home For The Holidays” in a bold title font and “Save the Date TUESDAY December 6th 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM” in a sub font below it along with “More Info Soon” in the title font below that. The Prism center logo is at the bottom of the speech bubble.

Helpful info from the VT Department of Health to prevent the spread of monkeypox (aka hMPXV, mpox, mpx) for anyone, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Find more resources and find a vaccine site near you https://mpoxvaxmap.org

Image descriptions: 8 slides with health information text on a blue background. A pdf is available from the VDH if you would like to read more about preventing the spread of monkeypox.

✨ Meet our Rainbow Graduation speakers! ✨

Bethany Eldridge is a survivor, a trans person, a Q***r person, a basketball baller and a frisbee baller and is super excited to share their new haircut with the world during Rainbow Graduation.

Jeremy Torres (He/They) is a proud Q***r, First-Gen, Puerto Rican. They are graduating with a master’s degree in higher education student affairs in the School of Education and Social Services here at the University of Vermont. Jeremy’s work has specialized in program development in topics related to Gender and Sexuality, anti-racism, and uplifting BIPOC and QT joy. Jeremy has led numerous workshops and other initiatives that center supporting the QT community across various colleges across the country.  

After the typical New Englander stint in Boston for graduate school, William Lemos ’17 (he/him) has returned to UVM and Burlington as an Assistant Director for Alumni and Donor Relations at the UVM Foundation. When not in the office helping to connect and engage alumni, you can find him binging q***r audiobooks, taking in some nature, or waking up at 5 AM for an early morning workout.

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[Image Description: Slide one contains polaroid photos of each speaker, Bethany Eldridge, Jeremy Torres, and William Lemos, with a rainbow heart to the left and right, rainbow flowers in the bottom right corner, and ripped paper in the background to look like scrapbooking. The text reads “Meet The Rainbow Graduation Speakers.” Slide two contains a picture of Bethany Eldridge and reads “Bethany Eldridge is our undergraduate speaker, graduating with a bachelor’s in English and Bibliotherapy.” Slide three contains an image of Jeremy Torres and reads “Jeremy Torres is our graduate speaker, graduating with a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration.” Slide three contains an image of William Lemos and reads “William Lemos is our UVM alumni speaker and is currently the Assistant Director for Alumni and Donor Relations at the UVM Foundation.”]

We see you! And we want to celebrate you 💜🎓🌈 RSVP deadline for graduating students is TODAY. Go.UVM.edu/rainbowgrad
Peep this and many other beautiful affirming art messages created for this year’s ceremony at the celebration! Everyone is welcome.
🖼: a yellow paper decorated with the word GAY in sparkles and adorned with googly eyes.

Join the Aro/Ace space tomorrow, April 28th, from 6:30-7:30pm for a sculpting/pottery night! Pizza will be provided. We’ll have air-dry clay, paints, sculpting tools, and more! Make sure you wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint/clay on!! ✨
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[Image description: a grey background with an image of someone sculpting with clay in the center. The text reads “Aro/Ace space: Sculpting/Pottery. April 28th, L/L C-162, 6:30-7:30 PM” with the prism center logo at the bottom.]

Affinity hang outs this week: LGBTQIA+ end of semester party and community art project (tonight!), q***r disability ppt party (ted talks but make it gay), and aro/Ace with clay projects! Le***an affinity Weds night TBA.
Celebrate spring in community 🌻

Come to the Prism Center on Monday, April 25th, from 5-7pm and celebrate the end of the semester! There will be free food, games, and a collaborative art project to honor our graduating community members! 🍕🧃🎨🏳️‍🌈🎉

Is there a topic, tv show, or interest that you're an expert in? Come tell us about it at our final Q***r Disability space of the semester! Make a fun Powerpoint or be prepared to talk for a few minutes about that thing you love to talk about. This affinity space is for anyone who identifies as q***r/under the LGBTQ+ umbrella and disabled — whatever those words mean to you!
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[Image description: a dark blue background with a TV outline with a person pointing at the TV. I’m one corner there’s a mermaid, in another there’s a controller, a book, and lastly cards. The text reads “Q***r Disability Affinity Space Special Interest Power Point Party! April 27th, 5pm. Prism Center C-162, with a teams link at the bottom of the image. The link reads “https://go.uvm.edu/q***rdisaffinity”]

Change of plans! Rainbow grad head shots photo shoot is now next week - Thurs 4/28. There are still a few spots left. Claim yours https:/go.UVM.edu/rainbowgrad
Free professional photos for all graduates! Sign up individually or with friends!

CW: violence against trans women, death. 🌹
We are thinking about survival today. We are thinking about safety. We are thinking about community. We are dreaming of a world where trans people thrive. We are fighting every day to bring that world into being. 💐
Safety looks like a lot of things and we know UVM can be a better, safer place for our trans communities. We invite you, cis allies especially, to join us in being the change we need. 🌱
Details for a vigil for Fern are on the next slide. The Prism Center is here if you need a place to be in community, if you need a place to BE. Counselors at CAPS can provide additional support 802.656.3340 👂
We love us and our love will always be greater than the hate directed at trans and q***r people. Your heart is a muscle the size of your fist. Keep loving. Keep fighting. ❤️

Origami! Nature walks! Creemees! Ghost stories! Join us for trans and enby, aro/Ace, bi/pan, and q***r disability affinity spaces this week. 🍦🌳👻🐸🌿🌈🗒

Photo shoot time! Graduating students who rsvp for Rainbow Graduation can also sign up for a free portrait sesh with a professional photographer - by yourself, with a friend, or with a small group. Full details in the 🌈👩🏾‍🎓rsvp form go.UVM.edu/rainbowgrad. Link in bio!
📸: photos of rainbow grads just after receiving their stoles in 2019.

Poetry! Song! Speeches! All are welcome if you’re chosen as one of this year’s 🌈 👩🏾‍🎓 speakers! Undergrad, Grad and Medical students all eligible. Apply today!

Today is TDOV! Check out these highlights our team put together of accounts to follow and celebrate trans voices.
Slide 1: a froggy holding a trans Pride heart sits on a trans Pride flag background that reads Trans Day of Visibility!
Slide 2: reads Check out these trans activists, artists, and organizations!

Your input matters! We’re hiring for TWO staff positions and student feedback is important. Join us for one or more forums where candidates and students can meet for and get a thank you for your time and effort.
📷: graphic of a 3 scoops ice cream cone next to text inviting students to meet with candidates for Prism Center jobs on several dates in April.

Join Aro/Ace tonight for plant fun! First come, first served for these cute kits. 12 available. This is an affinity space for all students on the asexual and/or a romantic spectrums.
🌱 image: photo of a succulent on a green background. White text advertises the event details; 4-5p tonight in C162.

WAGE will begin hosting a new bi-weekly space titled Masculinity with Vulnerability starting March 30th from 5:30 - 6:30pm @ WAGE. This space will serve as a safe space for conversations about masculinity and to discuss navigating masculine identity. Anyone who identifies with masculinity is welcome to attend and the space is q***r & trans-friendly! There will be free dinner provided to everyone who attends.

[Image description: a pink background with text that reads “Masculinity with vulnerability, a safe space to discuss the complexities of masculinity” and below the text is clip of of four masculine people. I’m the top right corner, the wage center logo resides.]

Join us Monday for a conversation about how a q***r Black boy from the south side of Chicago embraced all of who he was created to be. Rev. Goodwin will explore how spaces like UVM, the UCC, and communities committed to inclusion are essential to living a holistic life. 💐
Rev. Goodwin is the first openly lgbtq Black person to serve as an Executive Conference Minister in the United Church of Christ. He has also held several positions in Jesuit higher Ed.
7pm in Brennan’s this Monday, 3/28.
Co-sponsored by Campus Christian Ministry, MCSC, Prism, VPDEI, and the Alumni Association.
📸: Rev. Goodwin seated on a stool, smiling directly into the camera.

On April 4th at 7pm the Prism Center and the Career Center will be hosting a special event: Q***r Career Advice! Get to meet representatives from the Career Center and the Prism Center and have a discussion about finding accepting and affirming workplaces, anti-discrimination ordinances in Vermont and beyond, and what to do if you have been discriminated in the workplace. Pizza will also be provided!

[Image description: a grey background with clip art of someone sitting at a computer. Text above reads “The prism center and the career center proudly present: Q***r Career Advice. Monday, April 4th, 2022. L/L C-170” with a rainbow underneath the text.]

Like painting? Like plants? Come paint plant pots with fellow trans and non-binary folks this Friday! This event is open to all trans and non-binary people and no RSVP is required.
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[Image Description: A green background with a circle in the center. There are leaves on either side of the circle and inside the text reads “Trans & Non-binary Affinity Space: Plant Pot Painting March 25th at 12-1 PM in L/L C-162”. The Prism Center logo is pictured in the bottom right corner.]

Come join us and the YDSA this Tuesday for a discussion on the intersection of LGBTQ+ identities and socialist politics! We will be meeting at 7pm in L/L C-170. This event is open to all and nor RSVP is required.
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[Image Description: A red and white background with text that reads “The Young Democratic Socialists of America & The Prism Center Present: Let’s Talk About Q***r Socialism! March 22nd at 7 pm in L/L C-170”. The UVM YDSA logo is in the bottom left and the Prism Center logo is in the bottom right.]

RSVP is now LIVE!! 🤩 Get ready for Rainbow Graduation 2022 by RSVPing to reserve your spot! 🏳️‍🌈🎓🏳️‍⚧️

The Prism Center annually hosts Rainbow Graduation, a ceremony to celebrate LGBTQIA2S+ graduates at the University of Vermont.

Note:
✨You do not need to be involved with the Prism center to participate, any UVM students who are LGBTQIA2S+ are welcome to attend.
✨Graduates MUST RSVP by April 29th at 11:59 pm
✨Everyone should register including students, guests, faculty & staff, and community members.

We are committed to inclusion. Visit the Prism Center website to learn more about how to submit a request for accommodation or e-mail [email protected]

For further questions please contact [email protected]

[Image description: a light blue background with clouds in the corners. A smiling sun is in the top right corner and two kites are off to the side. A rainbow is placed at the bottom of the image. The text reads, “Rainbow Graduation. Thursday, May 5th, Davis Center & Streaming 5pm. RSVP is officially open! Go to: https://go.uvm.edu/rainbowgrad.”]

Ace/Aro and QT’s with disabilities it’s your week!
🎮jackbox games with aro/ace on Wednesday at 5.
🎨 art space with q***r disability affinity Friday at 6.
Come make some friends, explore identity in a safer space, and enjoy some snacks!

Let’s Talk from anywhere! Thursday’s with Walter are now remote. Sign up to chat at 2:30, 3, or 3:30p. 💜 🧠 🌈
How to sign up: sign in to your mywellbeing account. Select “schedule an appointment” then choose “CAPS same day virtual appointment”. Next choose “let’s talk virtual” and then “Prism Center”. That’s it! From there choose your time and you’re all set to meet with Walter on Teams. 💻🌈🗣
Your mental health matters! 😎
📸: Walter smiles directly into the camera. He is wearing a blue shirt in front of a brick background.

Have SEW much fun with trans/enby affinity, discuss your fave q***r celebrities at Bi/Pan affinity, and surprise theme for le***an affinity (tbd as of this morning 😉) see you this week!
🖼: slide 1 - weekly affinity spaces text repeats on a blue background. 2 - image of a knitted blanket surrounded by text for trans/enby pillow making/sewing fun. 3 - a cream background with details about bi/pan’s q***r celebrity and media representation chat. 4 - a pink slide for le***an affinity space.

Friday night! Join aro/ace affinity for pizza and speed friending! Everyone on the aromantic and asexual spectrums of identity welcome. See you here at 7pm. VG and GF 🍕 too.
📸: a drawing of a group of people chatting with conversation bubbles above their heads. White text on a mint background advertises aro/ace’s next meeting.

Come to the Prism Center on 2/22/22 to celebrate our new clothing closet program with an identity-affirming winter clothing swap. Bring a bag of your old (good quality) clothes to swap with others!

All are welcome 😊

Please email [email protected] with any questions

Happy Winter Break! Congratulations on making it through the fall semester and finals week 🙌🏿🙌🏾🙌🏽🙌🏼🙌🏻 We're hopeful that folks are able to take some of this time to get some much needed rest 😴 If folks are looking to get in touch with us next week please know that we will only be available virtually Monday thru Thursday, and we will be closed on Friday. Happy holidays and have a restful and restorative break! ❤️
image description:
a tan background with a red circle graphic and an orange starburst graphic on the left and right, respectively; text reads "Office Horus 12/20-12/24, Prism Center will be full virtual Monday-Thursday, We will be closed on Friday 12/24"

Pride Vermont festivities have already started! Next week are a slew of events coming up over the next week so don't forget to check out the Pride Guide 2021 from to learn more about what's going on. You can find the link in their bio.

This Sunday, 9/5 join our UVM contingent for the parade! Meet us at the Prism Center at Living & Learning C buidling at 11:30am or down at the Hood plant at 12pm. If you have any questions send us a DM! We hope to see you there!
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️💙💖🤍🖤🤎❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

image: a background with a faded pride flag and a center image of people waving rainbow flags at a Pride event; text reads "March with UVM at Vermont Pride! Sunday September 5, Meet at Prism 11:30am OR Hood Plant at 12pm, Fabulous UVM and Pride attire encouraged!"

Prism Center at UVM updated their business hours.

We are so excited to celebrate the Class of 2021 this afternoon with community inclusive and expansive of University of Vermont!
🏳️‍⚧️🎓🏳️‍🌈
Join us today for a celebration of LGBTQA+ achievement. There is still time to RSVP, so head over to the link in our Instagram bio or directly to the form at go.uvm.edu/rg2021.

For questions, contact [email protected].

[Image description: a water color rainbow gradient background with a white transparent pattern overlaid, which includes graduation caps, diplomas, bells, and star beams. On top of the background is a transparent white square with an exterior white outline and a secondary grey outline. On the square is the text, "Celebrate with us TODAY! Rainbow Graduation May 6th 4-5pm | Zoom. There is still time to RSVP! Register at go.uvm.edu/rg2021. In the bottom right corner is the Prism Center logo."

Rainbow Graduation is THIS THURSDAY, and we're so excited to celebrate the Class of 2021! 🎓

Don't forget to RSVP, we'll be sending the event link to the email you register with! 🌈

Have questions? Contact [email protected].

[Image description: A light blue background with a blue, outlined text box that reads, "RSVP for Rainbow Graduation. Sunny Days Ahead. Thurs. May 6th, at 4pm on Zoom." Below the text box is a rainbow arch stretching across the bottom half of the image. There is a cartoon sun, smiling on top of the rainbow on the left side. On the right side is a white clip art image of a cloud with text that reads, "RSVP at go.uvm.edu/rg2021 Event contact: [email protected]" The Prism Center logo is in the bottom right corner.]

Hey Vermont + UVM Community!

There is still time for guests to RSVP for Rainbow Graduation happening next Thursday.

Head over to go.uvm.edu/rg2021 today, you do not want to miss it! 🌈

Questions? Please contact Laura Aguilera ([email protected]).

[Image description: a purple background with a blue-purple-yellow gradient beam on the top of the image. On the beam is the text, "Hey, Vermont & UVM Community!" Below the beam is a blue rectangle with round corners with the text, "RSVP for Rainbow Graduation Sunny Days Ahead. Thurs., May 6th at 4pm on Zoom." To the bottom right of the blue rectangle is a yellow similarly-shaped rectangle with the text, "RSVP at go.uvm.edu/rg2021 Event contact: [email protected]). To the bottom left of the blue rectangle are two digital illustrations of people. One person is standing in front, holding a rainbow pride flag, while the person behind them and the flag is standing and holding up a peace sign with their left hand. The Prism Center Logo is in the bottom right corner.]

Did you RSVP yet?! 🥳

We are so excited to celebrate the Class of 2021 Rainbow Graduates!

It's ONE WEEK AWAY from the RSVP deadline (Thurs., April 22nd) for students wanting to participate in Rainbow Graduation. All guests interested in attending can and must RSVP by Wed., May 5th.

RSVP with the link in our Instagram bio or at go.uvm.edu/rg2021 🎓🌈

[Image description: a light blue background with the text, "Rainbow Graduation. Sunny Days Ahead" at the top of the image. There is clip art of a sun in the left half of the square image with two yellow flowers that are below the sun. On the right half is a green square with text in it that reads, "May 6th at 4pm. RSVP Today! go.uvm.edu/rg2021." The Prism Center logo is in the bottom right corner.]

WELCOME BACK ALL! We wanted everyone to know that the Prism Center's NEW space is now open Tuesday through Friday 10a - 5p. Mondays remote.

While it will be some time before we have the rooms fully furnished and until we can gather for a COVID-conscious welcoming, the spaces are open for use. Check out the two new student lounge spaces in L/L C Building during the hours above. Reach out to us on Teams or e-mail with questions or to set up time with a staff member.

Please remember to observe all UVM and Prism practices for COVID-19 safety. Observe all posted signs and room capacity limitations. Thanks for helping keep our community safe!

Calling all q***r and trans people living in Vermont! Have your voice heard on topics that impact all of us: health justice, housing, rural q***rness, youth, aging, and racial justice. LGBTQ+ orgs are coming together to organize and facilitate this amazing, virtual opportunity to impact and envision our collective futures. The series kicks off tomorrow and ends on March 2. Learn more and register here. https://www.pridecentervt.org/townhall/

Possible Calls to Action: Register to attend, repost to your account or story, invite friends, dream and share.

Congratulations and bittersweet farewell to our VP and divisional leader of our identity centers at UVM. We wish her well on her newest chapter after over 30 years at UVM.

Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant is also responsible for our annual MLK programming, which is happening TONIGHT at 5:30. Learn more here: go.uvm.edu/mlk2021

Wanda Heading-Grant Announcement Dear UVM community,I write to share bittersweet news. Wanda Heading-Grant, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, has been selected as Carnegie Mellon University’s inaugural Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer. She also will serve as a faculty...