From an early age, many were taught that pronouns should follow specific rules along the gender binary: “she, her and hers” for girls and women and “he, him and his” for boys and men. However, as our society has progressed in understanding gender identity, our language must also be updated. It should be accurate and convey understanding and respect for all people, especially for those who are transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary.

Changing social norms around gender can be confusing, so CUGALA is creating a space for an honest, judgment-free conversation about pronouns. Come with questions, as well as personal insights on what your pronouns mean to you. Participants will get a brief overview on the topic of pronouns with ample time to ask questions related to the incorporation and inclusion of pronouns in your everyday life.

About the facilitators:
Anthony Sis (they/them/theirs) is a diversity and inclusion training specialist at Cornell’s Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity. They organize programs throughout the year as part of the Cornell Inclusive Excellence Academy, incorporating personal narratives from experienced speakers to engage participants in dialogue, self-reflection, and the development of action-oriented skills that foster a culture of belonging in the workplace.

Crissi Dalfonzo (she/her) joined the Cornell community in the fall of 2018 as the Assistant Director of the LGBT Resource Center. She received her Bachelor’s degree in fine art with a concentration in ceramics from the University of Hartford, and her Master’s degree in Student Development in Higher Education from the University of Maine. Crissi has prior student affairs experience in residential life, outdoor recreation, multicultural student life, women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, and LGBTQ student support services. Crissi loves all things rainbow, sparkle, and unicorns and enjoys imbuing them in her work on a regular basis.

WHEN: Thursday, June 11th, 2020, 8:00-9:00pm EST
WHERE: Zoom – link and password will be shared via confirmation email
QUESTIONS: Olivia Tai ’08 at hey.oliviatai@gmail.com.

ONLINE VIA ZOOM (LINK IN CONFIRMATION EMAIL)

For info on how to use Zoom, check out this link: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-How-Do-I-Join-A-Meeting–