No gender left behind

Several events will take place Sept. 17 and 18 to help educate the community about transgender issues and experiences, both organized by University of Iowa’s student and community-based group, TransCollaborations.

Rebecca Kling

Rebecca Kling, a transgender artist and educator from Chicago, will lead a workshop entitled “Trans 101: Diversity and Respect” Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Iowa City Public Library Meeting Room A. She will then give a solo performance about some of her significant life experiences the following evening. Both events are free and open to the public.

The workshop is intended to give attendees a basic primer on transgender issues and experiences.

She explores gender and identity through solo pieces and educational workshops. Kling takes the position that sharing accessible queer narratives with a wide audience is a form of activism, and that understanding combats bigotry.

Kling will also perform “No Gender Left Behind,” from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, in the UI Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center. The center is located at 125 Grand Ave. Court in Iowa City.

This solo performance is the story of how, in the fall of 2010, Kling was fired from a teaching position for being a transgender woman. The experience left her wondering what America was teaching its children—and adults—about gender, conformity, and being just a little different.

The UI Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, the LGBT Resource Center, UI Student Government, the UI Executive Council of Graduate and Professional Students, Mama’s Deli, and Fairgrounds Coffeehouse are sponsoring these events.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in either of these events, contact the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership in advance at 319-335-3059.

For more information, email transcollaborations@gmail.com.