B4: Beyond the Binary: Deconstructing the Gender Binary System on Campus

The Day of Silence was originally designed as a means to spread awareness of LGBTQ+ bullying and harassment in schools. Since its inception in 1996 and the subsequent movement-building that it inspired, we see far more legislation incorporating inclusion and protection for LGBTQ+ students. However, there is still much work to be done and many more voices that need to be heard, which brings up the question, where can we take the Day of Silence from here? One area in higher education which is particularly behind is creating a space and a discourse that includes individuals who identify outside the binary. We will visit the story of Lawrence “Larry” King, who was honored during the 2008 Day of Silence after his death, and invite attendees to participate in an active discussion on gender binary systems and how it affects students who are gender non-conforming. Attendees will learn a variety of terminology that encompasses many identities and intersections of these identities. Additionally, we will facilitate conversations on how we can potentially address these issues on campus and through the curriculum.