9th Annual Gender & Sexual Minorities Conference

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Wednesday, October 1st - 11 AM in MSU 223

OPENING RECEPTION

Join us to kick-off the Gender and Sexual Minorities Conference! We will present an overview of the services and resources available at the Boxwood House- including both the Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Resource Center. Meet the Staff, hear about upcoming programs and opportunities for involvement and enjoy light refreshments!

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Wednesday, October 1st - 11 AM in MSU 223

QUEER DISABILITY JUSTICE

This training combines approaches for queer and disabled liberation, examining the shared roots of oppression in ableism and homophobia/transphobia and helping participants develop their toolboxes for unworking these systems in their lives and organizations.

Presented by: Robin Gow (It /Fae /He) , Poet & Educator

Robin Gow (it/fae/he & él y elle) is a genderqueer author and educator with 10 years of experience facilitating community conversations and educational spaces. Their poetry and novels have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and more. It is an organizer with the mutual aid collective, Queer & Trans Lehigh Valley.

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Wednesday, October 1st - 12 noon in MSU 218

WAYFINDING FOR SURVIVAL:  Arts-based Autoethnography for Healing and Self-Recovery

Audience members will learn about potential ways to narrate and document their life stories through art and writing. Audience members will learn strategies for coping with adversity and difficult feelings through artmaking, writing, and self-care.

Presented by: Glynnis Reed-Conway (She/They), Assistant Professor of Art Education & Art & Design

Glynnis Reed-Conway, Ph.D., M.F.A. (she/they) is an interdisciplinary scholar, artist, and educator whose work bridges the realms of art education, Black feminist studies, and Africana religious studies. Reed-Conway’s dissertation, "Looking into the Mirrors of Art: An Arts-based Critical Autoethnography of Healing and Self-recovery through Conjure Feminist Worlding and Wayfinding," received the prestigious 2024-2025 Penn State Alumni Association Dissertation Award recognizing dissertations that “will have the greatest impact.” Through her art and scholarship, Reed-Conway challenges dominant narratives and creates spaces for reflection, empowerment, and healing.

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Wednesday, October 1st - 1 PM in MSU 223

SAFE SPACE TRAINING 

The mission is to provide education and resources to KU community members as a means to create a safe and nurturing environment, free of discrimination based on sexual orientation, sexual identity, or gender identity. By going through this Safe Space, you'll learn the basic understandings of the LGBTQ+ community and learning tips along the way.

Presented by:  Lisbeth Mora (She/They),  LGBTQ+ Resource Center Graduate Assistant

Lisbeth Mora is a Kutztown University graduate student working towards her Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree. She has been here since 2019 and has been very active on campus through Allies, as vice president and now advisor, to working within Boxwood, as an undergraduate assistant and now a graduate assistant. Things she likes to do outside of work is to sing and perform, which shines through during the Annual Drag Show at Kutztown University.

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Wednesday, October 1st - 2 PM in MSU 218

QUEER SEX ED

Sex education is lacking for all people but especially for queer folks. This training is geared towards educators and examines the history of heteronormativity and cisnormativity in sexual health information and approaches for queering our understanding of sex and sexuality

Presented by:  Robin Gow (It /Fae /He),  Poet & Educator

Robin Gow (it/fae/he & él y elle) is a genderqueer author and educator with 10 years of experience facilitating community conversations and educational spaces. Their poetry and novels have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and more. It is an organizer with the mutual aid collective, Queer & Trans Lehigh Valley.

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Wednesday, October 1st - 3 PM in MSU 223

LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX! TURNING PASSION INTO A PROFESSION

Discover the diverse career opportunities in the field of sexual health, from advocates and educators to researchers and therapists, and everything in between. This presentation will explore the historical pioneers in sexual health who influenced the shift from sex as a cultural taboo to a sex-positive future. Participants will gain the knowledge and learn the skills needed to turn their passion into a career as a sexual health professional.

Presented by:  Lynn Mazur (She/Her),  Psychotherapist / Doctoral Candidate

Lynn Mazur, BSW, MSW, LCSW is a 3rd year Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Social Work at Kutztown University. She holds a certificate in Sex Education and Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan’s Certificate in Sexual Health Program. In her private psychotherapy practice in Toms River, New Jersey, Lynn provides treatment to individuals across the gender and sexuality diverse spectrum, and with individuals and couples with sexual health concerns.

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Wednesday, October 1st - 4 PM in MSU 218

LINEAGES OF GENDER NON-CONFORMITY IN A RURAL PENNSYLVANIA ARCHIVE

This photographic exploration of historical gender non-conformity among the Pennsylvania Dutch highlights the stories of influential figures, primary sources, and folk-cultural practices preserved in the archive of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University. These unique materials shed light on lived experiences of gender expression and creative performance often overlooked in histories of rural American communities, and provide future opportunities to research and interpret historical precedents for gender exploration in our region.   

Presented by:  Patrick Donmoyer (He/They),  Director, Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center

Patrick Donmoyer is director of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University. As an author, artist, and museum professional, Patrick's research of Pennsylvania folk-cultural traditions intersects areas of art, ritual, architecture, healing, and gender.

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SESSION AND PRESENTER DETAILS

            thursday, october 2, 2025

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Thursday, October 2nd - 10 AM in MSU 223

PANEL:  THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN'S, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY STUDIES

Join us for a roundtable discussion about the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program at Kutztown University. We will discuss the current climate affecting our WGS students and how it informs our teaching and our scholarship.

Panel:  Dr. Emily Cripe, Dr. Marlene Fares,   Dr. Tabetha Bernstein-Danis

Facilitated by:  Dr. Colleen Clemens (She/Her/Hers) 

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Thursday, October 2nd - 11 AM in MSU 218

KEYNOTE SPEAKER :  CHLOE O. DAVIS

Author of the “Queen’s English”, keynote presenter, Chloe Davis, will present on the LGBTQ+ history and the power of language.

“The Queens' English, The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases celebrates the etymological diversity of over eight hundred terms used to describe our collective gay and queer experience. It is an epic journey of understanding identity, sexuality, gender, equality, humor, community and PRIDE!”

Chloe O. Davis is a Broadway performer and debut author who works in the entertainment industry in New York. A graduate of Hampton University and Temple University, she has centered her creative platform on amplifying the narratives of Black culture and heightening the awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community. She also leads important DEI discussions for organizations and corporations, like Apple, VMLY&R, Coqual and the University of Kansas Medical Center. Davis’s work as a dancer, actor and creative has allowed her to travel to all 50 states and internationally. In tandem with performing, Davis spent 15 years researching, writing and creating The Queens’ English, The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases (Clarkson Potter/Penguin Random House, 2021). She believes this dictionary is a starting point for important conversations around inclusivity, sexuality, gender expression and identity.

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Thursday, October 2nd - 1:30 PM in MSU 223

THE HISTORY & LEGACY OF STONEWALL

The Stonewall riots are one of the events from LGBTQ+ history people are most likely to have heard something about. But how much do we really know? The presentation will address questions such as: why the uprising happened, what actually happened, and why it is considered to be so important.

Presenter:  Jason Crockett (He/They),  Professor of Sociology

Dr. Jason Crockett is a sociology professor at Kutztown University whose research focuses include sexualities and gender, social movements, and communities. Dr. Crockett teaches LGBTQ Studies, Sociology of Gender, and serves on the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Advisory Board.

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Thursday, October 2nd - 3 PM in MSU 218

FROM SILENCE TO SPOTLIGHT:  THE HISTORY OF LGBTQ+ REPRESENTATION IN SPORTS 

Sports have long mirrored broader cultural battles for inclusion and equity. This presentation traces the journey of LGBTQ+ representation in athletic: from the silence and invisibility of earlier decades to the courageous trailblazers who stepped into the spotlight. By connecting history to the present moment, we will examine how representation shapes belonging, challenges stereotypes, and opens doors for the next generation of athletes and professionals.

Presenter:  Cameron Wein (He/Him/His),  Assistant Director for Compliance

Cameron Wein is a queer trans man, educator, and national speaker whose work focuses on LGBTQ+ identity, athletics, and social justice. With a professional background in collegiate athletics, he brings both lived experience and expertise to his presentations, fostering spaces of authenticity, equity, and belonging. His engaging approach blends storytelling and education to inspire communities to embrace inclusivity and connection.

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Thursday, October 2nd - 4:30 PM in MSU 223

PRIDE BLESSINGS: Interfaith Ceremony

A mid-conference time to pause to meditate, recognize, and celebrate the diversity of God's creation and value every voice in the holy conversations in which the mysteries of the human person and expressions of our love unfold.

Jerry Schearer (He/Him),  Sr. Associate Dean / Chief Diversity Officer

Join our community of Faith Leaders to create a sacred space where people of all traditions, experiences, and backgrounds can unite together spiritually and celebrate pride. 

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SESSION AND PRESENTER DETAILS

            friday, october 3, 2025

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Friday, October 3rd - 10 AM in MSU 223

THE WEIGHT OF VISIBILITY:  NAVIGATING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND AUTHENTICITY AS A TRANS PROFESSIONAL 

Visibility as a trans professional is both powerful and heavy. This session explores the complex layers of being “seen” — the opportunities it creates for advocacy and representation, and the challenges it brings in navigating bias, hyper-awareness, and the pressure of authenticity. Through storytelling and reflection, participants will consider how visibility intersects social justice movements, workplace equity, and personal well-being.

Presented by:  Cameron Wein (He/Him/His), Assistant Director for Compliance

Cameron Wein is a queer trans man, educator, and national speaker whose work focuses on LGBTQ+ identity, athletics, and social justice. With a professional background in collegiate athletics, he brings both lived experience and expertise to his presentations, fostering spaces of authenticity, equity, and belonging. His engaging approach blends storytelling and education to inspire communities to embrace inclusivity and connection.

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Friday, October 3rd - 11 AM in MSU 218

TRANSGENDER ADVOCACY:  Integrating Self Care and Resiliency Strategies by Learning from the Past, Living Purposefully in the Present and Planning Hopefully for the Future

Advocacy work in the transgender community is in overdrive. Since the start of 2025, transgender advocates have been feeling like they are in a never-ending race where there is no finish line and no winners. This workshop will address the following: Reviewing the Past: Advocacy in the Trans Community - Where It Was and Where It Stands Now. Living in the Present: Describing the vital need for self-care and resiliency when involved in advocacy work /Creating a self-care plan, while discussing resiliency supports. Future: Learning about advocacy efforts in the peace leadership community / Staying connected and building support to keep trans individuals grounded and focused in their advocacy efforts.

Presented by:  Dr. Patricia Brenner (She/Her/Hers), Assistant Professor, Department of Counselor Education & Student Affairs

Co-Presenter:  LOGAN CROSSLEY , Transgender Coalition of Lehigh Valley

Dr. Brenner presented research on Transgender Leadership for the International Leadership Association and the American Counseling Association in 2023.  She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counselor Education & Student Affairs at Kutztown University.

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Friday, October 3rd - 12 NOON in MSU 223

BREAKING BARRIERS:   LGBTQ AND WOMEN TRAILBLAZERS IN CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION 

Recognize pivotal contributions of LGBTQ+ and women in CSI history. Experience evidence-based investigative methods through hands-on activity. Reflect on how diverse perspectives enrich forensic science and criminal justice.

Presented by:  Hadley-Rae Fout (The/Them), Anatomy/Forensic, Life Science, Biology Teacher: Grades 9-12, Phoenix Academy. Trans and queer advocated at Phoenix Academy. and a degree from Kutztown University. 

Hadley-Rae Fout is the Head of Science at Phoenix Academy, teaching biology, anatomy, and forensic science to 9th–12th grade students. They hold a Bachelor of Science from Kutztown University and are currently pursuing a master’s degree in science and teaching at Cedar Crest College. Hadley-Rae also runs a mentorship program supporting LGBTQ+ students and women interested in pursuing careers in science and forensic investigation.

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Friday, October 3rd - 1 PM in MSU 218

THE STORY OF THE RAINBOW ROOM: Planned Parenthood's First Queer Youth Center.  Who, What, Why, How ?!

In 2002, a group of fierce queer high school students joined Planned Parenthood Education Director and sex educator, Marlene Pray, to start the nation's first Planned Parenthood queer youth center, in Doylestown, PA. What are the essential elements that have led to this thriving community queer youth center success? What obstacles have we overcome? This is a story of hope, resilience, activism, radical acceptance, sex education, queer proms, peer education, street theater, protests, overturning hateful school policies, and rising up as proud queer youth from rural and suburban towns across this region of PA. Join this lively conversation, bring some tissues for moving footage of our queer proms, and take home a fun queer tarot card to spread some magic as you head into your weekend!

Presented by:  Marlene Mojave Pray (She/Her),  Planned Parenthood Keystone:  LGBTQ+ Youth Education Coordinator & Director of the Rainbow ROom Queer Youth Center

Community Organizing, Education and Training Consultant. Adjunct Professor. Director and Founder of Planned Parenthood Keystone’s Rainbow Room (center for LGBTQ+ youth). Board Member: NAACP Bucks County, NAMI Bucks County. Over 30 years of professional, non-profit management, and board leadership – in community organizing, LGBTQ+ issues, sexuality education, environmental & outdoor education, social emotional wellness, social justice, and human rights. Marlene has been recognized regionally and internationally for her advocacy, leadership and organizing efforts for reproductive, social, and racial justice. Marlene is also a mother, homicide survivor, earth-based celebrant, leader of the Rise Up Resistance Community Chorus, and lover of birds, bees, funky music, vegan food, smashing the patriarchy, and cats.

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Friday, October 3rd - 2 PM in MSU 223

NODS AND ENDS - A HISTORY OF QUEER SYMBOLISM

This program will cover a range of symbols used by queer people in the United States to help identify each other, ranging from history to modern day. Want to learn about carabiner coding? Hanky coding? This presentation is for you!

Presented by:  Noah Gray (He/Him), Undergraduate Student Staff at the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, Allies President

Noah Gray is a trans man and junior undergraduate student of psychology at Kutztown University. He also works as an Undergraduate Assistant for the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, a Stonewall Program mentor, and serves as the President of the club 'Allies of Kutztown.' He has a passion for LGBTQ+ topics and history, and has identified as some form of queer for over 8 years

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Friday, October 3rd - 3 PM in MSU 218

WRITING AGAINST ERASURE:  Queer Storytelling in Journalism and Media

From underground zines to viral op-eds, LGBTQ+ voices have used writing to resist erasure and claim space in history. This session explores how journalism, creative nonfiction, and media narratives document queer lives, honor authenticity, and shape public memory. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how storytelling creates history—and how their own words can become part of that archive.

Presented by:  Katelynn Brie Humbles (She/Her), English Professional Writing and Communication Studies Undergraduate Student

Katelynn “Brie” Humbles (she/her) is a writer and visual artist whose work emerges from the quiet rhythms of rural Dutch Pennsylvania. Her publications, which include Broken Antler Quarterly, Black Hare Press, Flash Fiction Magazine, Eunoia Review, Five on the Fifth, Welter, Literally Stories, Wingless Dreamer, and Tiny Molecules, explore the nuanced intersections of selfhood, connection, and the unspoken spaces between. In 2025, she received the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Raymond W. Ford Award in Poetry for Emmaus Community Garden and the Bennett Harris Humorous Writing Award for Can Vending Machines be Nihilistic? She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English with a focus on Professional Writing and Communication Studies, weaving together language and art to examine identity, intimacy, and the threads that bind people to place and history.

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