Office of Student Life

Center for Belonging and Social Change

Trans Awareness and Empowerment Week

Every November, the Center for Belonging and Social Change recognizes Transgender Awareness and Empowerment Week. For 2023, this week is November 13-19. Join us for a week of events that honor, empower and support those who are transgender and/or non-binary here at The Ohio State University.

Program of Events

Virtual Open Workshop: Trans 101 (DICE)

Date: Monday, November 13, 2023
Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom - Register at go.osu.edu/trans101

This workshop explores best practices for engaging with and supporting transgender and gender non-conforming students and communities at The Ohio State University. The workshop is recommended for faculty, staff, and students. During this 1-hour and 30-minute session, participants will gain a greater understanding of transgender identities and the societal systems that affect the community, as well as learn strategies for creating gender inclusive spaces. This workshop is eligible for one DICE credit.

Honoring Trans Day of Remembrance: End-of-Life Planning Workshop

Date: Friday, November 17, 2023
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: On Zoom or in person at Mozaic (located at 750 E. Long St.)

Hosted by Mozaic and Equitas Health, this free workshop is on end of life planning for trans folks. The workshop will discuss living wills, healthcare power of attorney, and advance directives. Please register to indicate whether you are attending in person or on Zoom: tinyurl.com/3ru8y7dm.

Trans Storytelling and Open Mic

Date: Friday, November 17, 2023
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Fawcett Center (2400 Olentangy River Rd) - Clinton Room

In celebration of Trans Awareness & Empowerment Week, the Center for Belonging and Social Change is partnering with local organization T Talks for a community storytelling event. This event will feature speakers from the local trans community and an open mic, so anyone in the community can share their story.  Free parking and food is available.

The theme for this evening is Trans-cending: An evening of storytelling on Empowering Trans Youth, Uniting Voices, and Inspiring Change.

Empowering young people to form a united voice and become advocates for trans rights is paramount in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society. The younger generation possesses a unique perspective, fresh ideas, and boundless energy that can drive significant change. These voices are capable of challenging stereotypes, dismantling discrimination, and promoting understanding, ultimately paving the way for a more tolerant and equitable future for all. 

We are looking for speakers who are interested in sharing stories of trans empowerment, supporting trans young people, and/or your experiences as a trans young adult.

RSVP to attend or Sign up to speak

Trans Day of Remembrance Variety Show

Date: Monday, November 20, 2023
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Stonewall Columbus (located at 1160 N. High St.)

Join Mozaic for an evening of entertainment to honor Trans Day of Remembrance! Enjoy song, dance, food, and fun as we celebrate trans joy and talent. RSVP at tinyurl.com/4x9x3z77

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Date: Monday, November 20, 2023
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
Location: King Avenue United Methodist Church (299 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio) and via livestream

King Avenue United Methodist Church is once again hosting the Columbus Trans Day of Remembrance, presented by T Talks and Columbus Trans Pride. There will be tabling resources available from Trans Allies of Ohio, Stonewall Columbus, the Rainbow Connections, and others. This event is 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 for all trans family, friends, and allies to attend. Please plan to arrive at 6:30 p.m. The secular service will take place 7- 8:30 p.m., followed by a short reception that will end at 9 p.m. The event will also accessible via livestream on YouTube and our Facebook pages.

You can let us know if you're coming by RSVPing on the Facebook event page. RSVP 𝗚𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗚 if you're attending in person, or RSVP 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 if you're going to be watching the livestream.

The YouTube link for the livestream will be available when the event starts on T Talks’ Facebook page. The recording will also be posted with closed captions within a week after the event on the YouTube channels of Columbus Trans Pride and T Talks.

Questioning your Gender?

Gender identity is a person’s inner sense of self as masculine, feminine, both or neither, and how they label themselves, based on how much they align or don’t align with traditional conceptions of gender. See below for resources that may help you as you explore your gender identity.

Coming Out

While every coming out journey is unique, you can still rely on the knowledge of those who have come out before you. Below are resources to assist you in the coming out process.

Transgender Organizations

  • Gender Spectrum - If you are a parent looking for support, a young person looking to connect, a professional interested in learning best-practices, a faith leader seeking resources or anyone who wants the most up-to-date and accurate information about gender and youth, Gender Spectrum can help. 

  • National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) - Advocates to change policies and society to increase understanding and acceptance of transgender people throughout the country.

  • TransOhio - Serves the Ohio transgender and ally communities by providing services, education, support and advocacy, which promotes and improves the health, safety and life experience of transgender individuals and communities.

  • Trans Student Educational Resources (TSER) - A youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender non-conforming students through advocacy and empowerment.

Additional Resources

For additional trans resources at OSU, visit the Trans at Ohio State page.

For Allies

The following resources are available for allies of the trans community seeking to learn more:

For additional resources, contact Ari Grubaugh at grubaugh.20@osu.edu.