The LGBT Center is hosting its annual QPenn Week from April 6-11.
Programming is themed “Queers R Us” and will feature many events co-sponsored by campus organizations. The Daily Pennsylvanian spoke to the week’s collaborators about various programming — including guest speakers, community workshops, and a drag show.
Director of the LGBT Center Eric Anglero wrote to the DP that QPenn “recognizes the history of our LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations at Penn and across Philadelphia,” and aims to “build an engaged community for the future.”
“This year’s theme, ‘Queers R Us,’ centers joy, resilience, and the vibrancy of LGBTQIA+ communities,” Anglero added. “It reflects a history shaped by challenge and progress, while also pointing to the strength and energy continuing to define LGBTQ+ life.”
On Monday, organizers promoted the week’s events at a tabling event outside the Penn Women’s Center. They shared information about Wellness at Penn resources — including its “be aware” mental health initiative.
Additional Monday programming included an AsianTalks discussion about the intersection of Asian Pacific Islander identity and sexuality, and a Penn Aces & Aros workshop on asexuality, aromanticism, and amatonormativity.
Tuesday’s events included a “speed friending” session hosted by Penn Aces & Aros and a “Coloring & Connections” discussion organized by Wellness at Penn.
Wellness at Penn’s Associate Director of Wellbeing Initiatives, Lauren Cordova, emphasized the importance of collaborations across University organizations when organizing QPenn Week events.
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“We are looking to empower students respectfully and create more knowledge about our services to promote that accessibility,” Cordova said.
Cordova expressed hope that students “walk away feeling supported and like they had an opportunity to share their experience” after attending these events. She added that students should “get that tailored experience relative to their identities.”
Wednesday’s programming included yarn painting — co-hosted by the Office for Academic Excellence and Engagement, and the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies program. The crafting event was followed by a “healing and solidarity circle” facilitated by Restorative Practices at Penn and the LGBT Center. Additional events included a workshop on queerness and sobriety, and a trivia night hosted by LGBTQ+ Employees at Penn.
Communications and Engagement Manager of Wellness at Penn Imani Williams explained that the organization aims to ensure they are “here to support students and really emphasizing care.”
“However they choose to come to our events or workshops, we just want to make sure that they have a safe space always and feel supported and heard and seen,” Williams added.
GSWS invited the LGBT Center’s Scholar-in-Residence Niambi Stanley to deliver a Thursday talk with postdoctoral fellow Eva Pensis, titled “A Dialogue on Self-Expression in the Image Economy.” Penn Women’s Center will also host a celebration for Sapphic Visibility Day.
Stanley told the DP that the conversation will be “discussion-based” and is meant to encourage listeners to “have confidence” in who they are.
“I hope to attract a receptive audience,” Stanley added. “Any conversation that I have is open to anybody — it’s a judgment free zone.”
Thursday evening will involve a community-oriented mixer where students can meet LGBTQ+ alumni leaders at the Sweeten Alumni House.
On Friday, the LGBT Center will co-host a workshop on gender dynamics and the “culture of harm” with Penn Violence Prevention and the Office of Interpersonal Development and Engagement. It will also bring a drag makeup tutorial and drag show to Harrison College House.
QPenn Week will end with a walking tour of Philadelphia’s Gayborhood on Saturday — organized by the LGBT Center.
“We hope students across the Penn campus, regardless of identity, find ways to engage in fulfilling conversation, thoughtful dialogue, intentional community building, and cultural sharing,” Anglero wrote.
