| Based on interviews with 400 self-identified transgender people from throughout the United States, this plenary session will compare the experiences of individuals from different transgender groups. It will offer a series of “touchstones,” or significant life moments, in the gender identity development processes of the participants who identify as transsexual women, transsexual men, female-presenting crossdressers, and genderqueer individuals. The research is from Genny Beemyn and Susan Rankin’s forthcoming book, “The Lives of Transgender People” (Columbia University Press).
Genny Beemyn
Genny Beemyn has published and spoken extensively on the experiences and needs of transgender people, particularly the lives of gender nonconforming students. Ze has written or edited six books/journal issues, including a special issue of the Journal of LGBT Youth on “Trans Youth.” Genny’s most recent work, written with Sue Rankin, is “The Lives of Transgender People,” forthcoming from Columbia University Press.
The director of the Stonewall Center at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she is also a board member of the Transgender Law and Policy Institute and an editorial board member of the Journal of Bisexuality and the Journal of Homosexuality. Genny has a PhD in African American Studies and master’s degrees in African American Studies, American Studies, and Higher Education Administration.
Susan Rankin
Susan Rankin has presented and published widely on the impact of sexism, racism, and heterosexism in the academy and in intercollegiate athletics. Susan’s current research focuses on the assessment of institutional climate and provides program planners and policy makers with recommended strategies to improve the campus climate for under-served communities.
Susan has collaborated with more than 90 institutions and organizations in implementing assessments and developing action plans. In her advocacy work, Susan is a founding member of the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals and the Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition. Susan is the recipient of the ACPA 2008 Voice of Inclusion Medallion, an award that recognizes individuals who embody the student affairs values of social justice. |