Understanding the Transgender & Non-binary Identity

Join Wilton Library and Wilton Pride for Ask Me Anything 2024, a community forum on “Understanding the Transgender and Non-binary Identity” on May 15, at 7 p.m., in the library’s Brubeck Room.

This conversation breaks down gender and sexual diversity and rethinks historical and traditional assumptions around identity. It is therefore essential in understanding the transgender and non-binary identity.

Panelists will cover:
• Understanding the transgender and non-binary identity and community.
• Importance of allyship in real life situations; understanding how bias impacts LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly TGNCNBI (Transgender, gender nonconforming, non-binary, and intersex); and an overview of best safety and inclusion practices.
• Understanding what sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, and sex assigned at birth mean — their differences and impact on each other.
• Language and definition of terms associated with the LGBTQ+ community, including lesser known terms.
• Understanding notions of hetero-normativity, gender/sex binary, and cis-normativity.
• Rethinking social norms and expectations surrounding sexuality and gender in our society.

Moderator:
Sarah Malhotra (she/they) is the Director of Education at The Rowan Center, and has worked in the prevention education field for 11+ years. She oversees prevention education programming on sexual violence for K-12 schools, colleges and agency partnerships.

Panelists:
– Dr. Robyn Schlesinger (she/her) is an attorney and educator who has worked extensively with the LGBTQIA+ community, nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education. Schlesinger has also consulted with businesses, schools, and organizations to create inclusive workplaces and environments. She is currently the director of LGBTQIA+ programs, resources, innovation, development, and engagement (PRIDE) for Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), the parent organization of Center Lane for LGBTQ+ youth.
– Ace Ricker (he/him) has been an educator and advocate for the past 20 years. Through his company Awareness through Communication & Education, LLC (A.C.E), he works with a wide variety of organizations, religious forums, K-12 schools, colleges, medical facilities and nonprofits, delivering workshops, talks and consultations on diversity, inclusion and empowerment, etc.
– Remy (he/him) is an author, graphic designer, and community organizer based in Brooklyn, NY. His work often centers around queer and trans people, and mentoring and volunteering with transgender teens. His project, “My Gay Love is Holy: Stories of LGBTQ People of Faith” was the first recipient of the Victor Ng Design Impact Award.

See link in event listing to submit questions for panelists before the program. Registration is strongly recommended. Register online or call 203.762.6334. Email for more information.