Ramadan is a month dedicated to fasting, spirituality & worship, and charity & community. Ramadan is expected to begin Saturday, April 2. The last day of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, is expected to begin on the evening of May 1. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours and increase in their spiritual devotional acts such as prayer and giving to charity. It is the holiest month of the Muslim year and follows the lunar calendar. During this month, no food or drink (including water) may be taken from dawn to dusk Worshippers eat a pre-dawn light meal, called suhoor. After dusk, Muslims break the fast with an evening meal called iftar.
Given Ramadan's placement during the academic year, this will impact Muslim students, staff, and faculty in various ways. In addition to being aware of this religious observance, you can support members of the Muslim community this month in the following ways:
Understand that Ramadan is a time of spiritual cleansing and reflection.
Acknowledge Ramadan and Eid by wishing folks well.
Be respectful of prayer times - many people are more observant during Ramadan and therefore may need to leave class, meetings, or other obligations to pray for approximately ten minutes.
Ramadan includes evening programs that will require folks to be out late - be understanding and empathetic.
Check-in folks' mental health and overall well-being.
For more information on how to support the Muslim community this Ramadan, check out the attached handout from the Islamic Center at New York University and head over to the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Towson, MD!
Ramadan Observance is being hosted by the Muslim Student Association. From April 2 through May 2, 2022, the Center for Well-Being hours will be temporarily expanded to 4:30 am - 1:00 am. The Gathering Space corridor (rooms 109 and 105) will be accessible during these times, but the conference rooms and the second floor will not be open.
Participating students are expected to ensure that the space is left clean and organized, and all materials and supplies are put neatly away so that the space can be ready for use during regular business hours. This includes ensuring that ALL food products have been appropriately disposed of and cleaned. Participating students are expected to follow the student code of conduct, and respect the space and property of i3b and the Center for Well-Being. For more information, please contact the Muslim Student Association at umbcmsa@gmail.com.
Chartwell's has created the following Ramadan-specific dining options. For more information on the below, please contact UMBC Dining.
TRUE GRIT'S: Open Monday-Friday until 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday until 7 pm
There will be a Halal entree for lunch and dinner. Carryout available during operating hours. Halal items are available for carryout during Sahoor. Assortment of hand fruit will be available.
COMMONS
Halal Shack will be open Monday- Thursday 11 am- 10 pm; Friday-Saturday 11 am- 11 pm (Closed Sunday). Pre-packaged meals from Halal Shack will be made available in the Retriever & Commons Market. Dates will be available. Pre-packaged Snack Boxes are available at the Market.
RETRIEVER MARKET
Pre-packaged meals from Halal Shack will be made available in the Retriever Market (at True Grits). Dates will be available. Pre-packaged Snack Boxes are available.
LATE NIGHT AT TRUE GRIT'S
Halal Chicken Cheesesteak
If you are in need of religious accommodations, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at oei@umbc.edu. For questions about religious and spiritual resources, please contact us at i3b@umbc.edu or contact Dr. Jasmine A. Lee, Director of Inclusive Excellence/Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) jaslee@umbc.edu.
On March 31st, the world recognizes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV).
Last year, we wrote this list of resources and started out by saying that "In 2021, TDOV comes at a time of deeply harmful political movements to suppress the trans community's access to health care and sports."
That we continue to see an assault on trans peoples' rights and freedoms demonstrates how far we still need to go--and that we cannot stop at "visibility."
Chase Strangio, deputy director of transgender justice at the ACLU, told CNN, "There have been many existential threats to trans existence, but there's something uniquely dangerous about what's going on right at this moment with the combination of the sports bills and the health care bill... I think the impulse underlying both is to try to establish governmental policy that it's harmful to be trans."
What actions can I take to support trans people in my life?
Typically, we try to see TDOV as a day of celebration--and it is still--but it is also a call to action for all of those who call themselves allies to the trans community.
On TDOV, we hope you consider taking action and actively fighting against these measures. Some suggestions for next steps include:
writing the governors of the various states that are considering and passing these bills,
donating to trans organizations working to fight against this bigotry,
and/or calling your own state and federal representatives to demand they stand up for trans people's right to both healthcare and participation in sports.
For all of these actions, you can find/send pre-formed emails here and even more easy action items here via trans-week.com
In addition to doing this important work, consider simply learning more about the transgender community by centering trans creators, authors, activists, artists, scientists, policy makers, etc. Below, we have gathered resources to read/listen to/watch and folks to follow on social media. These are just a very few of the people and groups that you should look into--so please do explore further!
Visibility is a small step toward progress, but it's only the first of many. There is still so much work to be done, as we can see by today's news, but we can continue to build the futures we imagine. We can keep dreaming up utopia, uplifting transgender voices, and constructing bridges between difference. Today, I hope that you spend some time thinking about a trans affirming, trans liberatory, trans joyous future--and maybe take the time also bring society a little closer to that kind of reality.
For TDOV, the Women's Center has compiled several resources...
Who should I follow?
Chase Strangio, deputy director of transgender justice for the ACLU
Alok Vaid-Menon, author, performer, and artist
Katelyn Burns, journalist with VOX
Chase Mosier, professional athlete and founder of transathlete (see below)
Raquel Willis, activist, writer, and organizer
Schuyler Bailar, first trans D1 athlete, speaker, and advocate
Wednesday Holmes, illustrator and writer
Ericka Hart, sex educator and writer
Bamby Salcedo, TransLatin@ Coalition President, Advocate, Community Organizer
Rommy Torrico, visual artist, formerly undocu, non binary trans, queer
Intransitive was founded by two Trans people in response to the gap of intersectional Trans spaces in Northwest Arkansas. From its inception, Intransitive took on shutting down TERF recruitment events by organizing local and regional Trans people in the state.
FORGE reduces the impact of trauma on trans/non-binary survivors and communities by empowering service providers, advocating for systems reform, and connecting survivors to healing possibilities. FORGE strives to create a world where ALL voices, people and bodies are valued, respected, honored, and celebrated; where every individual feels safe, supported, respected, and empowered.
TransAthlete is a resource for students, athletes, coaches, and administrators to find information about trans inclusion in athletics at various levels of play. This site pulls together existing information in one central location, and breaks down information into easy-to-reference areas to help you find what you need.
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1920 "to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States." The ACLU works at the national level and has affiliate locations throughout the U.S.
Trans Maryland is a multi-racial, multi-gender, trans-led community power building organization dedicated to Maryland's trans community. by trans folks, for trans folks.
The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, focusing on the New York City area.
The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) was founded in 2009 by a group of Transgender and Gender nonconforming and Intersex (TGI) immigrant women in Los Angeles, California, as a grassroots response to address the specific needs of TGI Latin@ immigrants who live in the United States.
Trans Women in Women's Spaces: A Reflection of the Transition of Privilege and Belonging
By Autumn Cook, March 26, 2020
Genderqueer & Trans Fashion Zine
By Scout Hertl, Spring 2019
By Dan Willey and Amelia Meman, 2017
How can I continue to learn more?
How Many Trans Kids Will Die While We Await This Mythic Trans Sports Takeover? by Chase Strangio
Transgender Week of Visibility and Action (Google Doc with information and resources for activism)
Trans Athletes Bills Explained by Katelyn Burns
Myths About Trans Athletes Debunked by Chase Strangio and Gabriel Arkles
Trans History You Never Learned in School by Thomas Page McBee
Visibility Alone Will Not Keep Transgender Youth Safe by Chase Strangio and Raquel Willis
Youth Activists Lead the Fight Against Anti-Trans Bills by Jo Yurcaba
Nearly 240 anti-LGBTQ bills filed in 2022 so far, most of them targeting trans people
More Than a Third of Trans Youth Are at Risk of Losing Healthcare
Ramadan is a month dedicated to fasting, spirituality & worship, and charity & community. Ramadan is expected to begin Saturday, April 2. The last day of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, is expected to begin on the evening of May 1. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours and increase in their spiritual devotional acts such as prayer and giving to charity. It is the holiest month of the Muslim year and follows the lunar calendar. During this month, no food or drink (including water) may be taken from dawn to dusk Worshippers eat a pre-dawn light meal, called suhoor. After dusk, Muslims break the fast with an evening meal called iftar.
Given Ramadan’s placement during the academic year, this will impact Muslim students, staff, and faculty in various ways. In addition to being aware of this religious observance, you can support members of the Muslim community this month in the following ways:
Understand that Ramadan is a time of spiritual cleansing and reflection.
Acknowledge Ramadan and Eid by wishing folks well.
Be respectful of prayer times - many people are more observant during Ramadan and therefore may need to leave class, meetings, or other obligations to pray for approximately ten minutes.
Ramadan includes evening programs that will require folks to be out late - be understanding and empathetic.
Check-in folks’ mental health and overall well-being.
For more information on how to support the Muslim community this Ramadan, check out the attached handout from the Islamic Center at New York University and head over to the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Towson, MD!
Ramadan Observance is being hosted by the Muslim Student Association. From April 2 through May 2, 2022, the Center for Well-Being hours will be temporarily expanded to 4:30 am - 1:00 am. The Gathering Space corridor (rooms 109 and 105) will be accessible during these times, but the conference rooms and the second floor will not be open.
Participating students are expected to ensure that the space is left clean and organized, and all materials and supplies are put neatly away so that the space can be ready for use during regular business hours. This includes ensuring that ALL food products have been appropriately disposed of and cleaned. Participating students are expected to follow the student code of conduct, and respect the space and property of i3b and the Center for Well-Being. For more information, please contact the Muslim Student Association at umbcmsa@gmail.com.
Chartwell’s has created the following Ramadan-specific dining options. For more information on the below, please contact UMBC Dining.
TRUE GRIT'S: Open Monday-Friday until 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday until 7 pm
There will be a Halal entrée for lunch and dinner. Carryout available during operating hours. Halal items are available for carryout during Sahoor. Assortment of hand fruit will be available.
COMMONS
Halal Shack will be open Monday- Thursday 11 am- 10 pm; Friday-Saturday 11 am- 11 pm (Closed Sunday). Pre-packaged meals from Halal Shack will be made available in the Retriever & Commons Market. Dates will be available. Pre-packaged Snack Boxes are available at the Market.
RETRIEVER MARKET
Pre-packaged meals from Halal Shack will be made available in the Retriever Market (at True Grits). Dates will be available. Pre-packaged Snack Boxes are available.
LATE NIGHT AT TRUE GRIT'S
Halal Chicken Cheesesteak
If you are in need of religious accommodations, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at oei@umbc.edu. For questions about religious and spiritual resources, please contact us at i3b@umbc.edu or contact Dr. Jasmine A. Lee, Director of Inclusive Excellence/Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) jaslee@umbc.edu.
Doughnuts and Discussion
Eat donuts and chat with us (featuring Chip!)
Friday, April 1, 2022 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Commons: 2B23
Pizza at Pride: Global Edition
India's LGBTQ+ Community
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 | 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | University Center: Pride Center (201-D)
OCA Mocha Mondays
Diversity Dialogues with i3b
Monday, April 11, 2022 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | Off Campus: OCA Mocha
Dialogue and Draw: Social Justice Journeys
Creatively express your journey with social justice
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 | 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Center for Well-Being: 118
i3b's SafeZone Training
LGBTQ+ Allyship Development Workshop
Friday, April 15, 2022 | 9:00a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Commons
Workshop Wednesdays: Exploring Disability and Accessibility
Critical Social Justice: Disability Justice + Access Matters
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Online
myUMBC Event Post: Link | Webex Link
Bagels & Banter: Gathering with Games
Enjoy some bagels, play some games with friends
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Center for Well-Being: 109
[BETA Version] DreamZone Training
Immigrant Allyship Development Workshop
Friday, April 22, 2022 | 10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Center for Well-Being: 118
Interfaith Dialogue Series
Difficult Dialogues Across Difference
Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Center for Well-Being
Retriever Immigrants United: Immigrant Day of Action
Discuss how to create an immigrant support network
Thursday, April 28, 2022 | 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. | In-Person
myUMBC Event Post: Link | The Commons: 2B23 ]]>We are excited to launch a workshop, training, and dialogue request form for i3b requests! You can fill out the form for any of your needs and we will follow up and connect from there. This form can be used to make requests for engagements for student, staff and faculty audiences.
Our IDEAList peer educators do requests for student audiences. The IDEAList program aims to provide peer-led interactive workshops rooted in dialogue and social justice. Our i3b Professional Staff do requests for staff and faculty audiences.
There is a 2 week advance notice time that we ask for so we can best plan for your request and with our schedules. If you have any follow up questions, please feel free to reach out to i3b@umbc.edu. We appreciate you using this form to help us centralize requests and best track interest in our workshops, training, and dialogues!
Workshop, Training, and Dialogue Request Form linked HERE.
]]>The Women's Center lounge and office will be closed during Spring Break. Those dates are Monday, March 21st through Friday, March 25th.
We will resume our normal hours starting Monday, March 28th.
For any parents who need the lactation room during this time, please contact the Women's Center at womenscenter@umbc.edu or call us at 410-455-2714 to make arrangements prior to spring break beginning.
Have a great Spring Break, UMBC!
Do you also love podcasts? Have you ever wished you could talk to someone about them? Or have a dialogue about a topic that you heard in a podcast?
Then this is the opportunity for you to IDEALists (social justice peer educators) and the Women’s Center to engage in a podcast listening and dialogue circle. We will be listening to bytes of a podcast and have a shared dialogue around it.
Our PodByte for the spring is about Disability Justice. We will engage in talking about broader conversations around the disability justice movement and ability status. No need to come in with prior knowledge- just an openness to listening and engaging as we explore (podcast)byte by (sound)byte together!
Our i3b staff strives to create the most inclusive environment possible. If you need to request a disability-based accommodation or have any questions, contact us at i3b@umbc.edu. For our uploaded event recordings, attendee lists, works cited, and other materials, please check out our Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion and Belonging (i3b) Events Drive. Materials will be available in this Box Drive within one business week after the event unless otherwise specified.