Howdy, y'all! I'm Alex, a queer and trans student from Tennessee. This year I'm involved with a lot: I'm serving as the Production Manager for the Dartmouth Rude Mechanicals, acting as Social Chair for Amarna, rushing Phi Tau, giving tours on campus, exploring the offerings of the Dartmouth Outing Club, joining Farm Club, getting more involved with the O-Farm and sustainability on campus, and generally enjoying my second year here at Dartmouth!
As a theater-kid-turned-English-major who already loved Shakespeare before taking this class, highlighting this as my favorite class of the term is a no-brainer. This class is completely accessible to anyone who is has never read Shakespeare while still being an engaging class for seasoned Shakespeare enthusiast. Class time is mostly devoted to discussion of the texts, and I feel like I came out of the class with a strengthened ability to analyze the themes present in Shakespeare's works as well as a better comprehension of the nuances of language used in the plays.
Before this class, my experience on the technical side of theater was severely limited. I've been acting onstage for a decade, and even though I knew that productions would be impossible without what goes on behind the scenes, actually learning how to DO what goes on behind the scenes was another experience entirely. THEA 40 is an incredibly fun and informative class, and I can confidently say I have a much more comprehensive understanding of what it takes to make a show come together. And next term, I'll have to opportunity to apply my new knowledge and skills as Production Manager for the Rude Mechanicals, Dartmouth's student-run Shakespeare company! I can't wait!
In this class we read stage plays through various lenses. These lenses comprised a general overview of the different readings of a play necessary in order to get it from script to stage: reading as actors, writers, directors, designers, dramaturgs, etc. I had an amazing time I feel my foundation of theater knowledge has been enhanced by what I learned in this class! I've been able to apply this knowledge as I continue to read and write plays in my spare time.
I took this class to fulfill one of my distributive requirements, but it ended up being my favorite class this term. I found the readings fascinating, the lectures engaging, and the group work super enjoyable (we were assigned to stream video games a couple hours per week!). Despite the large class size (100+ students) the lectures remained engaging and the professor made sure to hold weekly office hours to get to know as many of the students as possible; he even brought donuts sometimes! Overall, if this class were a video game, I’d hit replay as soon as the credits rolled.
Stop Trans Hate: Recent Protests and Events at Dartmouth
CONTENT WARNING for conversations of trans antagonism in the post below.
Hi all! As a queer and transgender student and blogger, I am committed to writing candidly about queer life on campus. As such, I wanted to write about some recent events on campus.
This past Monday, April 17th, the College Republicans held an event called "Regrets of a Former Trans Kid" with guest speakers Chole Cole and Dr. Carrie Mendoza. As most transgender folks in the United States know, Republicans often uplift the narratives of detransitioners — who represent less than 3% of all trans people — in order to support their goals of depriving transgender adults and minors alike of gender-affirming healthcare. On their event poster, the College Republicans described Cole's goal as one to "protect children and their innocence," which echoes much of the anti-gay and anti-trans rhetoric that is being used to pass discriminatory laws in state legislatures around the country today.
"Regrets of a Former Trans Kid" event poster
Resilient as ever, the Dartmouth queer community and its allies organized with compassion and determination to create several events in response.
OPAL LGBTQIA+ Drop-in Space Event Poster
At the same time as the College Republicans event, OPAL (the Office of Pluralism and Leadership) held a LGBTQIA+ Drop-In Space. Though I was unable to attend, I had friends who did, and they told me it was a positive space to slow down, de-stress, and connect with others in an affirming environment. I am very thankful for OPAL and their commitment to the well-being of the queer community here at Dartmouth.
Student holding a poster at the Stop Trans Hate protest.
There was a "Stop Trans Hate" demonstration outside of the event's venue. Around 100 people showed up (in the rain no less), held signs, and chanted traditional queer protest chants. Various groups on campus had representatives speak: Spare Rib (the intersectional feminist magazine on campus), Student Workers Collective at Dartmouth (SWCD), Palestine Solidarity Coalition of Dartmouth Students, and the Dartmouth Radical Coalition. Overall, it was uplifting to see students from all corners of campus with different backgrounds and identities come together in support of transgender rights on campus.
Phi Tau Pride Celebration Event Poster
After the protest, Phi Tau (one of three gender-inclusive greek houses at Dartmouth) hosted a Pride Celebration. We listened to upbeat queer tunes, made pride bracelets, drank tea and coffee, and ate homemade muffins. I go to a fair amount of Phi Tau events, so I got to hang out with some existing friends as well as make some new ones. It was a positive end to a stressful day.
Hate Has No Place on Campus Chalk Art
Transgender rights are human rights, and are not up for debate. I am upset that a college-recognized group was allowed to host this event, which was little more than a platform for thinly-veiled hate speech. I hope in the future the college will take steps to prevent events like this from being held by student groups.
At the same time, I am glad there are college and student-run groups alike rallying to resist compassionately and remind transgender students like myself that we are welcome and have a place here at Dartmouth.
In addition to blogging, I work as a Fellow for the Tucker Center, which focuses on promoting spiritual and ethical life on campus. As part of this role, I'm leading the Interfaith Alternative Spring Break Trip. Read on to learn more about my work!
