Transcend at Texas, our Registered Student Organization for transgender and non-binary students and their allies, is hosting an event for Transgender Day of Visibility. The event will include an art show during the day featuring art by our transgender and non-binary students and the Austin artist Drew Riley (www.genderportraits.com), an opportunity for the university to purchase and display some of Drew’s art honoring transgender and non-binary persons, and a keynote speech in the evening by Kristin Beck, the first female Navy Seal.
Ms. Riley’s art is portraits of individuals who offer various examples of gender diversity. Attached to each portrait is the personal story of the person portrayed in the portrait. As part of the event, we plan to purchase a copy of some of the portraits framed with the story and arrange to have it displayed in public waiting areas or areas of public gathering so as to expose the university community to various forms of gender presentation and to provide a background for that presentation with the goal of increasing empathy.
We have budgeted to buy 7 framed paintings and stories and currently have locations across campus for them to be displayed after the March 31st show.
In addition to the paintings, Ms. Riley will give a 30 minute gender advocacy presentation. Description:
20 minute talk by Gender Portraits artist, Drew Riley, followed by a a 10 minute Q&A with the audience. Riley will introduce herself, the project, and the importance of gender diversity. She will also speak about the importance of visibility in the arts, and the role of arts in activism and advocacy work. Readings from inspirational quotes of Gender Portraits subjects' will be interspersed throughout the presentation. This presentation is a great opportunity for attendees to enhance their appreciation and understanding of the artwork, to expand their knowledge of gender advocacy, and to ask questions about the project or gender issues.
Kristin Beck will give the keynote speech following Ms. Riley's presentation.
“The Lady Valor”
Kristin Beck, "The Lady Valor", Retired US Navy SEAL
Kristin Beck, born Christopher Beck, is known to be the first female Navy SEAL.
She was interviewed by Anderson Cooper in June of 2013 and quickly became known throughout the world. Soon after she became a civil rights activist giving speeches nation wide. Even invited to go before Congressmen and Senators with her personal story and dynamic personality making headway in the March to Equality for all humans.
She distinguished herself in 20 years of exceptionally meritorious service with Special Operations Forces in the SEAL teams. She conducted special operations with small UAVs, HUMINT, and Direct Action missions in her thirteen deployments. Final tours were with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) to head the Special Reconnaissance units and various Task Forces as a HUMINT source handler and technical operations director.
In 2009, Kristin was requested by name to be the Advisor to SOCOM’s Science Director, Mr. William Shepherd (SEAL/Astronaut). She became an integral part of SOF technology and advancements while serving in this capacity. She has prepared and briefed position papers on SOF- unique technology for State Department and White House approvals. As a result of these outstanding achievements, Kristin Beck received the coveted NDIA 2010 Special Operations Award.
Now a civil rights activist, she gives speeches and lectures at various events around the country. Kristin was a key voice in the Congressional Bill to end discrimination toward the LGBT community. She continues her “new mission” fighting for equality for all Americans.
She is “Lady Valor” and offers services in Consulting, full spectrum law enforcement training, motivational and informational speeches, innovation collaborations, art and other original works such as books, comic books, screenplays, painting/pottery/abstract multimedia pieces.
More information can be found out:
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristin_Beck
CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/07/us/transgender-veteran/index.html
Congressional testimony: http://beta.congress.gov/congressional- record/2013/10/11/extensions-of-remarks-section/article/E1495-3
Webpage: www.LadyValor.com
Event Schedule
8:00am – 5:00pm: Art on display, Lilly’s Lounge at LBJ
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Book Signing by Kristen Beck
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Reception
6:30pm – 7:00pm: Drew Riley Speaks, LBJ Teaching Theater
7:00pm – 8:00pm: Kristin Beck Speaks
Co-sponsored by:
Alliance of Texas State
Bobcat PRIDE
Bobcat Pride Scholarship Fund
Texas State University Bookstore
Center for Diversity and Gender Studies
CLAS Department
College of Education
Counseling Center
Department of Housing and Residence Life
Department of Curriculum and Instruction