Associated Students attended a Trans Workshop Friday in the Thousand Oaks Room of the University Student Union.
The workshop, run by Pride Center peer mentor Cadence Valentine, discussed issues in the transgender community and proper etiquette and language to be used with a transgender person.
“There’s been some movement on the state level toward more Trans rights,” Valentine told the Senate. “We as a student body have the power to make meaningful changes.”
The workshop follows on the heels of a recent A.S. resolution that allows students to use a preferred name while registering for classes. Valentine thanked the Senate for their work on the new resolution, but acknowledged that it was only the first step.
She also discussed the correct grammar and terms that should be used, such as intersex, agender, or trans man/woman. She reminded the audience to use PGPs, preferred gender pronouns, and to be aware of transphobic language.
“There are tons of terms,” Valentine said,” It’s important to remember that a lot of these are in flux.”
She also gave a report on the state of the campus. The success of Trans Awareness week last year and the launch of T-Time, a transgender support group, are signs that CSUN is moving toward being a more inclusive campus.
Valentine also reported that the Klotz Health Center is exploring trans-friendly options, such as hiring an endocrinologist to assist in transitioning students.
While the campus is changing, Valentine said there is still more work to be done. Student Health Insurance needs to be more inclusive and qualify transgender medical needs as “a necessity.”
Valentine provided A.S. with handouts, demonstrating how many UCs across the state were able to expand health care without hiking up costs for students.
The option to put a preferred name and provide more than a male or female option on all university forms is also an important issue to solve, Valentine said.
“You are on the cutting edge of change,” said University Advisor Tom Peirnik. “Keep up the great work.”
After the special workshop presentation, Peirnik remarked on the work of the campus police during the suspected gunman threat Wednesday afternoon. The crisis brought up the issue of contacting students during emergency situations.
“We can use the happening of this week to get students thinking about their emergency contact information,” he said.
Senators also listened to a presentation by Jason Wang, senior director of Physical Plant Management.
Wang is working with A.S. on a proposal to put more device charging stations around campus. Currently, there are plans to build more stations in the Arbor Grill, Geronimo’s in the dorms, all Freudian Sips, the Oviatt Library, Bayramian Hall, the lobby of the Klotz Center, Manzanita Hall and Redwood hall.
The proposal is estimated to cost about $5,000. Wang hopes the docking stations will be ready by the end of the summer.