![]() ![]() “For folx who were assigned male at birth who are working within this exploration of femininity… there is the oppression that comes from being trans, then there is this whole new experience of sexism… Obviously we’ve made great strides, but we’re not there yet.” Sidlauskas spoke at length about men being seen as the default in our society, and what that means for trans womxn. She has watched people close to her blossom into their most authentic selves outside of the cisgendered norms. ![]() Sidlauskas said she values understanding where someone has come from, including the privilege that she carries. When Sidlauskas was growing up her dad – who was a pastor at the time – spoke to her about the church needing to be more progressive in their views toward gender and sexuality. She doesn’t consider herself a part of the LGBTQ+ community, but she greatly values stepping up for people who are marginalized. Sidlauskas stepped up and started Transsisters just last term. There was a request that came from the Pride Center on campus to Zimmermann, who then reached out to Sidlauskas about the need for a support group specifically centered around the experiences of trans womxn and trans-feminine folx. She facilitates staff counseling: individual, relational and group too. Sidlauskas has been working at Oregon State for two years. She mentioned that it has a couple of glitches, but is really great overall. Lastly, Zimmerman highlighted the Name-in Use policy for people who need to change their name as it’s recognized by OSU. They work with the Pride Center, SOL (the QTPOC community on campus), Student Health Services, The Career Development Center, the Basic Needs Center, CAPS and the Division of Student Affairs. Zimmerman further elaborated on the work both she and Sidlauskas do “is not a silo… None of the life lived at OSU is done in isolation.” Zimmermann said she is proud and feels privileged to be a part of this generation’s journey moving through the fluidity of gender and sexuality. The group ranges from eight to 12 in attendance. In order to attend, simply check in at the front desk with no prior preparation and join the group for as long as you’d like. Since OSU has returned to in-person learning, her support group Transform! has been flourishing. If she had been publicly out as an educator she would have been immediately fired and stripped of her license. In that time during the 1980s and ’90s, she wasn’t able to be out as gay or gender-queer because of the pressure in her school district to fit the mold. Zimmermann began her career as a K-12 educator. Sometimes we get stuck feeling very alone in this world.” ![]() Because it is hard to come into a new space or experience especially when you’re exploring something that feels very precious and tender like gender identity (and) sexual orientation… Honor and validate the normalcy of (exploring gender identity and sexual orientation): the validity of the research in exploration. That’s one of the reasons why I do drop-in support groups. “I think that’s one of the reasons I’ve worked across my career to lessen… barriers to care for folx. “As a feminist, I do my best to level the power in our relationships,” Zimmermann said. The best way to describe her orientation as a counselor is a feminist with a focus on generalist ideals. In addition, she specializes in working with people about grief and loss. The first time she facilitated a support group for trans folks was in 2004. She’s been working at the Counseling and Psychological Services on Oregon State’s campus since 2007, and has been working with the trans and queer community throughout her entire career. Zimmermann provides direct clinical services: individual, relational and group, and is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Transsisters meets on Tuesdays, from 3-4:30 p.m. at Counseling & Psychological Services on the fifth floor of Snell Hall. Transform! meets Mondays, from 3-4:30 p.m.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |