6:30 PM Program - Challenges Facing Gender-Diverse People
As you probably know, lawmakers around the country (including South Carolina) have proposed bills targeting transgender individuals. Most attempt to restrict transgender kids’ participation in school sports or ban transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming health care. These actions have no doubt contributed to increased bullying, violence and discrimination toward trans, non-binary and other gender-diverse people. Dayna Smith joins us September 28 to discuss how these and other issues are affecting the gender-diverse community.
Guest Speakers: Dayna Smith & Miles Joyner
Dayna Smith (her/hers) graduated from Appalachian State University in 1992 with a BS in Communications and Theatre Arts Education and from the University of South Carolina in 2000 with an IMA in Theatre Education. Dayna was the first openly out trans woman to compete in the Women of the World Poetry Slam in 2013, the first out trans woman to publicly testify at the State House in 2015 and the first trans woman to run for the SC State Senate in 2018.
Dayna was chosen as the SC Pride Volunteer of the year in 2016. She has also served on the SC Equality Trans Action Committee, on the board of the Harriet Hancock LGBT Center and as the Transgender Resource Coordinator and facilitator of the Midlands transgender support group. Dayna currently manages the Transgender Resources of Columbia Facebook page.
Miles Joyner (they/them) is a bisexual activist and SC Native. Locally, they work with the Harriet Hancock Center as the Bi+ Space Facilitator and Bi+ 101 Educator while guest lecturing for the University of South Carolina. Nationally, they are recognized as a bisexual educator and has spoken at the Carolina Conference for Queer Youth, and Creating Change. Miles earned the title of Champion of Pride in 2019 from Advocate Magazine, and has had the pleasure of working with GLAAD and the Obama Foundation during their community outreach programs.
Where: Zoom Meeting
When: Tuesday, September 28
6:00 PM Social Time
6:30 PM Presentation & Discussion