Conference Check-In
A Peek Inside Princeton’s Closet: The Often-Hidden History of LGBTQ+ at the University
*Space for this session is limited
This session will present important archival material related to the University’s LGBTQ+ Princetonians over time, including the pain of the 1930s closet, the gender transition journey of a member of the Class of 1946, and the rocky path toward inclusion in the 20th and 21st centuries.
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Literary Pride: Alumni Author Reading
Alumni authors share their work, illuminating the diverse voices and narratives that shape our community’s history and future.
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Closing the Gaps: Perspectives on Opportunity and Diversity in Private Equity and Venture Capital
Investment professionals in the private equity and venture capital sectors will provide insights into both the opportunities they see in their businesses and the gaps and challenges that less-represented communities – women, persons of color, LGBTQ+ – face when pursuing this profession or raising capital.
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The Past, Present and Future of the Princeton LGBTQIA+ Oral History Project
During this session participants will have an opportunity to learn about the development of the Princeton LGBTQIA+ Oral History Project and the role it has played in retelling the story of our LGBTQIA+ campus community. Throughout the session we will be sharing insights on how to best utilize the digital exhibit and share areas of expansion as the Gender + Sexuality Resource Center works to establish a sustainable project that can capture more of the diverse stories that shape the lives of our LGBTQIA+ Princetonians.
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Climbing Your Everest: Traits for Scaling Mountains, Founding a Startup and Navigating Life
Cason Crane ’17, the first openly gay person to scale the Seven Summits (the tallest mountain on each continent) and the founder of the startup Explorer Cold Brew, shares his tips for tapping into life-skill traits, including grit and resilience, perseverance, creativity, vision and commitment, and inspiration.
Interviewed by: Mary B. Sykes ’79, Retired
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Welcome Reception
Stepping Into the Spotlight: Igniting Every Voice
Join us for the opening session of “Every Voice,” where we honor and celebrate our diverse and vibrant Princeton LGBTQ+ community. Prepare to be inspired, get connected and stay open to the transformative possibilities that await at “Every Voice,” where the spirit of unity propels us forward.
Welcoming remarks: Marisa Demeo ’88, Associate Judge, Superior Court of the District of Columbia
Emceed by: Timothy Wu ’84, Executive Director, The Battery Powered Foundation
Closing remarks: Brian Johnson ’99, Chief Executive Officer of Equality Illinois
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Drinks and Dessert
Conference Check-In
Grab-and-Go Breakfast
Welcome Back: Opening Remarks by Provost Jennifer Rexford ’91
Introduced by: Monica Moore Thompson ’89, President of the Alumni Association and Chair of the Alumni Council
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Conversation with President Christopher L. Eisgruber ’83 and Provost Jennifer Rexford ’91
Uncovering LGBTQ+ Stories at Princeton
Delve into the rich history of LGBTQ+ at Princeton, setting the stage for conference discussions. Through this engaging keynote discussion and interactive presentations, attendees will gain a better understanding of Princeton’s LGBTQ+ history. Leave empowered to build and share your own narrative, and with a deeper appreciation of how it contributes to the broader history of our alma mater.
Introduced by: Jill Dolan, Annan Professor in English, Professor of Theatre
Moderated by: Margot Canaday, Dodge Professor of History.
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Luncheon: Seeing Each Other Across Generations
In this session over lunch, alumni will come together to share stories across generations, exploring LGBTQ+ experiences in different eras at Princeton and beyond.
Introduced by Ryan Ruskin ’90, President and CEO, The Ruskin Group
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A Celebration of Life, Remembrance and Hope
Through readings, personal reflections from alumni speakers, and the creation of a living memorial, join us as we honor the memories of LGBTQ+ members of the Princeton community.
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The Past, Present and Future of Global LGBTQ+ Equality
After decades of progress, repression against LGBTQ+ communities is on the rise. This talk will showcase how the development of transnational movements helped expand LGBTQ+ equality around the world. But these successes inspired the development of a new international coalition of pro-“natural family” advocates, financed by U.S. evangelicals, to block and reverse these gains. How, then, should proponents of LGBTQ+ rights adjust their strategies to meet these new daunting challenges?
Introduced by: Howie Rosen ’80, Retired Consultant
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Queer Princetonians of Faith: Conversations on Religion and Queerness
This panel will navigate the intersection of religion and queerness. Through sharing stories and conversation, attendees will gain insights into reconciling the sometimes contradictory worlds of religion and LGBTQ+ identity.
Moderated by: Gil Steinlauf ’91, Executive Director, Center for Jewish Life
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Queer Becomings
This session will be about my experience teaching this course (I am teaching the fourth iteration this semester!) and how I came to design this course and its core priorities based on my own research, as an anthropologist of religion and ethics, with the thirunangai transfeminine community in southern India.
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Bisexuality and Bi Erasure
Bisexuals make up more than half of the overall LGBTQIA+ adult population in the US, and yet are often invisibilized within the queer community. This session will explore bisexuality, touching on the shifting meaning of the term, the research around bi identities, and the realities of bisexual erasure. Additional identities on the multiple attraction spectrum (such as pansexual and omnisexual) will also be discussed.
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Transgender: A Scientific Revolution in an Ever-Changing World
Sixty-two years ago, Harry Benjamin, M.D., described a successful treatment for gender (transgender) dysphoria. He also predicted that, just as with Galileo, Newton, and other pioneers before him, rigid religious doctrine and a ponderous legal system, resistant to change, were the greatest impediments to expanding our understanding of human sexuality and the acceptance of new paradigms. Today, the predicted advances in neuroscience and genetic research exist and continue to expand. Armed with 60 years of clinical research and over 6,000 peer-reviewed papers that analyze a rich spectrum of patients throughout all age groups, we now have the tools to expand and create new paradigms that encompass all aspects of the transgender phenomenon.
This session will explore how human sexuality is not black and white, but rather, a rich fabric of grays. As we expand our acceptance and understanding of this diversity, we will improve the lives of countless individuals and enrich the future of all mankind.
Introduced by: Jen Abbondanza ’97, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, NBCUniversal
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Gender, Sexuality and Migrant Exclusion
This talk traces the gendered and sexualized exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in U.S. history on the basis of moral turpitude. Particular attention will be paid to the case of Canadian Clive Michael Boutiler, whose 1967 deportation from the United States highlighted the discriminatory policies against LGBTQ+ immigrants.
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Family Ties: Building and Supporting Families in the LGBTQ+ Community
Through a series of “Ted Talk” style presentations on LGBTQ+ parenting, followed by breakout discussions, attendees will gain valuable insights into both the challenges facing and resources available to LGBTQ+ families.
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Voices of the Present: Perspectives on LGBTQ+ Student and Campus Life
This session will explore the diverse experiences and challenges faced by present-day LGBTQ+ students at Princeton. Through this discussion, attendees will gain insights into the vibrant LGBTQ+ spaces and current issues on campus.
Moderated by: Judy Jarvis, Executive Director, Office of Campus Engagement
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Because of Sex: Understanding Anti-Trans Legislation
This talk will address anti-trans legislation in the United States, tracing the legal status of trans identity in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County and exploring recent efforts at the state level to legislate transness out of existence.
Introduced by: Martha Ferguson ’11, Director of Development, Stanford Law School
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Dinner: Breaking Barriers, A Story of Resilience from FLI to CEO
Every Voice: A Showcase of LGBTQ+ Artistic Expression
Experience a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ artistic expression at Every Voice’s arts showcase. From plays and singing to dance and spoken word, attendees will immerse themselves in a diverse range of creative works that reflect the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences.
Performances by:
diSiac Dance Company
David Groff ’79
Fuzzy Dice
Howard Gertler ’96
Cocoa Heart
Zach Zimmerman ’10
Anca van Assendelft ’82
Veronica Pejril *88
Triangle Club
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Conference Check-In
Networking Breakfast With Current Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Begin your Saturday morning with a networking breakfast, uniting alumni, undergraduate and graduate students for a morning of connection and camaraderie.
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Grab-and-Go Breakfast
LGBTQ+ Narratives in Athletics at Princeton
Through this panel discussion, we’ll explore the historical evolution of Princeton student-athletes and the experiences of LGBTQ+ athletes across different decades. Walk away with new connections, insights into progress in Athletics and recommendations for creating a more inclusive and diverse athletic community.
Moderated by: Carla Berube, Head Women’s Basketball Coach
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In Defense of Self: Protecting LGBTQ+ Bodily Autonomy and Health
This session will explore the vital connections between advocating for reproductive justice and supporting gender-affirming care. Led by experts in the field, attendees will gain valuable insights into how threats to bodily autonomy can serve as mechanisms of control, leaving equipped with talking points to address these challenges.
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Shaping Spaces: The Evolution of the Gender + Sexuality Resource Center at Princeton
Led by experts and staff of the LGBT Center and Gender + Sexuality Resource Center the panel will provide the historical context for understanding the development of the GSRC, LGBT Center and Women*s Center. Leave with a deeper sense of support and clarity regarding the distinct roles and contributions of these vital resources to the Princeton community.
Moderated by: Elizabeth Borges ’11, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Culture VP, Presidio
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Agents of Change: LGBTQ+ Social Movements
This panel will discuss foundational aspects of social justice, including restorative justice and repair, as well as the LGBTQ+ community’s leadership role in global social justice movements. Leave empowered with insights and strategies for fostering just relationships and contributing to positive change in our communities and beyond.
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Complex Connections: Navigating Intersectionality in the LGBTQ+ Community
This session will explore the origins of the concept of intersectionality and explore personal insights into experiencing intersectionality in daily life. Attendees will gain an understanding of how intersectionality shapes their own lives and the lives of others within the LGBTQ+ community.
Opened by: Catherine Clune-Taylor, Assistant Professor, Program in Gender and Sexuality Studies
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Reflections on Time: Perspectives on Aging
In this discussion open to all generations, we’ll explore what aging means to us – our fears and hopes, and the resources we wish we had. By sharing our experiences and insights, we aim to learn about available resources and best practices, empowering each other with knowledge and support for the journey ahead.
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Strength in Vulnerability: LGBTQ+ Narratives of Mental Resilience
In this session, we’ll examine the intersection of mental health and LGBTQ+ identity at Princeton and beyond. Through a panel discussion, attendees will gain valuable insights into broader societal trends and dispel misconceptions surrounding mental health. Leave with a deeper understanding of mental health issues and strategies to foster a supportive and inclusive community for LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages.
Moderated by: Kristina Olson, Professor of Psychology
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Trans and Non-Binary Experience and Well-Being
This session on trans and non-binary experience will delve into the impact of issues on the broader community. Through an open discussion, attendees will gain insights into the intersectionality of mental health and trans-related challenges, along with a comprehensive understanding of the implications of state legislation.
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Group Photo
Luncheon: Legal Protections and Advocacy for the LGBTQ+ Community
This session on legal protections of and attacks on the LGBTQ+ community will provide vital context on current court rulings and policy developments impacting our community in areas such as healthcare, education and representation. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the progress made in the past decade, the ongoing challenges and threats we face, and collective visions for a brighter future. Leave empowered with knowledge and insights to advocate for legal protections and equality for all members of the LGBTQ+ community at the local, state and national levels.
Introduced by: Chad Klaus, Vice President for University Services
Moderated by: Stephen Macedo *87, Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Politics and the University Center for Human Values
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Queer Dimensions of Campus Activism
This session will explore the intersection of higher education campus activism and the LGBTQ+ community. It will delve into the unique challenges and triumphs faced by queer students, faculty, and staff as they advocate for equality, inclusivity and justice within academic institutions.
Moderated by: Timothy Wu ’84, Executive Director, The Battery Powered Foundation
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Worldly Perspectives: International LGBTQ+ Experiences
Embark on a global journey of LGBTQ+ international experiences. Immerse yourself in a social event featuring tasting stations with small bites and drinks from around the world, while storytellers share their unique journeys and challenges. Leave feeling connected, enlightened, and with a deeper understanding of the diverse lives within our community, along with recipe cards to recreate the culinary delights sampled during the event.
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Stories Unfolded: Alumni Authors Book Fair
Discover new perspectives at the “Every Voice” book fair, where we spotlight the diverse voices of LGBTQ+ alumni authors. Explore a wide array of literature that celebrates our community’s experiences and perspectives, and meet the authors.
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Small Roundtable Discussions
- Allyship with Gary M. King ’79
- A-Romanticism and A-Sexuality with August Roberts ’25
- Bi-Erasure with Barry Saiff ’83
- Career Advancement in Non-Diverse Fields with Brandon L. McGhee ’18
- Coming Out Later in Life with Lia Bostian ’75
- K-12: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students with Jason R. Klugman
- Pansexuality with Roger Q. Mason ’08
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Receptions
- Alumni Artists Meet & Greet
Lewis Arts Complex, CoLab - Asian American Alumni Association of Princeton
Prospect House, Rose Room
Hosted by Timothy Wu ’84 - Association of Black Princeton Alumni
Prospect House, Garden Room
Hosted by Micheal Gunter ’14 and Heather Rae Martin ’07 - Association of Jewish Princeton Alumni
Prospect House, Redwood Library
Hosted by Ryan Ruskin ’90 - Association of Latino Princeton Alumni
Prospect House, Magnolia Common Room
Hosted by Marisa Demeo ’88 - Athletics Reception Hosted by the Department of Athletics
Julis Romo Rabinowitz Building, Forum
- Graduate Alumni in Partnership with APGA and the Graduate School
Prospect House, Beech Room (2nd Floor)
Hosted by Carl Westphal *13 - Native Alumni of Princeton
Prospect House, Magnolia Common Room
- Princeton Veterans Alumni Association
Prospect House, Beech Room (2nd Floor)
- Princeton Women’s Network
Prospect House, Garden Room
Hosted by Suzanne Morrison ’89
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Closing Dinner: Exploring LGBTQ+ Voices in Entertainment
Introduced by: Stacy Wolf, Professor of Theater and American Studies
Moderated by: Michael Cadden, Former University Senior Lecturer, former Director of the Program in Theater and Dance, and former Chair of the Lewis Center for the Arts
