On April 27, Bemidji State University’s Community Engagement Council will welcome members of the community to explore sexuality and self-identity during a panel titled “Community Conversations on Sexualities and Gender Identities.”
Moderated by Dr. Debbie Guelda, professor of biology and director of the Community Engagement Council, panelists will discuss their individual journeys to gender identity and how they acknowledge their sexuality.
“It is only through open, candid and authentic conversations can we begin to understand one another and break down the walls that divide,” Guelda said.
Panelists will also discuss Bemidji State’s Northwoods Queer Outreach, a new initiative that aims to increase queer and transgender representation, support and acceptance across campus and within the Bemidji community.
Panelists
Dr. Sarah Cronin (she/they), Bemidji State assistant professor of psychology, is dedicated to helping students reach their professional goals. She uses her counseling and research experience to inform her teaching so that students can apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world examples. In addition to her role in the Department of Psychology, Cronin partners with BSU’s Student Health and Counseling Services to offer counseling services including a stress management support group.
Dr. Ye (Solar) Hong (she/her/hers), coordinator of Bemidji State’s Student Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and co-chair of the university’s diversity committee, is trained to served students from diverse backgrounds and aims to create a safe space on campus to enhance the international and multicultural understanding of the campus community.
Dr. Kathryn Klement (they/them/theirs), assistant professor of psychology and co-director of Northwoods Queer Outreach, teaches courses primarily related to research methods, social and personality psychology, and sex and gender. Klement’s major research interests include how transphobia relates to other systems of oppression, transgender experiences in healthcare and sexual violence. They have also published work related to sexual consent, entitlement and bondage, dominance, sadism and masochism.
Dr. Kate Larson (she/her/hers), associate professor of psychology and co-director of Northwoods Queer Outreach, teaches courses on stress and coping, positive psychology, abnormal psychology and human sexuality at Bemidji State. Her major research interests include applications of positive psychology, online learning and empathy.
Colleen Bakken (she/her/hers), focuses on supporting the growth and development of employees as general manager of Harmony Natural Foods Co-op in Bemidji, a position she’s held for nearly 28 years. She emphasizes employee training, internal and external messaging, and employment processes to recognize and respect the varied identities in the workplace.
Chad Museus(he/his), a patrol officer with the Bemidji Police Department and co-owner and president of Nature’s Edge Garden Center, has lived in Bemidji since 1998 and has worked in law enforcement for the past 23 years. He started Nature’s Edge Garden Center with his husband, Tyler, in 2006 and was heavily involved in the marriage amendment campaign of 2012.
Contact
- Dr. Debbie Guelda, professor of biology and director of the Community Engagement Council; (218) 755-2786, debbie.guelda@bemidjistate.edu
Links
2021-B-161