My Big, Gay Blog Post

My Relationship with the Word Queer

I identify as queer. That being said, it’s a word that I have a love/hate relationship with- just like I do with chocolate, my cat Burnie, and expensive makeup. I use the word queer mainly because I don’t feel comfortable yet telling people that in my heart of hearts I identify as a unicorn kitty. Being queer is very much a part of me now, but I usually get mixed reactions when I describe myself in that way. Most people say something like:

But isn’t Queer an insult?

Well, not necessarily. It has been used as a pejorative word to describe LGBTQ people. However, this word is slowly being taken back by those who identify as Queer. Any word can be negative or positive, depending on the intent of the person who is saying it and the context of which it is said. That’s part of what makes language so fun.

Let me explain.

Via RainbowUnicornKitty

Hannibal, TV drama, and worrying about stress at UT Tyler

   So, this might totally be weird thing to tie in with a serious subject like making sure you’re aware of clinical services on campus … but is anybody else following NBC’s Hannibal?! Is it just me? I've fallen head over heels for this series and it’s amazing cinematography/art direction, but I also think it brings up a serious subject that I’d like to make sure students are aware of.

Clothing Swap in the UC Theater

This Tuesday, at The University of Texas at Tyler, I will be doing a clothing swap!

The clothing swap is (finally) happening Tuesday, the 29th in the UC THEATER from 12pm-3! Any items that are less than desirable to you except undergarments (bras, panties, boxers, etc will not be accepted)-

Clothing that doesn't fit?
not the right color?
never wear it?
already have three?
Garage sale items?

You donate a few items, and you can take what you'd like to fill a plastic bag for yourself!
You must donate to play. :)

Also, I am looking for hangers and plastic bags, if anyone has them to spare. 

Many of my friends that I have kept up with from high school have put this together a few times and I loved it, personally. Swaps have gone well for them, and I've gotten a few things I'm realllllly happy with for myself. 

So I decided to make my own!

All items that are left will be given to Flamingos Upscale Resale for the Crisis Center, and Goodwill. :)

I'm excited. Come hang out. 

Take a Break from Stress (Fun Event!)

                Well, here at The University of Texas at Tyler, I'm sort of involved in all of the things. I, somehow, hold three officer positions this year in various clubs. A large body of the tasks that have been assigned to me, are to let people know about the events we are putting on all over campus for the rest of the semester! Aren't y'all lucky?


 Next Tuesday, September 25th, Peer Education is throwing a day of relaxation for all UT Tyler students and faculty/staff members!

Harvey Lake, taken by Josh Grijalva 

The line-up includes:

• chair massages from (8am-12) 
• "Yoga by the Lake" (11am-12) 
•  progressive relaxation with one of our licensed professional counselors (beginning at 10am) 
• a "free hug" from SWOOP!? a brief introduction to mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques - this will be INSIDE the UC (likely the Ballroom just after 2pm)
  
  This event is located on the deck behind the Administration building!
  
   Events like this are a wonderful way to take a break from a stressful day! So go between classes and tell your friends. I plan on working most of the event, so I'll be there! Sign up early for the massages... or I'll fill your spot with my name. :p

Sounding Off - Love & Support on UT Tyler's Campus

                          Sounding Off – Finding Love & Support on UT Tyler's Campus

   As I write this I am currently in a strange state on the topic as it (currently) exists in my mind and as a draft in front of me. I’d love to share all the details about this subject, however as this is a student blog there are obviously many, MANY things to consider about the nature of the topic, where the conversation can lead, etc…

Moving Your Emotional Baggage to College

         Just because we left home for school, doesn't mean we've left every problem behind. Sometimes, we come to college with bigger baggage than we ever knew we were lugging. Other times, the stress of academia can reduce us to (what feels like) a frazzled mess. Maybe we're more homesick than we ever imagined. We're adults now, and the real world can be a scary place. We have larger problems than a well intentioned, trusted friend can fix.

                     Going to UT Tyler gave me a wonderful opportunity to meet many new people. Every one of these new friends comes from a different place, a different paradigm. Being a good friend was something I have always prided myself in, so I needed some professional advice. I became a Peer Educator in my sophomore year. I needed to learn how I can help the people around me that were struggling. Things come up when you share a dorm or eat every meal together. Now, even after leaving PeerEds to focus more on school, I am thankful for the lessons I learned.
                     Though I have been properly trained to council my friends and give them the facts about their mental and physical health, I don't have all the answers. The Student Counseling Center is staffed with licensed professional counselors that are available to provide a variety of services for a wide range of concerns in a confidential setting. That means that they know what we don't know, and now we know where we can go to find any help we need. It is included in tuition for UT Tyler students. If any UT Tyler student is interested in visiting, you can just walk in. The office is located on the third floor of the University Center, next to the Student Testing Center. The lady at the front is named Millie. :)

I know this is heavy, y'all, but it is real.