Pacific Northwest College of Art Hosts Exhibition on Trans*Geographies
# *Trans*Geographies* Symposium: An In-Depth Exploration of Trans Identity, Race, and Space
From **November 7 to 9, 2023**, the *Trans*Geographies* symposium will take place at the **Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA)** in Portland, Oregon. This multidisciplinary event aims to shed light on how race, class, and geography intersect and shape trans experiences while also celebrating trans artistry and advocacy. The symposium features keynote addresses from distinguished figures, interactive workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, and a collection of art exhibitions that focus on systemic inequities and trans identity through the lenses of race, space, and place.
> **Location**: PNCA, 511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR
> **Admission**: Free and open to the public.
> **Dates**: November 7 – 9, 2023.
This event provides a unique platform for both students, artists, activists, and academics to engage in critical conversations that dismantle dominant narratives surrounding trans lives while offering paths toward advocacy and systemic change.
### Keynote Speakers and Contributors
The symposium opens with a keynote address by **Molly Jae Vaughan**, a noted artist and trans advocate known for her innovative artistic engagements with trans identity and social activism. Vaughan’s work frequently intertwines bodies, histories, and marginalized communities, making her a natural fit to kick off an event centered on intersectionality.
Joining Vaughan will be **Sa Whitley**, a scholar at Arizona State University whose research focuses on trans embodiment, racial justice, and the formation of Black trans spaces. **Robin Maril**, a legal scholar and advocate specializing in LGBTQ+ rights, and **Sloane McNulty**, a research leader in gender studies, will also lead discussions throughout the symposium.
Each of these figures contributes a wealth of knowledge that will interrogate the boundaries of race, class, and geography as they relate to trans and queer lived experiences.
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## **Event Highlights**
The three-day symposium presents a curated program that blends art, scholarship, and community engagement. Here’s a rundown of each day’s activities:
### **Thursday, November 7: Opening Reception and Student Exhibitions**
The symposium launches with an **opening reception** featuring **Molly Jae Vaughan’s art**, which delves into themes of identity, trauma, and resilience. Attendees will also have the chance to experience a **student-curated exhibition** that explores trans geographies through visual media.
In addition, **MFA and BFA open studios** will showcase projects created by PNCA students, exemplifying the innovative and exploratory nature of student work at the intersection of art and activist-oriented practices.
### **Friday, November 8: Workshops and Sa Whitley’s Keynote**
The second day begins with Molly Jae Vaughan’s **screen printing workshop**, where participants can learn techniques for self-expression through printmaking, a medium historically linked to grassroots activism and dissemination of radical ideas.
Following this will be **Sa Whitley’s keynote**, titled *Black Trans Geographies*, which will focus on how Black femmes create intentional spaces of survival and resilience. Whitley’s research provides a crucial examination of how spatial politics and race intersect within trans communities, creating distinct challenges and opportunities for Black trans people. This deep dive into Black femme spaces promises to spark critical discussions that reverberate beyond the academy. The day concludes with a **networking reception**, bringing together trans advocates, academic researchers, and community organizations aiming to build sustainable support pathways for trans communities.
### **Saturday, November 9: Closing Day Workshops and Roundtable Discussion**
The final day features a series of hands-on events, including a **walkthrough of the student exhibition** where student artists will discuss their projects, adding depth to the visual storytelling of the symposium.
There will also be a **Riso zine-making workshop**, encouraging participants to channel their creativity and explore DIY publishing as a form of queer expression and activism.
The day will culminate with **Robin Maril’s keynote address**, which will examine “queer possibilities” within institutions and challenges the status quo of systemic discrimination. Maril’s work focuses on how laws and policies disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ communities and how they can be re-imagined to promote inclusivity.
The symposium wraps up with a **roundtable discussion** featuring trans scholars and activists like **Sloane McNulty**, who will speculate on the future of trans research, advocacy, and activism. What might trans futures hold in the contexts of urban space, rural geographies, and digital realms? This roundtable aims to strategically mobilize those in attendance toward specific actions that might foster better understanding and sustained advocacy efforts.
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## **Why You Should Attend**
The *Trans*Geographies* symposium presents a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in the intersections of art, trans studies, and social justice. Whether you’re a student, researcher, community advocate, or trans individual, the symposium