The next Adams State Faculty Lecture is set for March 14

ALAMOSA – Black or white, on or off, right or wrong, many of us have built our understanding of the world on the rigid acceptance of binary oppositions. Gender, one of the most widely ingrained binaries in our western society, continually attempts to define our place in humanity. In fact, the first question asked about a new baby is “Is it a boy or a girl?” However, our understanding of this binary has been undergoing a seismic shift. In the past few years, we have witnessed an emergence in the discussion of “gender-fluidity.”

The Adams State University Faculty Lecture, Breaking the Binary: A Discussion on Gender and Communication, by Dr. Courtney Allen, assistant professor of counselor education; Alexis Black, visiting assistant professor of theatre; and Matthew Valverde, assistant professor of music, begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in McDaniel Hall room 101.

As a member of our community, whether in the San Luis Valley at large or at Adams State, you may have experienced moments of discomfort, confusion and curiosity as this binary has been challenged. Adams State faculty members will address these challenges while discussing the intersection of emerging gender fluidity in the fields of counseling, theatre, and music. Through this interactive discussion, the presenters will illuminate ways to understand and break the gender binary, as well as provide techniques to help attendees step confidently into a more flexible future.

All ASU Faculty Lectures in the series are free and open to the public. Complimentary light refreshments will be offered. For further information on the series of lectures, contact Dr. Courtney Allen, assistant professor of counselor education, at 719-587-7888 or [email protected].

Captions: Dr. Courtney Allen/Photos courtesy of Adams State

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Alexis Black

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Matthew Valverde