GenderBloc
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[edit] GenderBloc
GenderBloc is an organization which focuses on gender, gender identity and transgender issues, sexuality, and the interaction of these in society. Genderbloc is working for inclusion and recognition of queer people in society without assimilation into heteronormative/ homonormative standards or ridgid gender binaries. We do this through grass roots action, performance art, art activism, discussion, and educational programming.
GenderBloc also does work with schools and universities, governmental legislation, mental and physical health care institutions, and the workplaces for better inclusion and recognition of queer people. Our activities include the creation of a Queer Education Program for college campuses, attending conferences, hosting speakers, political activism, drag shows, social events, random acts of fun times, traveling, bar nights, and bringing events to Cincinnati that promote education and awareness of queer issues.
[edit] History
GenderBloc was originally formed under the name The Cincinnati GenderQueer Coalition in May of 2006. It began on the campus of the University of Cincinnati (UC) which at the time had no organizations specifically focused on transgender/genderqueer issues. In October, group leadership was taken on by UC student, JAC Stringer. It was then that the group was re-named GenderBloc. The vision was to create a space on campus where support, education, and radical activism surrounding transgender issues. The purpose was to create a grassroots campaign in Cincinnati against discrimination and oppression based on queer identities and promote education, art, and a damn good time. By the end of November the group had become an official UC student organization.
In the beginning GenderBloc had only four members. Since then its membership has grown over five times that amount with new members joining regularly. GenderBloc frequently hosts events such as educational lectures, protests and rallies, performance art & drag shows, artists and academics, and social outings. The group carries great focus on restructuring UC policies for the inclusion and recognition of gender identity (such as gender neutral bathrooms, residence policies, and inclusion in the UC Student Protection Clause). GenderBloc has worked with Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown for equality for the queer community as well as being affiliated with several national queer activist groups including PFLAG, GenderPAC, GLSEN and National Gay and Lesbian Task Force . In addition to its activist work, GenderBloc pridefully boasts camaraderie with some of the day's most comprehensive queer theorists, including Mattilda Bernstein and Kate Bornstein.
Since its formation, GenderBloc has expanded its work to cover various issues surrounding the queer community including political and civil issues, women's rights, and global interests. Nevertheless, GenderBloc's main focus continues to be genderqueer issues and works continually to enhance education, smash binaries, and of course, doing its part in starting the revolution.
