By: Destiny Torres, Arts & Lifestyle Editor

As society shifts in an effort to be more inclusive and welcoming of all people, the Queer Culture & Resource Center at CSUDH have focused their efforts on spreading awareness and education. The QCRC developed a program to train departments, groups, and organizations to understand non-binary, gender “X”, and sexual discrimination. 

In 2018, the California Gender Recognition Act (SB 179) went into effect allowing Californians to apply to change their gender markers, the “male (M)” or “female (F)” options on documents, and creating a nonbinary gender category for birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and other forms of identification. But there remains a great deal of confusion, ignorance, and questions about nonbinary-related issues–which is why the QCRC has developed this program.

During the one-hour-and-90-minute training, participants will review existing policies and also receive an in-depth understanding of what non-binary is, QCRC coordinator Karama Blackhorn said. 

The program will also allow people to practice and explore their preferred pronouns and names besides he/him or she/her pronouns assigned to them by society. Along with being identified using their preferred pronouns, people may choose to be identified by a certain name regardless of whether they have changed it.     

“The goal of this training is to provide our campus with accurate and timely information on how to engage non-binary genders and pronouns in a systemic and meaningful way,” Blackhorn said.

Several students and faculty have participated in the training presentations for organizations such as the Male Success Alliance, Women’s Success Alliance, EOP, and ETE.

“I think more students can benefit from this because it expands their knowledge about non-binary issues,” Alonzo Acevedo, a senior behavioral science major, said. 

According to Blackhorn, the center will continue to work with staff after the training in understanding and implementing the changes accompanied by the new act. 

To set up training, contact Blackhorn at kblackhorn@csudh.edu with a list of possible dates and times including the size of your group.

For more information. the QCRC is located in the LSU 215 or can be found on Instagram @csudhqueer.