 JAC Stringer
I'm JAC Stringer, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning/Community Coordinator in the MRC. I have a B.A. from the University of Cincinnati (UC) in Psychology with a sexology and gender focus and a minor in Sexuality Studies. In my early days at UC, I was an active member of the radical activist community serving as a founding member of the Peace Village Project and a co-organizer of the GLOBAL Social Injustice Conference. In 2006, I founded GenderBloc, a genderqueer radical activist group focused on gender variant activism and inclusion on campus and throughout the city of Cincinnati. Through my work in GenderBloc, “gender identity and expression” was successfully added to the University’s non-discrimination policy in 2008 and the UC registrar created a preferred name policy during the academic year 2009-10. I worked as a Volunteer Organizer and Session Trainer for the Public Allies Repeal Article 12 campaign which was a movement to (successfully) retain sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in Cincinnati's non-discrimination legislation. Also in 2006, I started a student movement for a university-funded Queer Student Resource Center which still carries on today. In 2008, I founded the University’s first queer publication, The Queer Canon Zine, where I served as both an editor and writer. In addition to GenderBloc, I founded the Queer Peer Education Program, a campus focused series of lectures, workshops, and discussions on queer and genderqueer topics. As an extension of this program, I have presented at conferences and symposia across the country. I also volunteered with the UC RECLAIM Sexual Assault Response program as a Peer Advocate for Sexual Assault and Partner Violence and a Peer Educator for Healthy Relationships. I was as a longstanding member of the University Women’s Center Student Advisory Board, acted as the Queer Inclusion Adviser to the University Funding Board, and served as the Queer Community Representative in the 2008 student government presidential race.
I am a strong believer in stepping out of academia and promoting community involvement. Following my graduation from UC, I founded The GenderQueer Coalition of Cincinnati, a genderqueer community activist organization that promotes and provides education, advocacy, community-building, and wellness surrounding gender variant issues in the Cincinnati area, Ohio, and the Midwest. In addition to these two areas of work, I am beginning efforts in collaboration with the leading Gender Identity Disorder (GID) reform advocates to create an activist avenue to the movement of GID reform.
In addition to the GenderQueer Coalition, I am an active participant in several projects across the state including serving on the TransOhio Transgender and Ally Symposium organizing board as Volunteer Coordinator and Entertainment Director, working as a lobbying team leader with Equality Ohio, and mentoring the Gay-Straight Alliance at my Alma Mater high school, Walnut Hills. I am a lobbyist on the Advocates for Youth Ohio Council for Sex Education Reform and I write on several blogs including MidwestGenderQueer.com, QueerCincinnati.com, The Queerist, and Amplify Your Voice. And, if I can ever find time for it, I am pursuing independent research in sexology and gender studies focusing on non-pathologized gender variance and queer sexuality.
As for non-activist pursuits, I am a co-manager and performer for the internationally recognized professional drag troupe, The Black Mondays. I have been performing with the troupe since its formation in 2006. I love swinging on swing sets, biking, photography, candy, fabulous adventures, and ridiculous little dogs. I have a ton of candy in my desk, and though I surely could eat it all myself, I wouldn't mind some assistance. I love to hang out with folks so if you ever need anything or just want someone to talk to stop by and see me in the MRC!
email: JAC.Stringer@oberlin.edu
 Queer Students Resources Pamphlet |
