Transaction Conference
About TransAction
TransAction is SUNY Cortland's annual conference about the needs and experiences of transgender and genderqueer students in the college environment. It is hosted by the SOGIE committee during the spring semester, and was first held in 2019.
TransAction 2023
The 2023 conference will occur on Friday March 3, 2023. More information coming soon.
Past Conference Descriptions
TransAction 2022
The 2022 conference focused on how to support trans students, on our campus and in the world. Sessions included topics such as maintaining inclusion, queer social justice and our annual student panel.
Sessions
- Best Practices to Maintain Inclusion
- Queer Social Justice in the Workplace
- Keynote, Michelle Knaier
- Student Panel: 'What do you wish the world looked like?'
About Michelle Knaier
Dr. Michelle L. Knaier is a queer scholar who researched, develops and advocates for queer multicultural social justice teacher education and K-12 curriculum. She is a Limited-term Lecturer at Purdue University within the Curriculum and Instruction Department's Curriculum Studies Program. Michelle also is a graduate of SUNY Cortland, holding a Master of Science in Education in Childhood Education, with an emphasis in Educational Technology; and a Bachelor in Science in Education in Elementary and Early Secondary Education, with an emphasis in Biology. She often reflects on her experience as a former middle and high school science teacher, as well as an active educator of multicultural education, while incorporating critical theories into her autoethnographic research on queer(ing) curriculum.
TransAction 2021
The 2021 conference focused on how to support trans students, specifically in higher education Session topics included as best practices, field work and student teaching, access to athletics and recreation and our annual student panel.
Sessions
- Best Practices in Higher Education Right Now for Trans Students
- Trans Students in Fieldwork and Student Teaching
- Keynote, Harrison Browne: Discussing Access to Athletics and Recreation of Trans Students
- Student Panel
About Harrison Browne
Harrison Browne is the first transgender athlete in professional hockey. He was part of the National Women's Hockey League and played for the Metropolitan Riveters and the Buffalo Beauts, winning a championship with both teams.
During his tenure in the NWHL, Harrison was a trailblazer and pioneer for LGBTQ rights. he helped form the first ever transgender policy in professional sports to aid both transmen and transwomen in the participation. He is the appointed Inclusion Leader for the NWHL advisory board and special ambassador for the National Hockey League's Hockey Is For Everyone initiative. Through his efforts, Harrison was recognized in 2016 by The Hockey News as one of hockey's 100 Top People of Power.
Learn more at Harrison Browne's website
TransAction 2020
The 2020 conference focused on the vision for the future. Breakout sessions included a session on microaggressions, a session for faculty and staff on Understanding Non-Binary, and a session for students on Navigating Life Outside Campus.
Sessions
- Opening Keynote, Maybe Burke, Transgender Training Institute
- Micro Aggression session, presented by Maybe Burke
- Breakout Session A: Understanding Non-Binary (aimed at faculty/staff), presented by Maybe Burke
- Breakout Session B: Exploring Life and Work after SUNY Cortland (aimed at students), presented by Lauren Christiansen
- Closing Keynote: State of Trans/GNC at SUNY Cortland (followed by an AMA), presented by panel of SUNY Cortland students
About Maybe Burke
Maybe Burke is a New York based actor, writer, and human rights advocate interested in telling the stories that haven't been told. Their work has been seen at Joe's Pub, Lincoln Center, Cherry Lane Theatre, Ars Nova, New Dramatists, HERE Arts Center, The NYC LGBTQ Center, and more.
Learn more at Maybe Burke's website.
TransAction 2019
The 2019 inaugural conference focused on the vision for the future. Breakout sessions included a session on microaggressions, a session for faculty and staff on Understanding Non-Binary, and a session for students on Navigating Life Outside Campus.
Sessions
- Keynote: Transcend, Court Pineiro ’18
- Second keynote: Trans, Gender Non-Conforming and Non-binary realities, Cecilia Gentili
- Panel discussion: “How College Faculty and Staff Create Welcoming Space for Students of All Genders.”
- Panel discussion: “Trans Students and Alum Share Their College Experiences.”
- Social gathering and exhibition of community service agencies and advocacy groups.