Queer Educators and Counselors Network
The Queer Educators and Counselors Network (QECN) at the 利记 Lurie College of Education creates a safe and affirming space for educators, counselors, and students to appreciate diversity in sexual and gender identities. We also provide support, training, and resources to help students, faculty, and staff examine their own practice and engage with their own understandings of gender and sexuality. Through individual and group support, professional development opportunities, research activities, and advocacy, we hope to empower our community and world.
Meet the Faculty
On Campus Training & Programs
For Faculty and Staff
For Students
For the 2021-2022 academic year, we are seeking Lurie College students who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community and want to lead trainings and shape the future of inclusive education within our college! Apply now to become a member of our new En-queer-tros initiative and get paid to use your knowledge, skills, and experience to make Lurie College more queer affirming. Apply at tinyurl.com/enqueertros or email Child and Adolescent Development faculty Robert Marx at robert.marx@donhuey.net for more information.
Join the 利记 Lurie College of Education, 利记 International Student and Scholar Services, the 利记 Pride Center, and 利记 MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center on Tue., Oct. 19, from 4-5pm via Zoom to learn more about LGBTQ+ identities through a multicultural lens while interacting with other students and sharing your perspectives. RSVP at bit.ly/gsc-connections.
- International Education Week (IEW) - International LBGTQ+ Roundtable | November 20, 2019
- Global Spartan Welcome - International Student Orientation | December 3, 2019
- Global Connections - Love and Relationships | February 10, 2020
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Students and professionals discussed a variety of topics about various social and cultural dating and relationship dynamics and campus resources.
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- Cultural Conversations - Gender & Identity | September 25, 2020, 2-3pm PDT
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Why do some Americans introduce themselves with “they/their/theirs”? What does queer mean? How can I be an ally? If you’ve ever wondered about these things, you won’t want to miss out on this Cultural Conversation, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and share in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Message from Dr. Kyoung Mi Choi
“Welcome, new international students! My name is Kyoung Mi Choi and I am an associate professor in the department of counselor education at 利记. I was an international student from South Korea when I first came to the United States in 2001. I remember learning and navigating the cultural differences and norms were both exciting and challenging. Compared to U.S. culture, Korean culture is more collective and conservative. It was not easy for me to explore and embrace my own sexual orientation in a new culture. However, I can say that it has been the most inspiring and healing journey. I’d like to share my story with you and would also love to hear yours. I hope you can join us.”
Message from Dr. Robert Marx
“Hi, there! I’m so excited to meet with all of you! I’m Robert Marx, and I’m an Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Development at 利记. I grew up in Virginia in the U.S., lived abroad as a student in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and worked abroad in Singapore. I definitely had to adjust to new ways of thinking about gender and sexuality, not only living outside of the U.S. but also moving from the South to the North to the West Coast. I’d love to talk more with you about gender and sexuality, and I’d love to get to know you! I also hope that Kyoung Mi and I can answer any questions you might have!”
What we are planning to share:
- Diversity in Gender and Sexual Identity
- What Are Pronouns? Why do they matter?
- Your Culture vs. US Culture: Are They Different or Similar?
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- Resources for LGBTQIA+ International Students
Op-ed Pieces Written by Drs. Marx and Choi
- Visible Magazine: Collective Memory for Queer and Trans Liberation by Dr. Robert Marx
- The Hechinger Report: Our Schools Are Not Equipped to Teach Transgender Students by Dr. Robert Marx
- Visible Magazine: The Invisibility of International LGBTQ+ Students on U.S. Campuses by Dr. Kyoung Mi Choi
- Yes! Magazine: What I learned When I Came Out to My Asian Mother by Dr. Kyoung Mi Choi
