Arts and Humanities Commons^™

The Maine Queer-Y: An Analysis Of A "Gender Queer" Book Challenge In Maine, Antyna Gould

Honors College

Beneath the idyllic scenery of Midcoast Maine lives a monster. This monster does not have a preference for where it lives, in fact its siblings reside all over the country. It is not a physical being, but a rising trend gaining national attention, book bans. Across the nation groups and individuals are attempting to censor information contained within books due to their allegedly inappropriate nature for a designated age range. For the last year one book in particular has received much scorn. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe is a graphic novel memoir with a focus on the author’s journey as …

Maine Women's Hall Of Fame And Maryann Hartman Awards / Call For Nominations, John C. Volin, University Of Maine Office Of The Executive Vice President For Academic Affairs & Provost

General University of Maine Publications

The University of Maine seeks nominations for the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame and the Maryann Hartman awards. Beginning in 2023, UMaine will partner with the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame to sustain our common tradition of honoring exceptional Maine women. We define ‘woman’ broadly so to include any person who lives life as a woman. We also define achievements broadly, and in recognition that much important work in and for Maine communities may lie outside traditional standards for achievement and across all walks of life. We hope to inspire nominations of candidates across a wide range of professions and …

"A Stranger In America": Queer Diasporic Writers And The American Politics Of Exclusion, Caitlin Stanfield

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While the academic concept of queer diasporic studies is relatively new, the epistemic future of this interdisciplinary, intersectional, and inclusive field is already imperiled. Throughout recent years, bills seeking to expunge critical race and queer theory from not only the public education sector, but from the legally-defined “general public” as well, have been proposed by legislators throughout the United States. To combat this assault upon marginalized educators, scholars, and authors, one must first understand what is at stake; the rich site of contemporary, queer diasporic poetry provides one such example. By situating these poems within their complex cultural, political, and …

Critical Discourse Analysis: Sexual Violence In Maine Department Of Public Safety (Dps) "Crime In Maine" Reports, Emma V. Grous

Honors College

Sexual violence is incredibly prevalent in the state of Maine. These crimes, which disproportionately affect at-risk communities – women, children, people of color, and impoverished persons – are not accurately represented in legal discourses within Maine. Changes to how victims and survivors of sexual violence are represented and discussed in law enforcement reports and other materials are necessary in order to promote social change and justice for the survivors in our communities.

Critical Discourse Analysis has been used broadly since its conception and has even previously been used in understanding political and social implications of discourse in the United States. …

Otherworldly Ethics: Trouthe And The Fairy Mistress In The Lays Of Lanval, Graelent, Guingamor And Sir Launfal, Abigail Roberts

Honors College

While the nature of fictional fairies in medieval romance has been widely discussed and it has been acknowledged by many scholars that fairies typically offer some critique of the human courts in which they intervene, they have yet to be examined in relation to their ethical impact and conceptions of justice. In order to address this, this thesis performs a close reading of four Breton lays, Lanval, Graelent, Guingamor and Sir Launfal using a framework of medieval folklaw. The four fairies of these lays introduce to their respective poems a unique feminine ethic that critiques the enactment of trouthe practiced …

The Wpath Standards Of Care: Their History And Importance In Advocating For Transgender Health, Alexander Cross

Honors College

The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care publication one most-often cited in the defense of increasing attacks on transgender rights to gender-affirming healthcare, as it is the reigning body of clinical guidelines and recommendations for the medical treatment of transgender and gender-diverse populations developed for application in a global context. This paper recounts the history of the WPATH organization––formerly called the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association––and the evolution of its Standards publication. In light of historical and recent attacks on gender-affirming care, an overview of the material implications of the Standards’ changes as they pertain …

Exploring Interfaith Sex Education, Bailey Lewis

Honors College

Sacred Sexuality explores the intersections of religion and sexuality. I worked with Dr. Birthisel, Director of the Wilson Center, and Kate Dawson, co-facilitator of the sex education class, to survey the sex education class participants on how the experience has been for them. I surveyed the sex education class participants after the class to analyze their opinions of the sex education class, interfaith dialogue, and how their spirituality or religious perspectives inform their beliefs around sexuality. Overall, the sex education class was highly recommended and gave an interesting look into how faith and sexuality interact. While the sex education class …

Imagining Gender Euphorias, Willow Wind

Honors College

Our society needs to talk about gender, but we aren’t very good at it. Avoiding these discussions has harmful impacts on body image and various health disparities (The Trevor Project, 2020). What if we have better and regular conversations about ways we can positively experience gender? This study’s model of negotiating gender can be used by families and educators seeking affirming exploratory learning opportunities. Insights into meanings of gender euphoria help validate diverse sets of experiences, informing a broader cultural discourse that increasingly questions gender binarism (Griffin, 2020).

This study explores conceptualizations and enactment of gender euphoria across demographics and …

Fogler Library: Women In Science, Heather Perrone

UMaine Video

This video slideshow explores the history of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. To celebrate Women's History Month, we are highlighting important and often forgotten women who have contributed to STEM throughout the decades. Here you will find information regarding important female scientists and researchers at the University of Maine including Kathryn E. Briwa, Katherine Musgrave, Edith Patch, and Beryl Warner Williams.

The Art Of Surviving: Alchemy Of Healing Trauma In Relation To Identity: A Self Study., Rebecca Morgan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The following thesis explores trauma’s physical and psychological aspects concerning identity as an artistic practice. Through exploring materials, subject matter, and media, my approach to trauma is based on personal and socially engaged experiences and my attempt to re-conceptualize that experience through the language of contemporary art. Extensively this work is governed by childhood memories and the critical aspect of being raised as a female in a patriarchal society. Being raised female comes with a certain number of expectations and requirements. This work creates a physical and spiritual connection between trauma and the identity of what is female. Discussing these …

Not All Trails Are Straight: The Effects Of Attachment On Rural Youth Residential Aspirations, Zach T. Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The out-migration of rural youth is a critical issue for the sustainability of rural communities. Youth out-migration poses challenges for rural communities as they strive to address workforce shortages, population decline, and broader social and economic issues. The departure of youth from rural areas can decrease the diversity of local workforce skills, change the vitality of communities, and undermine community and economic development efforts. In addition, certain groups of young people in rural areas, such as queer young adults, face additional identity-based challenges that can influence their migration decisions and distinguish aspects of their decision-making from other youth. Exploring the …

Intersections Of Environmentalism, Chemistry, And Racism: An Experimental Study Of Halobenzene Hydrogenolysis And Critical Communication Studies Of Equitable Learning Practices Rooted In Black Feminism, Lauren O. Babb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Increasing concentrations of fluorinated aromatic compounds in surface water, groundwater, and soil pose threats to the environment. Fundamental studies that elucidate mechanisms of dehalogenation for C-X compounds (where X represents a halide) are required to develop effective remediation strategies. For halogenated benzenes, previously published research has suggested that the strength of the C-X bond is not rate-determining in the overall rate of dehalogenation. Instead, the rate-determining step has been hypothesized to be adsorption of the C-X compound onto the surface of a catalyst. Building on this hypothesis, in this work, we examine the reaction kinetics of fluorobenzene conversion to benzene, …

What Women Bring To The Fight: An Analysis Of Female Leadership In U.S. National Security, Alison Tobey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Women have held some of the highest-ranking national security positions in the United States, though the overall number of women in leadership positions has remained relatively small until recently. The Biden Administration has achieved gender parity in their national security leadership positions, with over fifty percent of these positions being held by women. Since this is the first time in U.S. history that women have such a significant presence in the defense field, it is important to analyze and understand the changes that can come as a result.

The purpose of this research is to broadly understand the impact that …

Sisterhood And Survival: An Exploration Of Women's Relationships In Feminist Speculative Fiction, Madeleine Gernhard

Honors College

Writers have used the genre of feminist speculative fiction as a lens through which to view modern issues which effect women. Octavia Butler’s Kindred, Margaret Atwood’ Handmaid’s Tale, and Naomi Alderman’s The Power each explore dystopian or transitory dystopian societies in which women are pitted against one another for the sake of their survival. In reviewing the relationships which the women in these novels have to each other we stand to gain insights into the ways in which sisterhood influences change in these societies. Each of these works, while centering around different understandings of dystopian society, also prominently feature the …

For The Women Who Wear Pi Day Shirts, Jacqui Weaver

Honors College

This project, entitled To The Women Who Wear Pi Day Shirts, is a poetry manuscript that explores a journey of a women in STEM. While taking college English courses, I read about characters such as the creature in Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, who had intelligence, yet was physically hideous, an outsider from the human population. The creature was an outsider to the normal human, much like how I feel as a woman in STEM, which gave me the idea to write about my own journey. The poetry in this manuscript is a reflection from being in elementary school learning mathematics …

The Naked Truth: Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center's Sexuality Education Series, Women's Resource Center

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Flyer promoting a Women's Sexual Health education series hosted by the Women's Resource Center with the Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center.

Black Feminism And Me/Maine Webinar, University Of Maine Alumni Association

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Video of the University of Maine Alumni Association's Black Feminism and Me/Maine Webinar.

The conversation was facilitated by Laren Babb who pursued a graduate degree in chemistry from the University of Maine. Around the table will be: Dr. Samaa Abdurraqib, Associate Director, Maine Humanities Council; Dr. Lori Banks, Assistant Professor of Biology, Bates College; Dr. Leslie Hill, Professor Emerita of Politics, Bates College; Amara Ifeji, Director of Youth Engagement and Policy, Maine Environmental Association and National Geographic Young Explorer; and Kosi Ifeji, Bangor High School student and Youth Hub Coordinator, Maine Environmental Education Association.

The event was made possible with …

Parents And Teachers Need To Step Up For Young Girls With Adhd, Lauren Andrews

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Many young girls are charging headlong into stressful academic environments without knowing they have a learning or behavioral disorder such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This lack of critical awareness of their mind’s wiring leaves many girls trudging through their academic careers convinced they’re lazy, irresponsible or too incompetent for their field.

Brothel Vs Brotherhood: The Housing Divide Between Men And Women In Greek Life, Sydney Jackson

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Driving down College Avenue, alongside the University of Maine, you’ll pass numerous, extravagant fraternity houses with large Greek letters proudly displayed above their doorways一a representation of an age old tradition on many college campuses across the country. You’ll see members of UMaine’s 16 fraternities sun tanning on their porches or playing frisbee in their front yards.

However, you don’t see the women that make up the eight sororities on UMaine’s campus. You won’t see any Greek letters of these organizations above any doorways. There is no indication that these sororities even exist on College Avenue. Instead, you’ll find these women …

Lgbtq+ History Month, 2021, Office For Diversity And Inclusion, University Of Maine

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Flyer promoting the October 2021 Pride Flag Raising event kicking off LGTBQ+ History Month observances at the University of Maine.

Make Your Own Pride Flag Button, Office For Diversity And Inclusion, University Of Maine

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Promotional flyer for the Make Your Own Pride Flag Button hosted by the Office for Diversity and Inclusion in October 2021.

Jewish Feminist Liberation And Right To Prayer Flyer, Office For Diversity And Inclusion, University Of Maine, Intersectional Feminist Resource Center, University Of Maine

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Promotional flyer for an Intersectional Feminist Brunch featuring guest speaker Rachel Pellis speaking on "Jewish feminist liberation and right to prayer."

Climb With Pride And They/Them Film Flyer, Maine Bound, University Of Maine, Office For Diversity And Inclusion, University Of Maine

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Promotional flyer for the film They/Them shown on October 28, 2021 in the Maine Bound Building. Poster includes content warning pertaining to the film content.

Umaine Needs Rape Kits: Improving Sexual Assault Resources On Campus, Emma Vannorsdall

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

One in four undergraduate women are sexually assaulted in college. While perpetrators rarely serve prison time, victims are left with emotional and physical trauma. Only 20-percent of women aged 18-24 report sexual assault to law enforcement. As highlighted by the Association for American Universities, many women do not report cases because they do not think it’s serious enough, they feel ashamed or they think they can take care of it on their own. The unfortunate reality is that there is not a sufficient support system for sexual assault victims, and we need to streamline the process for helping victims seek …

Hispanic Heritage Month Continues, Lgbtq+ History Month Begins!, Robert Jackson

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion weekly email newsletter announcing activities planned for the observance of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month, 2021.

Sukkot, Bisexual Visibility Day, And More!, Robert Jackson

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion weekly email newsletter announcing activities planned for the observance of Sukkot and Bisexual Visibility Day at UMaine.

Happy Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month!, Robert Jackson

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion weekly email newsletter announcing activities planned for the observance of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, Yom Kippur, and LGBTQ+ History Month, 2021.

Ums Transforms: Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Event Update, Samantha Toner

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

On April 23, 2021, over 400 members of the University of Maine System (UMS) community gathered virtually to discuss barriers and potential ways to remove those barriers in order to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion within UMS.

Celebrate Our Joy. Share In Our Pain., Robert Jackson

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion weekly email newsletter announcing activities planned for the observance of Rosh Hashanah, National Recovery Month, and the Autumn Art Show Fundraiser, 2021.

Diversity And Inclusion_Snack & Chat_What Does Equitable Reproduction Justice Look Like? Poster, University Of Maine Office For Diversity And Inclusion

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Poster for the University of Maine Office for Diversity and Inclusion's Snack & Chat facilitated reflection and debrief on the restrictive reproductive health law in Texas.