Overview

The Office of Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability, in collaboration with the Trans Task Force, is excited to launch the second year of Names Are Sacred.

These three Names Are Sacred story-sharing activities aim to explore the significance of names, their evolution, and their impact on individuals’ identities, especially within marginalized communities. Participants will engage in reflective discussions and exercises to understand the value of using chosen names and recognizing the dignity inherent in each person’s name journey.

Objectives

• Foster empathy and understanding around the importance of using chosen names.
• Promote an inclusive environment where everyone’s name is valued and acknowledged.
• Encourage community members to reflect on their own name journeys and the significance of names in their lives.

Notes for all activities

• Adapt the discussion and prompts to the needs of the participants.
• Respect participants’ limits and boundaries. Not everyone may feel comfortable sharing personal experiences.
• Be prepared to hold sensitive and emotional discussions. Underscore confidentiality to assist in creating a brave space where participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
• Remember that this activity aims to foster empathy, awareness, and understanding, and to encourage participants to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all name stories.