Torch and oSTEM are well-known, queer-based clubs on campus that host a variety of events throughout the semester, however, much of the student population is unfamiliar with TranSIT, a sub-group of Torch. In an interview with The Stute, Avanish Arif, president of TranSIT, explained more about what TranSIT is and its overall purpose and goals.
TranSIT is a group focused on transgender, nonbinary, and questioning students and aims to foster discussions. Its general body meetings (GBMs) are referred to as “Gender & Donuts” because these biweekly meetings consist of enjoying coffee and donuts in a group and sharing thoughts and experiences. TranSIT’s origins date back to 2019, when it was started to foster a safe space for transgender and nonbinary students to connect. During the 2020-2021 academic year, meetings were held virtually, but since then, meetings have been in-person. These biweekly meetings receive funding from the Office of Student Culture and Belonging.
While Torch and TranSIT offer some similarities and are often promoted together, there are some key differences in terms of GBM content. Arif elaborated, “While Torch is an organization that focuses on the entire LGBTQ+ community, TranSIT is meant to provide a space where members can discuss their experience specifically as part of the trans and nonbinary community with others who are familiar with the experience.” Although Torch also has discussions at its meetings, TranSIT is more discussion-based of the two, with topics geared towards a specific demographic of the LGBTQ+ community.
As for the organization’s goals, TranSIT is dedicated to providing a safe space for members of the transgender and nonbinary community on campus. Arif emphasized that TranSIT’s activities are geared towards interaction while still being enjoyable, such as last semester’s terrarium-making event. Additionally, some events of the past have included discussions on mental wellness as well as on the trans/nonbinary experience.
Despite the fact that TranSIT is a fairly new organization, Arif believes “we have succeeded in creating a community of like-minded people who feel comfortable in each other’s presence. I am still figuring out the direction that TranSIT is going to take for the foreseeable future, but I can promise that we will continue our mission of providing a place where people will feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically.”
LGBTQ+ History Month is a time to celebrate the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. It is imperative to acknowledge the hard work of organizations like TranSit, Torch, and oSTEM and everything they have done to support and uplift the queer community at Stevens. Arif summarized, “I am proud to contribute to the planning of LGBTQ+ History Month and encourage trans and nonbinary students and faculty to come to Gender & Donuts on Monday, October 30 at 3 p.m. in Peirce 216!” For more information about Gender & Donuts meeting times, check out this Instagram post from Torch!
