Items

• 
  2020-01-14

  A Peppermint December

  December was the most stressful month of the year. My entire family got Covid-19 right before Christmas and I was struggling with anxiety for most of the month, which has been compounded by the pandemic. One of the ways I've sought to alleviate stress when going to bed at night is by putting peppermint essential oil in an oil diffuser as I fall asleep. Peppermint smells and feels naturally calming to me. The strong and comforting scent has at times made me feel that I can breathe better and easier. A small and perhaps cliché remedy has at times made a world of difference.
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  2020-08-27

  Lawson Miller Internship Portfolio

  I decided to embark on this internship despite no previous experience in public history, and it has afforded me the opportunity to learn many things about the practice of public history and historical collection more broadly. Having worked on the internship in tandem with a fellowship role on the same project had challenged and pushed me in ways I hadn’t imagined. Having begun the project as a volunteer, a fellow, and then an intern placed me at the apex of an entirely new experience, and is part of my drive to challenge myself, to learn, to be part of something larger than myself, and to grow. In my first semester of graduate school, I became deeply immersed and personally invested in a project that had become bigger than I may have initially anticipated. This project has taught me, among other things: leadership, patience, collaboration, how to be adapt quickly, as well as the concept of shared authority. The skills and growth I have received over this journey has been invaluable. In addition to learning important skills and practices relating to history, the internship has given me practical experience in being a leader among my peers, communicating effectively through press releases and social media, and developing effective standardized practices. These skills will be invaluable in whatever I pursue, as well as in my life more broadly. Getting lost in the work of the internship regarding the historical curation of the pandemic, has ironically distracted me from the pandemic itself to an extent, in my personal life. I have paused many times during the course of this internship to reflect on the significance of our work and the significance of this moment in history. The friends and professional relationships I have created through this experience will follow me throughout my life and academic career.
• 
  2020-08-21

  Calls for plasma in COVID fight conflict with decades-old restriction on blood donations

  The frustration of many within the LGBTQ+ community over blood donations has been especially pronounced in the middle of the pandemic. The FDA recently moved the requirements for gay men to be abstinent from 12 months to 3 months. Activists and others point out that because blood can be screened for HIV, and that the rules are outdated and don't make sense. It is tragic that those who are capable of donating blood in this moment of crisis are unable to do so based on these current regulations. It brings back images of gay men that tried to donate blood after the Pulse nightclub massacre, but were turned away.
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  2020-08-20

  Amid COVID crisis, two Philly LGBTQ nonprofits merge to form new initiative for seniors

  It seems that LGBTQ+ seniors are often overlooked within the community. In a pandemic that disproportionately impacts older Americans, this is especially problematic. In addition to the unique issues faced by LGBTQ+ people, being a LGBTQ+ senior makes that position especially precarious. It's relieving to see that there are organizations dedicated to protecting LGBGTQ+ seniors and I hope that this merger proves to be effective.
• 
  2020-08-20

  ASU Online students keep busy during pandemic

  The COVID-19 pandemic has drawn more attention to online students, and given some people more time. ASU Online students have been working to develop one of the first online student governments in the nation, to represent Arizona State University's online campus. As part of this, ASU Online hosted its first ever Welcome Week via Zoom and is building rapport and establishing connections with the online community. It can be difficult to interact with your peers online in a social context, and this has provided many students the opportunity to connect and build new friendships. The community that has been built by online students, has provided myself, as well as others, the feeling that we are not alone during these unprecedented times.
• 
  2020-08-21

  Book Club in the Pandemic

  BeYouASU is a LGBTQ+ student organization that welcomes students from all of Arizona State University's campuses. BeYouASU kicked off its first book club for fall semester, which was held over Zoom. The return to school this fall feels much different than years prior, but BeYouASU is providing students the opportunity to connect with each other during this difficult time. Making new connections and friendships in a welcoming environment is something that is especially important in these unprecedented times. For book club, we are reading Susan Stryker's "Transgender History."
• 
  2020-06-25

  Utah Pride Center advertises free Covid-19 testing

  The Utah Pride Center shared on their Instagram account that they would be offering free Covid-19 testing on June 27, 2020. Access to healthcare and testing is especially critical for marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community.
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  2020-06-25

  Utah protestors plan to protest mandating mask wearing

  As wearing masks increasingly becomes a political issue, a political protest is being organized in Utah. This image was circulating in local community Facebook groups. Protestors are vehemently opposed to Lieutenant Governor Cox even suggesting that mask wearing be mandated in public.
• 
  2020-06-24

  Fake “Mask Exemption” cards circulate on social media

  Wearing masks in the US has become a political issue rather than common sense. It is fiercely debated, and many think it’s an infringement on their rights. One group has responded by creating fake “mask exemption” cards to present to people in public.
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  2020-06-28

  Cover of The Advocate magazine references the AIDS epidemic to draw attention to another lacking government response

  This cover of The Advocate’s latest issue draws attention to the AIDS epidemic. Criticisms about the lacking government response are especially poignant for LGBTQ+ people who lives through the AIDS pandemic.
• 
  2020-06-27

  Utah college rivalries play out even during pandemic

  Memes such as this one have been circulating on social media. In this case, fans of Utah State University are telling people not to be embarrassed to wear a mask because some people wear Brigham Young University shirts.
• 
  2020-06-27

  Free Covid-19 testing at Utah Pride Center

  The Utah Pride Center was recently forced to lay off staff due to a lack of funds because of the pandemic. However, they have continued to provide critical services when needed. They partnered with University of Utah Health to offer free Covid-19 testing.
• 
  2020-06-26

  Arizona State University encourages mask wearing in branding

  Before students return to campus in the Fall, ASU is promoting mask wearing as a public health measure. These are from ASU’s main Facebook page as well as the page for the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies.
• 
  2020-06-14

  Arizona State University Mental Health Resources

  A month or so ago, Arizona State University sent out some of these magnets to online students. The magnet advertises ASU's "360 Life Services" which allows students to connect with counselors and explore different resources to allow students to cope, especially during this time. We stuck this magnet on the side of our fridge. I'm grateful to be a student at a university that cares about the mental health and well-being of its student body, and that has the resources to provide students in need with help. This is particularly important during these times, and especially makes me think about students with inadequate access to healthcare and LGBTQ+ students, people of color, and other minority communities whose mental health has likely been disproportionately impacted by this pandemic.
• 
  2020-06-14

  Full Time Job Working From Home

  This is my makeshift desk that my boyfriend made for me amid the pandemic. Having worked at a school and being out for the summer, I had to find a job over the summer in order to pay rent, bills, and student loans. I was fortunate enough to find a job working for a company in Salt Lake City. Due to the pandemic, the hiring and on-boarding process was completely virtual. Trainings were conducted through Adobe Connect and the company provided the monitors and the computer, as well as the mouse, keyboard and headset. We've been informed we will not actually have to go into the building until at least the end of the year. Working from home is an adjustment from what I'm normally accustomed to. I'm not used to sitting for a long period of time or having the convenience to be able to work from home. There are perks that are really nice, in terms of not having to travel or worry about getting infected with the virus. I'm enjoying my job, though like all jobs, there can be rough days.
• 
  2020-06-14

  Foreign Affairs Subscription: "The World After the Pandemic"

  I've had a Foreign Affairs magazine subscription since my freshman year of college, when I took an international relations class. I've enjoyed reading Foreign Affairs ever since. This is the latest edition of the magazine that arrived in the mail yesterday. Some of the latest discussions regarding the pandemic that I've seen taking place in the context of foreign policy, is how COVID-19 will forever change the world, like 9/11. I found the cover art to be very poignant and powerful. It's a ticking bomb with the rendering of what COVID-19 looks like on a microscopic level as the fuse. I don't think I've fully comprehended the ways in which COVID-19 will forever change the world, and I'm not sure it's possible at this moment in time. The cover of this Foreign Affairs magazine is really powerful in its representation of the crisis.
• 
  2020-05-31

  Doctor Explains Why He Supports George Floyd Protests Amid Pandemic

  Looking at protests across the country, I've wondered what the implications are for the pandemic. This doctor explains the difference between pool parties and protests over racist violence, is that only one is necessary. I believe one of the best things white people can do right now is listen to black people about the importance of these protests and help advocate for necessary change.
• 
  2020-05-30

  Los Angeles Shuts Coronavirus Testing Centers Due to George Floyd Protests

  The public health implications of the George Floyd protests are interesting and scary to consider. Shutting down COVID-19 testing centers in one of the country's largest cities will surely have an impact on managing the pandemic which still rages on. However, the protests of George Floyd's death are an important development for social justice and advocating for reforms. I worry for the safety and health of everyone involved in the protests as well as the public health implications of not testing for the virus in one of the country's largest cities. It seems almost impossible to strike the right balance in this case.
• 
  2020-05-30

  LGBT: Covid-19 forced me back home where I'm 'unwanted'

  This short video discusses the plight of a LGBTQ person who is forced to return to an unaccepting home environment after losing her job due to the pandemic. This is another example of the ways that Covid-19 has impacted the LGBTQ community in struggles unique to the community. I never even thought about this as a potential problem because I am fortunate enough to have a family that accepts me for who I am. It makes me worry for LGBTQ youth who were able to move out on their own and get away from a toxic home life.
• 
  2020-05-30

  Wisconsin's LGBTQ communities recognize, celebrate Pride Month despite COVID-19 limitations

  With the Covid-19 outbreak, the LGBTQ community is still finding ways to celebrate Pride Month. In Wisconsin, the gay night club "This Is It," has been live steaming drag shows and other organizations are exploring ways to still celebrate Pride despite the impact of Covid-19. I'm looking forward to potentially joining a virtual pride event and interested in how it would work. With the advent of technology things are much more accessible than they used to be and I'm glad people can still participate in some way.
• 
  2020-05-30

  US Cities Fear Protests May Fuel New Wave of Virus Outbreaks

  The death of George Floyd has sparked massive protests in the US, this article discusses the danger of protests as Covid-19 continues to spread. The cruel irony being that Covid-19 is disproportionately impacting black Americans. I worry about the impact that this will have on the spread of the pandemic, but the pandemic almost feels like an overlooked issue in this context. The rage and upset following George Floyd's death is palpable, and many people likely do not care about the potential ramifications of Covid-19 as a result.
• 
  2020-05-29

  Judge orders halt to Tooele County protest concert, and organizers vow to find other last-minute venue

  This is happening in my county, which is primarily white. Residents are upset because the Tooele Health Department issued an order warning residents not to attend a local concert that was being planned in accordance with social distancing measures instituted by the Utah state government. Juxtaposing this with the issues marginalized communities are facing during the pandemic really highlights the issues at stake here for different people. People in an overwhelmingly white community are protesting the right to attend a concert during a pandemic, while black Americans are protesting for their right to live. This is a fascinating juxtaposition that really demonstrates the epitome of white privilege.
• 
  2020-05-19

  How environmental racism is fuelling the coronavirus pandemic

  News about the disproportionate death rates among the black community has been unnerving to many people, including myself. Why is this the case? In this article, Harriet Washington explores how environmental racism has contributed to this due to poverty, access to health care, and living conditions, among other factors. White privilege is sweeping, and I have certainly benefited from it in too many ways to name. I think it's important for all white people to use the power of their privilege to lift the voices of marginalized people and advocate for the reforms necessary to ameliorate injustices and inequalities.
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  2020-05-19

  LGBT Africans Share Challenges of Life During Pandemic

  This press release from the Human Rights Watch discusses a new podcast called AfroQueer. It discusses a variety of topics and how issues faced by LGBT Africans have been compounded by Covid-19. As a white gay man living in the United States, it is disturbing and saddening to learn of the plight of LGBTQ people in other countries and how these problems can be exacerbated by race. The theme that is emerging in marginalized communities is that the world won't stop its oppression of their identity and personhood, even during a global pandemic.
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  2020-05-29

  Auntie Unfiltered: Self-Care in the Age of Coronavirus and Racism

  Monique Judge, news editor for The Root, discusses self care during the pandemic and rampant protests and racism in the United States. The challenges faced by black Americans during the pandemic is compounded by the racism that they already were forced to deal with in their daily lives. It's important for white people to listen to voices of black Americans during this time. It often feels like marginalized communities are fighting multiple front wars during this pandemic. While much of the world has been placed on hold during this pandemic, the social problems that already existed have not.
• 
  2020-05-29

  Tweet Draws Attention to the Significance of Protests During a Pandemic

  As someone who is white, it's important for me to recognize my privilege both during this pandemic and as the United States deals with protests across the country in response to the death of Georgle Floyd and other unarmed black people. This Tweet really drives home the significance of this happening during a global pandemic.
• 
  2020-05-19

  National LGBT Chamber of Commerce hosts a virtual discussion panel on transitioning your business to an online format

  The NGLCC's panel discussion emphasizes the uncertain time for businesses, particularly within the LGBT community. It's comforting to know that there are resources available to those who need guidance during these uncertain times.
• 
  2020-04-14

  Viral Tweet demonstrates unintended benefits of COVID-19 pandemic. March of 2020 was the first March without a school shooting in the US since 2002.

  This Tweet really emphasized the ways in which COVID-19 has impacted some of the normal course of events. This fact is astounding and speaks to the gun violence problem in the United States. It brought other potential benefits to mind such as reduced pollution. This claim was also verified by CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-first-march-without-school-shooting-since-2002-united-states/
• 
  2020-04-30

  A Parks and Recreation Reunion

  As a response to COVID-19 the Parks and Recreation cast reunited for a "virtual" episode. As a huge Parks and Rec fan, I am excited to watch it. I still haven't got the opportunity because of how busy I am. It's nice to see people providing comfort and humor during these trying times.
• 
  2020-05-23

  What Prides across Utah are looking like now

  The Utah Pride Festival has been moved to September of this year. However, they will be participating in a Global Pride event later in June. Different regions in Utah have made similar adjustments for their pride celebrations. I wonder if pride events rescheduled for later in the year will end up being cancelled due to a second wave of COVID-19. The uncertainty is scary, but the sense of community that is being fostered by Pride events helps alleviate some of the stress of feeling uncertain or disconnected. #ASU #HST580
• 
  2020-05-02

  Utah Pride Center lays off much of its staff as donations slow because of Covid-19 and postponed Pride Festival

  Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Utah Pride Center was forced to lay off much of their staff. The impact of the pandemic on local LGBTQ resources makes me worry for some in the community who would otherwise have jobs or be getting help. #ASU #HST580
• 
  2020-05-19

  Photo taken of last day of work

  Working at a school during COVID-19 has felt like a whirlwind. The transition to an online format with no notice and a sort of "learn as we go" training has been tiring. I'm grateful that things worked out and that schools were still able to provide quality educational opportunities despite being shuttered. Turning in my keys for summer was bittersweet. It'll be nice to take time to reflect and decompress over the summer, and plan for a potential return in the fall. It was a very odd first year in education, and an odd way to end the school year. A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the future and what will happen next, but if educators can survive this year, they can survive anything. #ASU #HST580
• 
  2020-04-03

  The Trevor Project highlights mental health issues and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth amid COVID-19

  The Trevor Project notes concerns with physical and social distancing as it relates to LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project also highlights their 24/7 crisis line and various mediums for contact which LGBTQ people can call or use if they feel they are in need of help or support. I feel extremely grateful to have an organization like The Trevor Project already established during times like this. I know what it's like to struggle with mental health issues, and I have been fortunate enough to have great support. I know that is not the same case for everyone, and I'm grateful that The Trevor Project can help those in need. #ASU #HST580
• 
  2020-05-12

  LGBTQ people face higher unemployment amid coronavirus pandemic, survey finds

  Surveys conducted by the Human Rights Campaign and PSB research demonstrate the vulnerability faced by the LGBTQ community during this crisis. LGBTQ people of color are disproportionately impacted by unemployment amid COVID-19. It's hard to process that these issues are present during an international crisis. At many times, it feels like the LGBTQ community is fighting a two front war. #ASU #HST580
• 
  2020-05-23

  HRC Flyer Outlines the Unique Potential Issues Faced by LGBTQ People Amid COVID-19

  The LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges amid the COVID-19 crisis from areas related to health, healthcare, and job benefits. This flyer feels gut wrenching during a crisis, and it demonstrates how much further the LGBTQ community still must go before full equality is actually realized. #ASU #HST580
• 
  2020-05-20

  Building A Student Organization During A Pandemic

  I have always searched for ways to make clubs, activities, and events more accessible to online students. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted a lot of students into an online format, it also posed a unique opportunity to organize students, irrespective of their geography. LGBTQIA students face unique challenges and it's important that we are able to connect with our peers and community even as we must maintain social distancing. I created the LGBTQIA Sun Devils and Allies organization which is in the process of being registered as an official club with ASU. The idea is to connect students from all of ASU's campuses in a safe and inclusive environment that serves as peer and academic support. #ASU #HST580
• 
  2020-05-09

  "YouTube University" doctorate circulates on Facebook, amid recent conspiracy theories

  This fake diploma/meme is circulating among friends on Facebook in response to recent conspiracy theories about the origins of Covid-19 and how to properly treat it. YouTube has removed some of the videos in question, prompting backlash. This satirizes people on Facebook spreading conspiracy videos.
• 
  2020-05-09

  New Realities

  When visiting my mother this weekend, we decided to take a trip to the gas station to get some drinks. My mom is immunocompromised and takes Covid-19 very seriously. She said if I planned on going into the convenience store I had to wear a mask. She keeps masks like this in the glove box as well as hand sanitizer in her car. She puts on the mask and sanitizer before she enters the store, and puts sanitizer on again when she returns home, before she goes inside.
• 
  2020-04-15

  We're all in this together

  Reagan wanted to spread a positive message about our quarantine time.
• 
  2020-04-15

  Peyton Butterfly

  Soccer practice had been cancelled since March 16th. Peyton wanted to be outside again doing something creative.
• 
  2020-04-28

  Rural county in Utah creates a Facebook page to host a county-wide talent show

  As people are confined to their homes amid the pandemic, Tooele County has created a Facebook page for residents to upload videos of themselves doing performances and showing off their talents.
• 
  2020-04-27

  Finished my first semester of grad school amid a global pandemic

  Juggling grad school and a full time job hasn't been easy. The outbreak of Covid-19 made this a more difficult task, as I work at a school and teaching was shifted to an online format within a matter of days notice. It often feels that things have been moving so quickly that I haven't had time to fully comprehend them. Nonetheless, I must take note of some of the accomplishments along the way, such as finishing my first semester of grad school at Arizona State University. 10 monographs, some dozen scholarly papers, and two major papers I feel both relief and a sense of accomplishment.
• 
  2020-04-22

  Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law announces they will accept applicants with no LSAT or GRE scores due to Covid-19

  Law students from Arizona State University will be accepted students without the LSAT or GRE scores during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 
  04/19/2020

  Healthcare workers in Colorado face off against protestors wanting the country to re-open

  Protesters have gathered in recent days to demand the country re-open. Healthcare workers who are putting their lives on the line are trying to emphasize the seriousness of the situation by acting as counter-protesters.
• 
  2020-04-09

  Dr. Eric Cervini interviews ASU professor Dr. Breanne Fahs to discuss historical context of Covid-19 and the AIDS crisis

  Dr. Cervini has recently received media attention for creating a podcast and book club called "Quarantini," focused on LGBT history, as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• 
  2020-04-07

  Cartoon from The New Yorker satirizes Trump response to Covid-19 pandemic

  Criticism and scrutiny continues to follow the Trump administration’s belated and fumbled response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• 
  04/06/2020

  Trade Adviser Warned White House in January of Risks of a Pandemic

  As more information comes to light about the warning signs of the virus, people I've spoken to feel very angry about the response from the federal government. News media continues to shed light on the timeline of the US government response.
• 
  2020-04-05

  AP Investigation: U.S. ‘wasted’ months before preparing for virus pandemic

  News organizations continue to report on the shortcomings of the US government response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people from professional healthcare occupations and Americans in general are upset by the response.
• 
  2020-04-03

  Meme depicts and criticizes Covid-19 response

  Meme mocks response from Western countries to Covid-19 outbreak.
• 
  04/03/2020

  Inside the coronavirus testing failure: Alarm and dismay among the scientists who sought to help

  “As Trump administration officials continued to rely on the flawed CDC test, many lab scientists eager to aid the faltering effort grew increasingly alarmed and exasperated by the federal government’s actions, according to previously unreported email messages and other documents reviewed by The Washington Post, as well as exclusive interviews with scientists and officials involved.“