On April 26, members of Illinois State University’s Delta Phi chapter of the Iota Iota Iota (Triota) national honor society gathered in the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Resource Center housed in Rachel Cooper for an informative end-of-the-year celebration.
The celebration kicked off with a presentation titled “Digital Safe Spaces: Nonbinary Community Building on TikTok” by graduating English master’s student Xan Daggett. Based on findings from their thesis, Daggett emphasized how, despite the current hostile climate towards queer and trans individuals, as well as ongoing uncertainty regarding the banning of TikTok, nonbinary TikTok users remain visible and form community through hashtags, humor, and vulnerability.
Following a brief Q&A, the group moved on to a conversation about LGBTQIA2+ experiences across generations. With Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z represented, the discussion centered on increased opportunities for queer and trans individuals to connect thanks to modern social media. Dr. Jacklyn Weier—WGSS assistant director, advisor, and Triota sponsor—said: “Triota is a valuable space for WGSS student scholars to come together and support one another. (WGSS) looks forward to continuing conversations on urgent matters and offering community guidance as our students progress through their college careers.”
With the Greek letter Iota representing the goddesses Inana, Ishtar, and Isis, the Alpha Chapter of Triota was founded at Metropolitan State University of Denver in 1992 and served to recognize the academic achievements and service of students in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. Now a national honor society for WGSS scholars, Triota promotes community, research on pressing social issues, and other social and intellectual activities that lead to improvement in the conditions for all people.
Students may apply to Triota if they have declared or are in the process of declaring a WGSS minor, have completed or are currently enrolled in a WGSS class, and have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
