Stonewall Center Staff

Brett-Genny Janiczek Beemyn, Director
brettgenny@stuaf.umass.edu

Genny is also a Senior Associate with LGBT Associates of Western Massachusetts, a board member of the Transgender Law and Policy Institute, and a former co-chair of the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals. Ze has published and spoken extensively on transgender college students and trans-inclusive campus policies. Genny's publications include "Trans on Campus: Measuring and Improving the Climate for Transgender Students" in On Campus with Women; "Transgender Issues on Campus" in Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation: Research, Policy, and Personal Perspectives: New Directions for Student Services; "Cross Dressing," "Transsexuality," and "Transgender Students" in Youth, Education, and Sexualities: An International Encyclopedia; and "Genderqueer," "Transgender Issues in Education," "Transsexual Autobiography," and "Transgender Issues in the Law" for www.glbtq.com.

Genny has edited or co-edited five books/journal issues, including Queer Studies: A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Anthology; Creating a Place for Ourselves: Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community Histories; and a special issue of the Journal of LGBT Youth on "Trans Youth." Ze's most recent work, written with Sue Rankin, is The Lives of Transgender People, which is to be published by Columbia University Press.

Genny has a Ph.D. in African American Studies and Master's degrees in African American Studies, American Studies, and Higher Education Administration.

Genny lives in Granby, MA, with ze's wife Shelley and their two cats.

Jo Oleet, Graduate Assistant
joleet@educ.umass.edu

Jo Oleet holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies and Women’s Studies from Pomona College, where she gained experience advising and planning programming for the College’s Women's Union and Queer Resource Center. She brings to the Stonewall Center her strong background in facilitating workshops on dynamics of power and socialization, and in working with undergraduate students in both resource center and residence life settings.

Currently a master's student in the Social Justice Education program at the University of Massachusetts, Jo's work focuses on liberatory education practices in K-12 public school settings and the historical constructions of dynamics of oppression and domination.

Jo spends her spare time rock climbing, practicing yoga, and exploring the Pioneer Valley.

Adam, Undergraduate Staff

Adam is a senior psychology major and philosophy minor. This is his first year working at the Stonewall Center. He has previously worked for the Everywoman’s Center as an Educator Advocate. He enjoys helping people to learn about different issues and cultures. He plans to continue his education to earn a Master's degree in Social Work, specializing in LGBT youth and adolescents. Adam has a boxer named Sniper and is from Essex, CT.

Andrew, Undergraduate Staff

Andrew is a senior English and Psychology major. He has worked for more than two years for Stonewall, where he coordinates HIV testing days and leads the effort to recatalogue the center’s library. He is also Vice President of the Pride Alliance. In his spare time, he loves to watch the television show Heroes with his friends and just to hang out.

Jackie, Undergraduate Staff

Jackie is a junior at UMass working to earn a degree in Public Health and a minor in Psychology. This is her second year working at the Stonewall Center, and she is excited to plan and coordinate new projects and events. Jackie enjoys helping to educate the campus community through ally trainings, and hopes to promote a more positive, inclusive environment for all LGBTQ students and allies. Jackie is also an RA in Southwest and volunteers with the Boltwood Project.

Jenna, Undergraduate Staff

Jenna is a Law major and a Women’s Studies minor. This is her second year working at the Stonewall Center and she is really excited to be doing so. She coordinates LGBT ally trainings across campus. Previously, Jenna worked as a PFLAG youth speaker and was involved in NAGLY and BAGLY events. Fun facts about her is that she is an identical twin and her hometown is Salem, Massachusetts.

Olivia, Undergraduate Staff

Olivia is currently in her junior year at the University. She is an Animal Science major and loving every moment of it. This is her first semester working with the Stonewall Center. She is extremely excited to work with the LGBT community. Olivia is an outgoing office worker here at the Stonewall Center and is eager to meet new people! In her spare time, she enjoys getting away from campus life and being a part of nature. A couple cool facts about her: she is from Quincy, Massachusetts, where her family owns a "mini-petting zoo" and she can see the ocean from her back steps.

Sarah, Undergraduate Staff

Sarah is a third year Women's Studies and STPEC (Social Thought and Political Economy) major. She is new to Stonewall this semester, but very enthusiastic about working within a safe space to advocate for and support the rights/ resources of LGBTQ students and their allies. Sarah is currently working on putting out a monthly zine issue as an outlet for student art and written word to discuss LGBT issues, social justice concerns, and to celebrate art as a mode of resistance. Anyone seeking to contribute work or learn more can do so by contacting her at sjmeunie@student.umass.edu.