By Matt Koper/ne news editor

Students, faculty and staff can explore the topics of gender and sexual identity with a written essay.

The “Who Am I” committee calls for submissions on the topics to psychology associate professor Mary Buck by March 6.

Some examples of possible topics for participants include what does gender identity mean to you and why, what are some challenges of alternative sexual identity and how is gender expression altered by gender roles.

Buck said the contest functions as an opportunity for struggling students.

“Well, we just wanted to give people a safe way to sort of express their experiences with gender and gender exploration,” she said.

NE psychology adjunct instructor Carolyn Benson, who is one of the judges, echoed that.

“Some of the people writing may have never told anyone about the subject they are writing on,” she said. “Or they may have never discussed it with friends or family. So I imagine some of the students might actually be coming out.”

Buck and Benson will judge alongside psychology adjunct instructor Karen Fisler.

Buck said the rubric hasn’t been decided, but things like the “genuineness” of the essay and “how well they convey their story” will be considered in the judgment process.

To submit an essay, students can send it to Buck at mary.buck@tccd.edu before the March 6 deadline.

The authors of the top three papers will be awarded prizes, and the winner of the essay contest will be announced March 19 at the Who am I?: Gender and Sexuality symposium on NE Campus. 

For more information, contact Buck by email or at 817-515-6147.