S. Simmons highlights the stories of trans* people in postsecondary education.

A full-time lecturer at the University of Chicago, Simmons explores the discrimination, invisibility and harassment, as well as community, solidarity and resistance experienced by/with trans* educators. The goal: to illuminate expanded concepts of gender, identity and experiences in the hope that we all can live, learn and work in affirming, liberating environments.

Simmons will present Canaries in a Mine: Trans* Educators’ Multiple Roles in Higher Education on Oct. 17 during this year’s William R. Johnson Intercultural Lecture at Elmhurst College. This event is co-sponsored by the Honors Program and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Elmhurst College.

Simmons is a lecturer in social service administration and is deeply invested in social justice and fostering exploration, growth and development. Professor Simmons’ scholarly interests include exploring intersectionalities of racial, gender, and sexual identities and experiences. Simmons earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Iowa State University, and a Ph.D. in higher education from Loyola University–Chicago.

The William R. Johnson Intercultural Lecture will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, in the Founders Lounge of the Frick Center. Admission is $10 for the general public and free for Elmhurst College students, faculty, staff and alumni. Tickets are available by visiting the Elmhurst College Cultural Events website.