ABSTRACT
Dominant culture plays a role in defining us, as do our chosen community and we ourselves. Dr. Feldman produced a series of “Eternal Feminine” projects including roundtable discussions, a concert, a Grammy-nominated CD, and a nationally syndicated radio program. The concert was the first and last event of its kind at a major musical venue to focus exclusively on music by women composers. This was despite being chosen as one of the ten best concerts of the year by a major music critic. The case study focuses on strategies to help students bring their authentic selves into the public space. It relates the story of a self-described Trans, gay doctoral student who struggled to find a place and voice in TV and film beyond the existing patriarchal structure and programs. Diverse students are encouraged not to “leave themselves at the door” but to engage their full identities with others.
