Morningside welcomes Eli Rigatuso, who identifies as a queer, transmasculine Two Spirit of the Menominee Nation, to speak about Transgender Awareness Week Monday night from 7-9 p.m. at the UPS Auditorium in the Robert M. Lincoln Center.

Rigatuso is an artist, photographer, video producer/director and gifted public speaker and presenter. He has worked throughout TV, radio and digital media to move the needle toward inclusive spaces for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse people. 

Rigatuso also created Speaking of Happy, a virtual outlet that shared the stories of LGBTQI people and community allies. He cohosts a talk show named Frankly Speaking, focusing on transgender and non-binary voices and having frank conversations about their personal experiences. The live stream is at 9 p.m. every Tuesday on Youtube, Facebook and Twitch.

Some of Rigatuso’s honors include The Bloc 50 over 50 Community Award, a graduate of Leadership Omaha Class 42, a 2018 Fellow of New Leaders Council, and a recipient of the 2019 YP Summit and Heartland Youth Pride Marsha P. Johnson Change Maker Awards. 

The presentation is brought to campus by Morningside DOT and Gender Undone from support by the Office of the President and Morningside DEI. Rigatuso will help Morningside kick-off Transgender Awareness Week.