About this Event
Join us for a lively conversation and Q&A with Dr. Han Ren author of "The Hyphenated Life" and Dr. Monica Gerber local psychologist and co-author of "Saying the Wrong Thing."
What does it mean to live a hyphenated life?
So many folks exist in a constant state of flux, toggling across the multiple layers of who they are and the diverse spaces they occupy. They may be an immigrant or child of immigrants, a person of color, disabled, neurodivergent, queer, or all of the above. These individuals, known as hyphenates, carry two or more marginalized identity markers and are invested in navigating the in-between spaces of these identities while also trying to fit into the dominant culture.
Hyphenates are all around us, invisible in plain sight. With a foot in multiple worlds, belonging fully to none, it can be hard to just fit in, let alone find belonging.
Dr. Han Ren, licensed psychologist and a Hyphenate herself, offers solutions for those with intersectional identities who want to fully express who they are across environments in The Hyphenated Life: Bridging the In-Between Spaces of Intersectional Identities.
The Hyphenated Life is an inside-out excavation of how existing in marginalized bodies affects the ways folks show up in dominant culture and predominantly white spaces. It’s for Hyphenates seeking to move from the margins to exploring their growth edges. Thoughtfully organized by the life domains we navigate -- from family of origin to school and work, to healing and chosen community -- Dr. Ren offers:
- Perspectives for people with diverse backgrounds and multiple identities to understand themselves more fully
- Frameworks for those who hold dominant identities and privilege, to better understand the invisible battles their peers face
- Action-oriented exercises and reflection questions to support identity exploration and integration
With evidence-based tools, stories, conversations, and insights, The Hyphenated Life will resonate with anyone who is navigating the intricacies of their multicultural, intersectional identity development.
We encourage everyone to prepurchase their books before the event as we cannot guarantee book availability without prepurchase.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Han Ren, PhD, is a hyphenated professional: licensed clinical and school psychologist, speaker, educator, and content creator. She is also a 1.5-generation Chinese-American immigrant, neurodivergent mind, mother, partner, and only child. Dr. Ren holds a doctorate in Child Clinical and School Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan. She was an adjunct professor at UT Austin and a former pre-K special educator. Han lives in Austin, Texas, where she co-leads Pivot Psychology Austin, a group private practice.
Monica Gerber, PhD (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist and co-author of "Saying the Wrong Thing: How to Speak up in Difficult, Controversial, or Emotionally Charged Conversations." Monica specializes in providing culturally-centered and trauma-informed care to survivors of displacement and diaspora, and trains graduate students to enter the mental health field with anti-oppressive and community-driven orientations. She incorporates body movement and nature engagement into her work, and will always be up for enjoying good food with the people in her life.
EVENT SCHEDULE
5:00pm Welcome to MATTER
5:15pm Conversation and discussion
6:15pm Audience Q&A
6:30pm Book signing
ACCESSIBILITY
Parking: Metered street parking is available (parallel parking) on Market St. Paid lots are available within a few blocks. The closest one is on 21st and Market St.
Entrance Access: Our front door is at street level and manually operated, accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids. The rest of the block has sidewalks raised by five steps; however, the bike lane offers a step-free route down the block with minimal car traffic.
Restrooms: All-gender restrooms. Just like at home.
Communication: All staff on site speak English. There will be one Spanish speaking staff member. We welcome communication via translation apps (Google Translate is available). While we do not use ASL, we’re happy to communicate through apps or other tools that work for you.
Alcohol Policy: No alcohol will be served or permitted at this event.
Questions or Requests: Please contact us at [email protected] with any accessibility needs or questions.
We encourage everyone to prepurchase their books before the event as we cannot guarantee book availability without prepurchase.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Shop at MATTER, 2114 Market Street, Denver, United States
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