“Together We”
The “Together We” campaign, rooted in our Jesuit identity, combines art, advocacy, and social justice principles to elevate our undocumented students, students from mixed-status families, and trans and gender non-conforming students. “Together We” features action-oriented phrases to reflect solidarity and hope to some of our most vulnerable communities. In a time of uncertainty and anxiety, the MOSAIC Center remains steadfast in our commitment to creating an inclusive campus community where all students are beloved and supported.
The Monarch Butterfly
Part one of the “Together We” campaign centers undocumented students and students from mixed status families. The monarch butterfly has long symbolized immigration and the work of migrant justice. It is used as a symbol of resilience, courage, and as a sign of support for immigrant’s rights to safety and freedom.
As the creator Madi Stephens explains, “each butterfly has been designed to embody togetherness. Sight and touch continually build our perception of the world around us. At the core of each illustration, a tactile experience emerges: being seen, heard, and embraced. To see another is to love one another, and together we are stronger.”
Together in Solidarity | In our pursuit of a just and humane world, we stand together in solidarity with the undocumented and immigrant members of our community.
Together We Dream | Together we dream of a radically inclusive world; abundant with care and love. Together we dream of a liberated future.
Together We are Powerful | In uncertain times, we encourage our community to find strength in relationships. We believe in collective liberation and that together we are powerful. Fortify yourselves with the knowledge that you are not alone.
Canary In the early development stages of the campaign, we spoke with Trans students to hear about the impact of the current political and social landscape on their lives. In one conversation, a student referred to Trans people as, “the proverbial canary in the coal mine”—a reference to the early twentieth century practice where miners used canaries in coal mines as early indicators of potentially hazardous conditions. Like canaries, Trans communities have often been persecuted and scapegoated in times of political turmoil. Trans people have been at the forefront of political violence, structural oppression and erasure.
Sing Together We Sing is an ode to the resistance and the resilience of Trans people who continue to sing—one of the most primal and universal expressions of our humanity—even amid ongoing oppression and dehumanization. This piece also features Trans activist and elder Miss Major Griffin-Gracy.
Belong In addition to speaking to students, we also spoke to Trans and Nonbinary faculty and staff. Their feedback emphasized the importance of belonging and communicating to our Trans students SU’s unwavering commitment to Trans students, staff, and faculty – hence Together We Belong. This piece also features gay liberation and Trans rights activist Slyvia Rivera.
Liberate Together We Liberate was inspired by an invitation from Trans activist Alok Vaid-Menon. In an episode of The Man Enough Podcast, Alok Vaid-Menon invites cohost James Heath, and subsequently podcast listeners, to reimagine Trans solidarity as an invitation to heal and to become free. Alok asserts that when Trans people are their unapologetically divine selves, it’s an invitation to liberation. This piece features Trans activist Marsha P. Johnson.
Artist and creator Madi Stephens explains, “in the midst of uncertainty, being in community is an act of care. Honoring the voices of trans elders while uplifting present activism is inspiring. These stories fuel my creative practice. When existence itself is an act of resistance, art becomes a testament to resilience. There is nothing more beautiful than sharing time and space with another. Through this work, I hope to express my deepest gratitude for the experience of togetherness within the queer community.”
