Open Minds Book Club: Gender Flashpoints

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus
Alumni, Community, Faculty, Staff, Students

For the October 2026 session of Open Minds, we will be reading and discussing Gender Flashpoints: The Power of Dialogue by Abigail C. Saguy.

"Americans are deeply divided about gender. Like other issues in the US, debates about gender are extremely polarized and can spark intense anger and conflict. These gender flashpoints include gender identity, gender and parenting, gender-neutral restrooms, the use of identifying pronouns, and participation in womens sports. Even the term gender itself has become contested. In this divisive social context, advocates on both sides have reduced complex issues to all-or-nothing propositions. Many people are confused about these topics, embarrassed about what they do not know, or afraid that they will be called bigots if they say the wrong thing." Gender Flashpoints is a fascinating and comprehensive view of the deeply personal and divisive topic of gender that offers hope for finding common ground and a path forward."

The discussion for this book will be held on Wednesday, October 21, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Richard M. DeVos Centers University Club located on the GVSU City Campus.

The Hauenstein Center will mail free copies of OMBC selections to GVSU students who register to attend the meeting.

Learn more about the Open Minds Book Club and view all upcoming meetings at gvsu.edu/hc/bookclub.

Location Information

University Club

Richard M. DeVos Center

401 West Fulton St.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please email Kahler Sweeney.

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This event was added to the calendar by Kahler Sweeney (sweenkah@gvsu.edu) on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 and was last updated on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:51 a.m.

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