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In this study I aim to examine the uses of kinship, language and naming practices, and gender performativity within and beyond the drag community of the United States and how each of these elements plays a role in national transgender progression. My data was collected through surveys, interviews, and a textual analysis of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Based on my findings, I argue that drag community and its media presence over the last two decades has led to a national transgender progression within the United States.

L1-type cell adhesion molecule (L1-CAM) is a synaptic membrane protein that is associated with L1 syndrome, which exhibits spasticity, intellectual disability and hydrocephalus Neuroglian (Nrg) is the invertebrate homologue of L1-CAM in Drosophila melanogaster. In vitro studies have shown L1-CAM is proteolytically cleaved and the intracellular domain (ICD) translocates to the nucleus. There it is involved in the upregulation of genes that are involved in DNA damage response, cell cycle progression, apoptosis and cellular differentiation. In some forms of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) proteolytic cleavage of L1-CAM are enhanced. We studied the effects of expression of NrgICD in vivo. Our results indicate that ubiquitous expression of NrgICD like its vertebrate homologue resulted in upregulation of NBS1 and c-myc in Drosophila. We found that the ubiquitous expression of NrgICD resulted in reduced viability in various models of oxidative stress. This suggests that enhanced proteolytic cleavage of Nrg/L1-CAM contributes to the pathology of AD. Our results may provide new insights into the cellular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.

Cellular oxidative stress occurs when oxidant formation rate exceeds neutralization rate, shifting intracellular redox homeostasis and leading to cytotoxicity. Oxidants stimulate the Antioxidant Response Pathway (ARP) which activates Nrf2 transcription factor, increasing expression of antioxidant genes. Oxidative stress is implicated in many diseases and thus chemically targeting the ARP represents high therapeutic potential. Ironically, however, current drugs intended to simulate the ARP are electrophilic and function by inducing oxidative stress, thereby activating Nrf2. Therefore, non-oxidative alternatives for these drugs will increase therapeutic index, safety, and effectiveness especially in treating Rheumatoid Arthritis or Multiple Sclerosis. An initial chemical library screen of 403,862 compounds for non-electrophilic properties led to 28 hits and subsequent cell viability and ARP induction assays further decreased this number to five. Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) analysis revealed a single compound series that demonstrated preferential characteristics on all fronts tested in vitro. Further in vivo studies are needed to verify translational therapeutic properties.

A priority of the aquaponics industry is increasing sustainable production yields on a large scale. In partnership with Morning Star Fishermen and Greener Planet Solutions, I conducted a side-by-side experimental comparison of two backyard-sized aquaponics systems with an equal biomass composed of tilapia, lettuce, and kale. One system received supplemental dissolved oxygen using Greener Planet Solutions’ PrO2-021 Oxygen Delivery System while the control system received no supplemental oxygen treatment. The systems were monitored for a period of three months. At the conclusion of the experiment, I found the biomass of all the observed plants species to be significantly higher in the supplemental oxygen system than in the control system, while the difference in fish growth between the systems was found to be nonsignificant (4.44g/cm vs. 4.62g/cm respectively).

Judge Lee currently serves as an Acting Circuit Judge and the Chair of the Civil Division of the Broward County Court. He continues to speak about the court system to numerous organizations and schools throughout the country.

Jason Parsley is the executive editor of the South Florida Gay News. He was born in Louisville Kentucky and currently lives Boynton Beach with his partner Aydin Koymen.

Atticus Ranck, at the time of this interview, is the Director of Transgender Services at SunServe. He was born on February 13 1989 and raised in Lancaster, PA and graduated from Slippery Rock University in May 2012 with a degree in Creative Writing. He graduated with his Masters in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Florida Atlantic University in May 2015. In his current position (March 2016), he is an educator, advocate, and case manager helping transgender adults as they navigate a world that has no place for them. For his work, SunServe has been awarded “Best Place for Trans Folks” by South Florida Gay News (SFGN) magazine. In addition, Atticus is proud to be included in SFGN South Florida 2016 OUT50 as a prominent leader in the local LGBT community. In his free time, he enjoys restoring furniture.

F. Jouseph Sliba was born in Colombia on July 9, 1979. He grew up in Long Island and New York City, NY and moved to several cities around the country before settling down in Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2009. Mr. Sliba graduated with a BA in Fashion Merchandising in May 2005 and worked for 10 years in the fashion retail industry. Now he is perusing a Masters in College Student Affairs and works in higher education helping college students with financial aid and administrative issues. Mr. Sliba also volunteers at a few LGBTQ non-profit organizations that enrich the lives and culture of the LGBTQ youth in South Florida. Mr. Sliba is passionate about working out at Crossfit, eating healthy and creating a balanced lifestyle.