PRIDE Month

Ace/Asexual Identities: Expanding the LGBTQIA+ Rainbow with Dr. Valerie Glass

Pride month celebrates sexual and gender minorities. One notable sexual orientation, the asexual (ace) spectrum, is often left out of discussions of LGBTQ rights and experiences despite the evolving presence of individuals identifying as ace spectrum. Ace spectrum identities encompass individuals who view themselves as notably “different” when it comes to sexual and/or romantic attraction. On one end of the ace spectrum are individuals who have no interest in a sexual relationship or a romantic relationship. At the other end of the spectrum are individuals who may experience sexual and/or romantic attraction in more varying ways (also known as demisexual or graysexual identities). This webinar will present research findings from a study with ace spectrum participants. The experiences of ace, demi, and gray identified individuals, the coming out process for ace spectrum identified individuals, the role of relationships in the lives of ace spectrum individuals, and the inclusion of these identities within queer communities will be discussed.

Minority Stress and Intersectionality in the LGBTQIA+ Community presented by Dr. Judith Cannon, NU MFT Faculty, and Kyle Lucas, NU MFT Student

How are you doing with the complex stress we are all currently experiencing? Are there differences for you as LGBTQIA+ community member or ally? How can we support each other through this? Join Dr. Judith Cannon, NU MFT professor, and Kyle Lucas, MFT student, in exploring minority stress and intersectionality in the LGBTQIA+ community in the context of the current racial, health, economic and political crises. We also explore minority strength and resilience and how we might draw on these to address the current challenges.

The Shot Glass Heard Around the World: The Commencement of LGBTQ presented by NU Alumnx, Dr. Gary Walker-Roberts

Come spend time with NU's Doctoral Candidate and Gender & Sexuality scholar, Gary Walker-Roberts, for a discussion on LGBTQIA+ inclusion and equity through the mindset of past, present and future. A few examples of discussion topics include, but not limited to: How small acts of acceptance and inclusion can build trust and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals; How to ""rise up"" when witnessing and/or experiencing uncomfortable and inequitable encounters, regardless if you identify as an LGBTQIA+ individual or an Ally; and How to advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals with a ""call-to-action"" mission in June (Pride Month) and beyond inside and outside the workplace and/or classroom. ""You can't hate someone whose story you know"" is one of Walker-Roberts' favorite quotes by Margaret J. Wheatley. Recognizing that our belief, ethical and value systems are built from influential experiences, which is unique to everyone. This webinar aims to create a safe, positive, respectful and motivative leaning experience for all. Come learn about Marsha P. Johnson, Jazz Jennings, Janet Mock, and others. Additionally, Walker-Roberts will share his personal narrative as an LGBTQIA+ individual and encourages you (if comfortable) to share your experiences. This webinar has a broad LGBTQIA+ focus but dives deeper on Transgender individuals' (the ""T"" in LGBTQIA+) visibility in our society. Walker-Roberts will be utilizing http://scalar.usc.edu/works/trans-visibility-/understanding-transgender?path=introduction to guide the webinar discussion.

Voices of Pride: LGBTQ+ History, Stories, and Ways to Advocate presented by Dr. Judith Cannon, NU MFT Faculty

Join us as we honor the 50th year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising by taking a brief tour through the history of LGBTQ+ communities over the last 50 years. We discuss major historical events and some social changes that have resulted from some of these events. Stories and experiences of LGBTQ faculty, staff, and students who identify as LGBTQ+ also connect these historical moments. Finally, a discussion on LGBTQ+ advocacy, inclusiveness, and applying social change to your own communities and within the multiple disciplines at NU are explored. 

You’ve Earned an A+ Celebrating the “A” in the Acronym LGBTQIAA++: Allyship At Its Finest Presented by Dr. Gary Walker-Roberts and Dr. Maggie Broderick

We know how much effort YOU have put into being an ‘A+’ Ally to the LGBTQIA+ community to ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion goals are met. Let’s take a moment to recognize the progress made while simultaneously providing a high level of ongoing education. This year for Queer Pride, Queer Assistant PT Professor, Dr. Gary Walker-Roberts, and Ally FT Associate Professor & Chair, Dr. Maggie Broderick partner together to celebrate areas where progress has been made in society and where the community still need your help! This is a unique opportunity to hear Queer Ally expert Dr. Broderick’s perspective on how to be a supportive ally for the community. We would love to hear how you are supporting the community as well. Come one, come all, and collect your grade of A+ and be ready for homework! You can do it!