LGBTQ+ History Month is the celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender achievements throughout history. Since these accomplishments are often unrecognized by the educational system, organizations need to educate their members and employees during LGBTQ+ History Month.
LGBTQ+ History Month was first celebrated in the United States in 1994, centering on National Coming Out Day, which occurs annually on October 11. This celebratory month was originally known as Lesbian and Gay History Month, and additional identity initials were added over time to increase the inclusivity of LGBTQ+ communities.
To commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month, the Office of Equity and Human Rights is hosting two virtual programs by Greg R. Baird, a global lecturer on LGBTQ+ Civil Rights and Equity and Inclusion.
Being a Voice of Change – Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022
What is an ally and what can you do to support the LGBTQ+ community? What are you doing to foster a positive and healthy community that will leave a wonderful legacy? This program will inspire and motivate the entire audience on the power one person has to make a difference in the lives of so many. Baird will share stories and insightful information on how all of us can be supportive allies in our workplace and community incorporating pronouns and education. The lecture will inspire the audience to want to create change personally and within their own community. This is a multi-media lecture and focuses on the many unique events from Baird's life and the incredible people who are making positive changes in their communities.
Disarming Hate & Bigotry: Building an Inclusive & Accepting Community - Thursday, October 20, 2022
Now coming to a computer screen near you! Community, acceptance, and inclusion are now more important in our country than ever. This multi-media lecture will discuss and engage the audience on hate and bigotry in our community, schools, work, and the internet. Baird will also have a conversation about the shooting at Pulse Night Club on June 12, 2016, that left 49 dead and 53 injured. This will also include a short film directed and edited by Baird titled “2:02 A.M.” The lecture will share how we can be proactive to heal, educate, and embrace inclusion. This is a very important and timely lecture. Your audience will remember this presentation long after it's over.
How to register
To register for one or both programs visit Eventbrite at https://historymonthoctober.eventbrite.com.
If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this meeting please contact Human Rights Coordinator, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
About the presenter
Greg R. Baird has been a lecturer, educator, writer, and social activist for 28 years. An engaging speaker with heart and humorous insight, Baird has spoken to audiences on such topics as equal rights, inclusion, acceptance, community, peace, and anti-hate/bullying. An important voice of the LGBTQ+ community, Greg’s lecture is inclusive for all audiences. His audiences have commented that they don’t feel talked at during his lecture, but rather engaged and connected. His message offers hope, compassion and understanding. Baird will leave you motivated to share your story, discover your legacy, and be the voice of change in your own community.
As an important voice of the LGBTQ+ and straight ally community, Baird's lecture is a reminder we all need to respect and educate each other in all communities.
Original source can be found here.
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