LGBTQ History Month events announced at Fairfield University

LGBTQ History Month events announced at Fairfield University


Image: LGBT flag As part of LGBTQ History Month, Fairfield University will hold a series of events in October that focus on the experiences of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community. The Academic and Student Affairs divisions have worked together to present programming that is intended to bring together students, faculty, staff and alumni to reflect on the history, culture and future of the LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ History month events include an exciting mix of films, speakers, and an alumni panel. All events are free and open to the public.

Opening the series on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m . will be a panel discussion on being openly gay in the workplace and strategies for career success while embracing diversity. "Out of the Workplace" will be led by Fairfield University alumni in Room 206 of the Barone Campus Center.

A lecture on "Writing, (Homo)Sexuality and Race in the Andes" on Thursday, October 14, at 7:30 p.m., will feature Dr. O. Hugo Benavides, associate professor of anthropology and director of the M.A. Program in Humanities and Sciences at Fordham University.  Dr. Benavides will discuss the manner in which politics, history, homosexuality and race are linked in the Andean cultural landscape. The author of three well-respected books and numerous articles on Latino Studies, he will draw on his analysis of two Andean literary statements in discussing social change, sexuality and politics in Latin America. The event takes place in the Kelley Center Presentation Room.

Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow flag, will speak about human rights, activism and his place in history on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Commons in 42 Bellarmine Road. He was encouraged to create what would become the internationally recognized symbol of the LGBTQ rights movement by his friend Harvey Milk and the first rainbow flag made its debut in the June 1978 San Francisco Gay Pride Parade. Since then, Baker has created flags for the Premier of China, the President of France, The President of Venezuela, the President of the Philippines, and the King of Spain, among many others. He continues to sew, create iconic fine art, and tell his account of the LGBTQ rights movement as a way of preserving history and preparing for the future.

"All Love: An LGBTQ Film Series," presents the following films on three consecutive Tuesdays at 7 p.m., beginning October 12, in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library Multimedia Auditorium on the lower level of the library:

Were the World Mine
Tuesday, October 12, at 7 p.m..
Shakespeare meets Glee! In a twist of fantasy, Timothy concocts a Shakespearean love potion with the power to turn people gay. He starts with his Rugby-jock object of affection and soon the entire town is feeling the effects. Packed with great musical numbers, this film is a celebration of love. Dr. David Gudelunas, an associate professor of communication, whose research focuses on the representations of gay men and lesbians, will introduce the film and facilitate a post-screening discussion.

But I'm a Cheerleader
Tuesday, October 19, at 7 p.m..
Megan is a popular high school cheerleader who is more interested in the girls on her cheerleading team than the male athletes. Her worried parents send her to an ex-gay camp. This comedy helps set the record straight, so to speak that people are who they are and the world should embrace the diversity. Dr. Sally O'Driscoll, co-cordinator of the film series and associate professor of English, will introduce the film and facilitate a post-screening discussion.

Prodigal Sons
Tuesday, October 26, at 7pm.
The beauty of Kimberly Reed's documentary film is in its complexity. It is an exploration of family, sibling rivalry, adoption, domestic violence, mental illness, love, lesbian, gay and transgendered family members, and yes discovering that your real grandparents are Hollywood royalty. Philip Bahr, co-cordinator of the film series and Reference and Media librarian, will introduce the film and facilitate a post-screening discussion.

LGBTQ History month events are sponsored by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, The Humanities Institute, Office of Student Diversity Programs, Office of New Student Programs, Office of Residence Life, Office of the University Chaplain, Department of Communication, Women's Studies Program, Alliance student group and Fairfield University LGBT Alumni.

The Alliance student group invites all members of the Fairfield University community - graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, staff and alumni, to a social mixer that celebrates LGBTQ History Month immediately following Gilbert Baker's talk. Refreshments and friendly conversations will be provided.

Posted On: 09-21-2010 10:09 AM

Volume: 43 Number: 48