The Intersections of Equality Symposium

Contributed Photo

Saturday, April 30

The Greater Erie Alliance for Equality (GEAE), in conjunction with Penn State Behrend, will soon present the second Biennial Intersections of Equality Symposium. The conference is intended to engage and unite people in a movement toward full legal and social equality for all, and to partner members of the LGBTQ community with their straight allies to work for justice.

Several area advocates will host teaching sessions on different aspects of life in the LGBTQ community. Keynote speaker Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania's Physician General, will lecture on "The Status of Transgender Health Care and Rights in Pennsylvania." Other speakers include Dr. Hilary Kopp, LSW, and Will Koehler, LCSW, with "Viewing LGBQ&T/GA Youth through a Trauma-Informed Lens," Dr. T. Andrew Caswell, with "Gender Role: Conformity and Rebellion," and Dr. Darren Lee Miller, with a panel discussion entitled "Art Power! Access, Visibility, Community."

On the GEAE webpage is this motto: "One community, one voice." How do we attain that? Small steps, which at least indicate progress. The current state of the U.S. can certainly be disheartening at times, but there are ways to overcome that discouragement. For instance, educating ourselves on a subject, and then taking that education out into the world and advocating for others.

In 2016, when we can access the world with the click of a mouse, it is also time to recognize and celebrate our differences. To allow them to make the world a much better place, instead of living with unnecessary tension and fear. Reserving a spot at this symposium would be a great place to start. – Angie Jeffery

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. // Reed Student Union Building, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College //4701 College Dr. //  Limited seating; $25 requested donation includes continental breakfast and boxed lunch. Continuing Education Credit available for $35. // For more information, contact geaeinfo@gmail.com or 866-229-1974.