“Since this is only the second annual teach-in, we left it open for presenters to choose a topic that they were passionate about,” said Veronica Jacobs, associate director for multicultural education.

Presenters shared their personal stories, research, activism and intersectionality. Topics included LGBTQIA+ in sports and the armed forces, as well as the connection between the Latinx community and its battle with intersectionality and the lives of gay men throughout the 1930s to 60s.

Emily Diaz ‘24, a political science major and women and gender studies minor, presented on “Latinx Voices and Intersectionality.” Her discussion consisted of sharing her individual experiences with being a student of color, her education, identity and how she learned to be her authentic self.

Ellie Beargon, an adjunct professor, explored the topic “Diverse warriors: the changing experiences of LGBTQ servicemembers.” The topic focused on Beargon’s ethnographic research about the battles of sexuality in the military and her personal connection as a six-year war veteran.

Robert Young, the public services librarian for the Arnold Bernhard Library presented, “Gay men's lives before Stonewall: mid-20th-century snapshots as visual historical documents,” and told the story of what life was like for gay men by using pictures, posters and other forms of visuals. Young has spent years collecting photos and exploring the many ways gay men lived and sometimes hid their sexuality to not be judged, ostracized and violently attacked.

The presenters for the event ranged from diverse backgrounds, gender pronouns, occupation and sexual orientation which goes perfectly with Quinnipiac’s efforts to make its campus an inclusive environment for all. The Associate Director of Multicultural Education for the DCGE and coordinator of the event Veronica Jacobs, shared her thoughts on why events like this are important.

“Most people want to feel seen and represented in the environments they inhabit, and that’s part of what this teach-in does,” said Jacobs. “It allows students in all class years to see and hear the voices of presenters who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual and other identities who share their vulnerability, coming out stories, challenges and triumphs."

Jacobs shared her hopes for future LGBTQIA+ teach-ins.

“Since this is only the second annual teach-in, we left it open for presenters to choose a topic that they were passionate about. Folks talked about their personal stories, research, activism and intersectionality, so for the future, our goal is to thematize the teach-in and potentially invite more LGBTQIA+ presenters from the local community or other schools to join us."

Other presentations included: “Representation matters: the societal impact of LGBTQ representation in film and television,” by Professor of Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies William Jellison, “LGBTQ athletes: representation and activism,” by Kristen Casamento, associate athletic director for academic support and Alyssa Hyatt, senior associate athletic director for business and administration, “Adiós to all that: leaving home to find my latina, lesbian, immigrant self,” by Associate Professor of Journalism Margarita Diaz, and “‘A’ stands for ‘Asexual:’ a brief overview of the asexuality umbrella,” by Professor of Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies Lauren Sardi with Theater and Game Design student Amari O’Connor ‘24.

The Department of Cultural and Global Engagement promotes and sustains multicultural and global education by mentoring and advising students, facilitating transformative cultural experiences, preparing students to be responsible global citizens, and enhancing creative and critical thinking through local and global academic engagement. More information on the Department of Cultural and Global Engagement.