Come Out and Find Out: What We’re All About
The first ever Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center Conference on Saturday, September 30, promises challenging discourse on leading issues for our community.
Ever since New Paltz Mayor Jason West challenged state officials by marrying lesbian and gay couples in a public ceremony, our region has become a hot spot on the map of gay America. It is fitting then that Vanessa Shelmandine and the members of the Center’s Needs & Social Services Committee have attracted to Ulster County an array of nationally known speakers and local leaders on LGBTQ matters for the “Come Out and Find Out” conference. Taking place on Saturday, September 30th, the conference promises to deliver not only thoughtful, intelligent discourse but also a preview of the sort of programming the Community Center will offer on a regular basis.
The conference will feature a lively mix of discussion groups, workshops, and addresses by nationally acclaimed speakers and writers, and leaders from the Hudson Valley region.
- The Welcome Keynote — Ted Hayes, founding member of the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center. The following workshops will be held;
- Making Our History — Jonathan Ned Katz, pioneering scholar of gay history.
- Marriage Equality: A Movement, Not a Moment — Nora K. Yates, Field Director, Empire State Pride Agenda.
- Community Response to LGBTQ Youth Needs — Dr. Joyce Hunter, co-founder of the Harvey Milk School of the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
- Golden Men: The Power of Gay Midlife — Harold Kooden, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, activist, and author.
- Queer Ideas On Your Financial Future — James Tissot, Certified Financial Planner, President of Prism Planning in NYC.
- Intro To Transgender Issues — Sean M. Endress, MA, MSW, therapist, and educator.
- Queer Spirit: Transcending Traditional Experiences Of Organized Religion — Rev. Kenneth L. Walsh, member of the Hudson Valley clergy.
- Hot Monogamy For Women — Tina Robie, VP for Education and Training, Planned Parenthood of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc.
- Respect And Protect: Support And Advocacy For LGBTQ Youth — Rob Conlon, co-chair of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educational Network (GLSEN), and Sara Braun, Director of Center Lane, a Westchester based program serving LGBTQ youth.
Event organizer Shelmandine envisions the conference as a chance for members of our community, educators, health and social service professionals, and the general public to experience discussion of important topics in a manner that is “engaging and not purely academic.” She says that all speakers were picked for their authority within the LGBTQ community and for their expertise on issues relevant to us all. She expects that the conference will inspire dialogue and learning, and provide all of us with an exciting opportunity to experience the power of community. Δ
See more details and download the registration form.
- Doug Muller