ECC to host LGBTQ consultant as guest speaker Nov. 14
The Department of Professional and Organizational Development at Elgin Community College will host Ronni Sanlo, Ed.D., for a special screening of the film "A Letter to Anita" and a community lesbian gay bisexual transgender workshop on Friday, Nov. 14. All events are free and open to the public and will be held in the Building B Community Room at the college, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
Sanlo is Director Emeritus of the UCLA (LGBT) Center and a frequent speaker and consultant on LGBT issues in higher education.
"We are pleased to have Dr. Sanlo visit our campus and share her experiences," says Sandi M. Brown, senior director of professional and organizational development/CELL. "We encourage members of the community to join us as we strive to create additional learning opportunities in the area of cultural competency and responsiveness; diversity; respect; and inclusion. By creating a culture of inclusivity and respect for 'everyone' through education, awareness, advocacy and understanding we can create an environment where students feel safe to take risks and engage in meaningful academic activities that lead to student success."
"A Letter to Anita," a documentary by Andrea Meyerson, will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and light refreshments will be served.
In 1977, Anita Bryant's anti-gay campaign, the "Save Our Children" coalition was formed. A year later, Sanlo came out as lesbian while living in Florida. Five months later, she lost custody of her two young children.
Narrated by Meredith Baxter, "A Letter to Anita" offers insight into the life experiences of Sanlo, from having her children taken away, to becoming an activist for the LGBT community. Sanlo's journey finally leads her to resolve and peace in the simple act of writing a letter.
Following the screening is the "LGBTQ Ally Development Workshop" from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. The purpose of this workshop is to provide the fundamentals needed to build on one's natural ally behaviors toward learning, and how to make durable, sustainable change by being proactive bystanders in the community, recognizing an array of homophobia in one's own life, and reflecting on one's power and privilege. Participants will learn how to be an ally to those who fall outside the male/female and/or man/woman spectrum.
Sanlo will be signing copies of her book from 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. The book signing is for workshop participants only. Those interested can reserve a seat by calling (847) 214-7676 by Tuesday, Nov. 11.