ECC event looks at LGBTQA issues around the world
On Wednesday, Oct. 24, Elgin Community College will host the second event of its new "Critical Engagement" series with "Globally Gay," a TED talk featuring couple Jenni Chang and Lisa Dazols, who traveled the world to document inspiring and courageous stories of proud members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, and Asexual (LGBTQA) community.
The program will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Building C, Room C120, on the Elgin campus, 1700 Spartan Drive. The event is free and open to the public.
"In honor of LGBTQA History Month, we will take look at LGBTQA issues around the world and discuss how culture impacts sexual orientation and gender identity," said Liddy Hope, Ph.D., director of ECC's center for enhancement of teaching and learning (CETL).
"The purpose of this series is to create space for thought-provoking conversations about critical and emergent issues, and we welcome anyone who is supportive of our goal."
The event will be co-facilitated by ECC Wellness Professional Vinny Cascio, who serves as the co-adviser for Students Who are Not Silent (SWANS), a student organization at the college. Cascio has helped lead the charge in creating several important initiatives across campus, including weekly Pride Talks, Safe Zone Training and more.
He also serves as a community advisory board member for Equality Illinois, a nonprofit organization that consists of 35 LGBTQA individuals and allies who are involved in the policy development and agenda building necessary to secure and advance LGBTQA equality, social justice and intersectional action in Illinois.
ECC student Alex Dominquez will co-facilitate with Cascio and bring a student perspective to the discussion. Dominquez is a sociology major specializing in social inequalities and has served as the former vice president of SWANS and a student ambassador and mentor for a variety of ECC initiatives.
Last month, the "Critical Engagement" series examined social and cultural capital during "Secret Wealth," a discussion that was facilitated by ECC Student Life Coordinator Brittany Barber.
The "Critical Engagement" series is sponsored by ECC's CETL in collaboration with Student Life, Global/International Studies Team (GIST) and Multicultural and Global Initiatives Committee (MAGIC). Additional events will be forthcoming during the fall semester.
For details about the event or series, contact Liddy Hope at ehope@elgin.edu or (847) 214-7696.