2017 LGBT+ College Conference Schedule
Note: This is an archival copy of the schedule from the 2017 LGBT+ College Conference.
The links below are not being maintained. You may use this page to learn about the
2017 conference events and participants.
Conference Theme – All Identities–Removing Obstacles to Inclusion
This year’s conference program will explore how key facets of identity–gender, race, culture, ethnicity, age, social class, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression–play a significant role in how we experience the world. We will hear from students, professionals, practitioners, and leaders on how access and opportunity intersect with identity to influence our interactions with education, commerce, community, government, and, most importantly, each other, and how to remove obstacles to inclusion based on identity.
Quick links
| Thursday, April 6 | Research and Examination |
| Thursday Evening | LGBT+ College Conference Film Festival |
| Friday, April 7 | Intersectons of Identity with the Broader Community |
| Friday Evening | Open Mic Performances |
| Saturday, April 8 | Working and Learning Sessions |
| Saturday evening |
LGBT+ College Conference Awards Dinner
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Thursday, April 6 - Research and Examination
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10:00 AM – 10:30 AM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN
James Union Building, Tennessee Room
James Union Building (JUB), 516 Alma Mater Drive, MTSU campus map coordinates B4
Parking: Bell Lot (green section), MTSU campus map coordinates A4
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM RESEARCH OPENING SESSION
Presented by: Dr. David Butler, Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, Middle Tennessee
State University
The Tennovation initiative is designed to bring together faculty researchers with members of the
community who have research needs. Tennovation is made up of faculty and centers in
higher education in Tennessee who can contribute research expertise to address critical
research needs of the Tennessee community.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Thursday, April 6, James Union Building, Tennessee Room
Posters highlighting collaboration within and between organizations and the community
will be presented.
Download: Conference Abstracts Book
Sponsored by: MTSU Department of Social Work
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM TENNOVATION keynote—Stigma towards the sexual and gender minority (SGM) community in health care: Studying it, addressing it, and moving forward in an unsupportive environment
Thursday, April 6, James Union Building, Tennessee Room
Evidence shows that enacted stigma or discrimination by a physician can lead sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients to avoid care for mental, physical, or sexual health conditions. Preliminary studies found medical residents and physicians calling for educational opportunities that address SGM health in medical schools. Some medical residents and physicians reported feeling uncomfortable with treating SGM patients based on false assumptions regarding the SGM community. Separate interviews with SGM patients from rural areas found that even when patients report positive experiences when seeking health care, they recommend physicians increase their awareness of SGM health issues. The need for more education is in line with professional medical organizations recognizing the need to support SGM patients in their policy. Despite recommendations that medical schools promote awareness and education on SGM health issues, only a small percentage of medical schools in the U.S. have programs in place to address SGM health, advocacy, and research. While the amount of schools implementing SGM health initiatives are growing, it is critical that doctors and researchers continue to identify ways to decrease stigma or discrimination toward SGM patients among medical students.
Prior to November 8, 2016, the research team had support from a medical school for
a pilot study that builds upon previous research to test the efficacy of a curriculum
intervention to increase SGM knowledge and awareness of first year medical students.
Soon after November 8th, despite previous support and pending IRB approval, the medical school backed out
of its support. Since then, the research team and other colleagues supporting SGM
research, have struggled to find support and participation for their research. This
presentation is dedicated to a discussion about conducting SGM research in a non-supportive
environment, finding best practices in navigating these challenges, and engaging areas
in academia and practice.
Presented by: Tara Prairie, Department of Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University
Sponsored by: MTSU Department of Health and Human Performance
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM LUNCH AND NETWORKING
The lunch break offers conference participants a chance to network and discuss potential
research needs and collaborations.
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM DATA BLITZ
The data blitz is an open mic opportunity for researchers to share proposed work,
current efforts, some of their newest research findings, and identify critical research
needs. Anyone (students, community members, conference partners) is welcome to present
ideas or research needs.
Thursday evening - LGBT+ College Conference Film Festival
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6:00 PM LGBT+ College CONFERENCE FILM FESTIVAL and reception (program begins at 6:30 PM)
Keathley University Center, Theatre
Keathley University Center (KUC), 1524 Military Memorial, MTSU campus map coordinates C4
Parking: Jones Lot, MTSU campus map coordinates C3,4
The festival will feature films submitted by attendees and community members from
around the globe.
Host: Allie Sultan, Assistant Professor, Electronic Media Communication, Middle Tennessee State University
Friday, April 7 - Intersections of Identity with the Broader Community
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8:30 AM – 9:00 AM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN
Unless otherwise indicated, Friday events will take place in the Student Union Building,
Ballroom A/B
Student Union Building (SUB), 1768 MTSU Boulevard, MTSU campus map coordinates E4
Parking: Student Union Lot, MTSU campus map coordinates E3
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM CONFERENCE OPENING ADDRESS
Presented by: Harold "Terry" Whiteside, Dean, College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Middle Tennessee State University
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM OPENING PLENARY DISCUSSION—removing obstacles to inclusion
Friday, April 7, Student Union Building, Ballroom A/B
Examination of the conference theme All Identities–Removing Obstacles to Inclusion is intended to provide insight into how to break down obstacles that might prevent
members of various groups from full participation in the broader community. Students
will benefit from considering the role of intersecting identities in creating obstacles
for individuals. Student affairs staff, faculty, and members of the business community
will learn strategies to identify and remove obstacles created by intersecting identities.
This panel serves as a preview of upcoming conference programming.
Moderator: Bea Perdue, Director of Development, College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Middle Tennessee
State University
Panelists:
Kimmberly Ensley CHC, PMP, Director, Market Compliance Officer - TN, AR, & MS, WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Dr. Bud Fischer, Dean, College of Basic and Applied Science, Middle Tennessee State University
Dezerick Frazier, Manager-Business Partner, Human Resources Department, Nissan North America
Ray Rico, Owner of Ray Rico Freelance, Publisher of Focus Midsouth Magazine
Dr. Ken Wright (Alumnus), Director Sports Management, Graduate Program, University of Alabama, U.S.
Anti-Doping Agency
Holly Zuckerman, Access Coordinator: Exam Accommodations and Deaf Services, Disability Resource Center,
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Resources:
Sponsored by: Nissan
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM KEYNOTE PRESENTATION AND LUNCHEON
Friday, April 7, Student Union Building, Ballroom A/B
Presentation of the documentary LGBT Life in Middle Tennessee Before Stonewall. See recorded and transcribed interviews with 28 subjects ranging in age from 63
to 85. The Brooks Fund History Project is a time machine that unlocks a secret chronicle
of Nashville: a world of carefully constructed covers, of teens trying desperately
to conform, of bygone bars and night spots passed along like secret handshakes. It
documents a city where closeted businessmen brokered weddings to lesbians to deflect
their bosses' suspicion, where devout LGBT citizens sought to reconcile faith and
family. (Lunch will be served immediately prior to the film.)
Presented by: Michael McDaniel, The Community Foundation
Discussion Moderator: Terry Bird (Alumnus), Chief Counsel to the Director of Immigration for Alabama, Georgia, South
Carolina, and North Carolina, Retired
Panelists:
Bob Duffey (Alumnus), Law Enforcement, Retired
Joey Gray, Associate Professor, Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University
Richard N. Pitt, Associate Professor of Sociology/Director of Graduate Studies, Sociology, Vanderbilt
University
Joshua Rigsby (Alumnus), Independent LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion Trainer and Consultant
Resources:
Friday, April 7, Student Union Building, Ballroom A/B
A foundational element of the conference’s initial conception, this panel explores
the “bottom line value” that organizations place on their capacity to create a culture
in which differences are respected and inclusion is strategically leveraged as an
organizational strength. Students preparing to enter the employment pipeline will
have an opportunity to gain insights on how potential employers' policies and practices
address various dimensions of diversity, including gender identity or expression and
sexual orientation. D & I professionals and other leaders in attendance will benefit
from open and honest dialog in building their knowledge and exploring new thought
leadership for the benefit of the work unit and organization.
Moderator: Dr. Patrick McCarthy, J.D., Professor, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University
Panelists:
Julia Dyer, Nashville Fashion Alliance, Director of Details
Renee McLaughlin, M.D., Senior Medical Executive, CIGNA
Conita Neal, Recruiting Consultant,Talent Acquisition/University Relations, Nationwide Insurance
John Rainwater, V.P. Credit Risk/Consumer Credit Policy Manager, First Tennessee Bank
John Rainwater, V.P. Credit Risk/Consumer Credit Policy Manager, First Tennessee Bank
Troy Simpson (Alumnus), Senior Director, Supply Chain Human Resources, Dollar General
Jennifer Sturgeon (Alumnus), Director of Consulting, HealthTrust
Jennifer Sturgeon (Alumnus), Director of Consulting, HealthTrust
Resources:
Sponsored by: MTSU Department of Psychology
Note: The Tracks are Student (S), Community/CORPORATE (C), Administrator/STAFF (A), and Faculty (F)
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Friday, April 7
Concurrent sessions are directed by thought leaders with content expertise who will present a problem. They will then lead the group through exercises designed to help participants explore the problem more fully.
SESSION I – First Tennessee ON CAMPUS (S)
Student Union Building, Ballroom A/B
An interactive session on financial wellness and the importance of credit (which can
impact a person’s job search and placement).
Presented by: Ben Altom, Customer Acquisition Manager, Vice President, First Tennessee Bank
Sponsored by: First Tennessee
SESSION II – LGBT+ and communities of color (CAF)
Student Union Building, room 224
Subtle (and not-so-subtle) racism is a part of the lived experience of LGBT+ people
of color. Whereas it might not be possible to eliminate racism from the lives of LGBT+
people of color, it is possible for campuses and workplaces to develop support systems
to help members of their community cope with the stress caused by the racism they
encounter.
Presented by: Dwayne Jenkins, Nashville Black Pride and Bobbie R. Porter, Director of Diversity and Equity Initiatives, Tennessee Board of Regents
Resources:
SESSION III – SAFE ZONE TRAINING (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM; S)
Student Union Building, room 210
Learn how to create a network of community and campus staff, faculty, and students
to support people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and/or gender expressions.
Presented by: The MTSU Safe Zone Training Team
Note: You must pre-register for Safe Zone training; participation is limited to the first 20 people who register.
Friday evening - Open Mic Performances
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6:00 PM LGBT+ College Conference Open Mic
Keathley University Center, Theatre
Keathley University Center (KUC), 1524 Military Memorial, MTSU campus map coordinates C4
Parking: Jones Lot, MTSU campus map coordinates C3,4
Local comedian Holly Amber will emcee an open mic for conference attendees to showcase
their talents. All types of performance are welcome, including comedy, slam poetry,
and musical performances.
Emcee: Holly Amber
Saturday, April 8 - Working and Learning Sessions
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8:30 AM – 9:00 AM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN
Unless otherwise indicated, Saturday events will take place in the College of Education
Building, Room 160
College of Education Building (COE), 1756 MTSU Boulevard, MTSU campus map coordinates D4
Parking: Student Union Lot, MTSU campus map coordinates E3 (overflow to Greenhouse
Lot, D,E3)
9:00 AM – 9:20 AM WELCOMING ADDRESS
Presented by: Bea Perdue, Director of Development, College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Middle Tennessee
State University
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM PLENARY DISCUSSION—personal reflections on obstacles to inclusion
Saturday, April 8, College of Education Building, Room 160
Panelists will discuss their experiences of obstacles to inclusion within the LGBT+
community based on aspects of their identity. Panelists will also suggest ways to
remove obstacles and build a more cohesive and welcoming community.
Moderator: Dr. William Langston, Professor, Department of Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University
Panelists: Panelists will be selected from conference attendees who will volunteer to participate.
10:45 AM – 11:45 AM The "plus" in LGBT+ keynote—Breaking Script: Intimacy and Consent in the Ace Community
Saturday, April 8, College of Education Building, Room 160
The LGBT+ acronym includes a number of identities that are not named by the "big 4"
letters. David Jay, founder of Asexuality.org, will discuss the history and politics
of the asexual, grey-a, and demisexual community with an emphasis on challenging a
view of emotional intimacy that is centered on sex. Participants in this workshop
will be invited to examine their own experiences of emotional connection and consent
through an ace lens.
Presented by: David Jay, Founder, The Asexual Visibility and Education Network
Introduction by: Justin Fox, Public Relations Officer, MT Lambda
Resources:
Sponsored by: MTSU Distinguished Lectures Fund
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM LUNCH Break/religious organizations fair
Saturday, April 8, College of Education Building, Lobby
Lunch will be provided to allow conference attendees to network and interact with
community organizations and groups participating the religious organizations fair.
Discussion topic: How can student organizations contribute to removing obstacles to inclusion?
Note: The Tracks are Student (S), Community/CORPORATE (C), Administrator/STAFF (A), and Faculty (F)
1:45 PM – 2:45 PM STRATEGY SESSIONS
Saturday, April 8
Strategy sessions are goal driven and led by thought leaders with subject matter expertise.
At the end of the strategy sessions, participants will have developed a plan of action
and/or next action steps to take back to their campus/workplace. Note: Crossing tracks
is encouraged for strategy sessions to ensure a variety of perspectives.
SESSION I – Not So out (SCAF)
College of Education Building, room 145
What can people do when they are not able to be out at home, in their major, on campus,
or in the workplace? How can organizations contribute to an environment where it is
safe for everyone to come out, and how can organizations support people who are not
yet able to be fully out? This strategy session is designed to develop concrete ideas
to address these questions.
Led by: Rebekah Dawson, President, MT Lambda, Alex Hall, Treasurer, MT Lambda, and Elizabeth Burns, Member, MT Lambda
SESSION II – Allyship (CAF)
College of Education Building, room 149
Allies play an important role in the LGBT+ community. This strategy session is designed
to help allies develop the skills to be effective.
Led by: Jessica M. W. Kratzer, Ph.D., Communication Department, Northern Kentucky University
SESSION III – springout! How to bring a high visibility event to campus (SCAF)
College of Education Building, room 249
One important role played by LGBT+ student organizations is to increase visibility
for all members of the community. High visibility events are a way to achieve this
goal. This session is designed to help student organizations identify and overcome
obstacles to plan, promote, and present high visibility events.
Led by: Joshua Rigsby (Alumnus), Independent LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion Trainer and Consultant
Note: The Tracks are Student (S), Community/CORPORATE (C), Administrator/STAFF (A), and Faculty (F)
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS
Saturday, April 8
SESSION I – HELPING STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS PRESERVE THEIR HISTORY (S)
College of Education Building, room 160
Student organizations can lose track of their history. This session will offer tips
on how organizations can preserve their history.
Presented by: Donna Baker, University Archivist, Middle Tennessee State University
Resources:
Internet Archive: https://blog.archive.org/about/ (If you see something, save something.)
Library of Congress Personal Archiving: http://digitalpreservation.gov/personalarchiving/
SAA Queer History Social Media Project: http://www2.archivists.org/groups/lesbian-and-gay-archives-section/queer-history-social-media-project
Library of Congress Personal Archiving: http://digitalpreservation.gov/personalarchiving/
SAA Queer History Social Media Project: http://www2.archivists.org/groups/lesbian-and-gay-archives-section/queer-history-social-media-project
SESSION II – SAFE ZONE TRAINING (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM; CAF)
College of Education Building, room 249
Learn how to create a network of community and campus staff, faculty, and students
to support people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and/or gender expressions.
Presented by: The MTSU Safe Zone Training Team
Note: You must pre-register for Safe Zone training; participation is limited to the first 20 people who register.
Note: This session will include a special presentation by Keith Barnes, Nutrition Advocate, Tennessee Justice Center on hunger in college and university
students and solutions available to campus staff to combat student hunger.
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM CONFERENCE CLOSING and ACTION PLAN REVIEW
Participants will "report out" key learnings from the conference, complete conference
evaluations, and make recommendations for next year's agenda.
Led by: Joshua Rigsby (Alumnus), Independent LGBT+ Diversity and Inclusion Trainer and Consultant
Saturday evening - LGBT+ College Conference Awards Dinner
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7:00 PM LGBT+ COLLEGE CONFERENCE AWARDS DINNER
James Union Building, Tennessee Room
James Union Building (JUB), 516 Alma Mater Drive, MTSU campus map coordinates B4
Parking: Along Old Main Circle, MTSU campus map coordinates B4 (overflow to KOM Lot,
B3)
Join us in a celebration of the conference attendees and presenters, and help us recognize
the remarkable achievements of our nominees and award winners.
Hosts: Orlando Andrews, Admissions Counselor, Journey Pure Treatment Centers and Jessica M. W. Kratzer, Ph.D., Communication Department, Northern Kentucky University
Music: Connye Florance, Nashville Jazz Workshop, accompanied by Kevin Madill
KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
Eric WatsonEric Watson is President and CEO of the Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development
Council (CVMSDC), a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, with more than 175
corporate members and 430 certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) members. Watson
is responsible for the development and execution of strategy to achieve CVMSDC’s vision
and goals of advancing business opportunities between major corporations and minority
business enterprises in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Central Virginia.
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Conference Contacts
Program Presentations and Participation
Professor William Langston (william.langston@mtsu.edu)
Sponsorships and Support
Development Director Bea Perdue (bea.perdue@mtsu.edu)
Corporate and Community Engagement
Corporate Advisory Board Chair Johnathan A. Johnson, LPC/MHSP (Johnathan@ndcacgroup.com)
Lambda hosts weekly meetings and membership is open to all currently enrolled MTSU students who act in good faith of Lambda's Constitution and Community Standards. Membership dues are announced at the beginning of each academic year and can be paid at any time.
