By hosting a QTPOC Speaker Series at Wayne State University, Cara Mitrano hopes to recognize and showcase the incredible leadership, activism, and service of the community's LGBTQ siblings of color in Detroit.
"They have been doing this work for decades, often without the credit they deserve, and sometimes have to pay the price of violence and discrimination," said Mitrano, a senior undergraduate student at WSU and founder of the LGBT Student Advisory Board.
"By learning about the ongoing organizations and initiatives already happening around the city, WSU students, staff and faculty will be better able to leverage their skills and resources to amplify their impact."
Mitrano gained inspiration while attending Queering Racial Justice, an event hosted last September by the National LGBTQ Task Force, which centered the needs and experiences of QTPOC in the LGTBQ movement.
"Learning from so many amazing leaders of color and hearing how their experiences differed from my own gave me the idea to host a series of presentations by, for and/or about QTPOC," Mitrano said. "I chose February in honor of Black History Month and hope that the community, both on and off campus, joins me to celebrate through these events."
The QTPOC Speaker Series will be held at the WSU Student Center Building, 5221 Gullen Mall in Detroit.
Feb. 1, 7 p.m.
Lower Level Stage
Kickoff Jazz Concert with FCCB Small Ensemble
Feb. 4, 10 a.m.
Hillberry A
Hood Feminism with Dree Cooper and Fiyah Angelou
Feb. 6, 2 p.m.
Hillberry A
Welcoming LGBTQ Asylum Seekers with TJ Rogers
Feb. 9, 10 a.m.
Hillberry D
Power of Selfie Activism with Cassy Jones-McBryde
Feb. 13, 1 p.m.
Hillberry A
Historical Impact of Trauma on the Two-Spirit with Bridie Johnson
Feb. 20, 6 p.m.
Hillberry A
Being an Ally to Trans Women of Color with Julisa Abad
Feb. 25, 5 p.m.
Hillberry A
Empower and Resilience Workshop with Famika Edmond and Chunnika Hodges
For more information, please contact Cara Mitrano at [email protected].
