Learn More Series - "We're Not Going Back": Protecting and Advancing LGBTQIA+ Rights in 2022

Date: Wednesday, Oct 26, 2022

Time: 12:00 - 1:45 pm

Place: Hillel House, 213 Bay State Rd, 4th floor

Despite all of the progress that the LGBTQIA+ community has made, there is a wave of transphobia and homophobia sweeping the nation. This year alone, there have been more than 200 pieces of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation introduced in 36 states with the majority being anti-trans legislation focused on youth, access to medical care, and bathrooms. We are also witnessing a correlation between authoritarian movements and a rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ movements and legislation worldwide.

Please join this all-star panel to discuss the state of affairs today locally and globally and what we can do protect and continue to advance LGBTQIA+ rights. Panelists include Naomi Washington-Leapheart, Director for Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs for the City of Philadelphia and Adjunct Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University; Urooj Arshad, Senior Program Manager for Dignity for All: LGBTQI+ Assistance Program at Freedom House; and Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

This panel will be moderated by BU Inaugural Innovator-in-Residence, Jonathan Allen.