UA Little Rock to Host LGBTQIA History and Literary Freedom Panel
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will hold a panel discussion Oct. 19 exploring LGBTQIA+ history, narratives, and literary freedom.
The panel discussion will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 19 in Dickinson Hall Room 100. Prior to the discussion, a reception will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. in the Rainbow Center, Dickinson Hall Room 104. Following the panel discussion, the Rainbow Alliance will hold a game night starting at 4:30 p.m. in the Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall.
The panelists include Nate Coulter, executive director of the Central Arkansas Library System; Regena Grotjohn, assistant dean of student affairs and diversity initiatives at the William H. Bowen School of Law; Dr. Kris McAbee, co-director of the School of Literary and Performing Arts; and Dr. Jim Ross, associate professor of history. Sharon Downs, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs – wellness and inclusion, will serve as the moderator.
The panel will explore a deeper understanding of LGBTQIA+ history and the role of literature in shaping social change, stories of resilience, courage, and creativity that have emerged from the LGBTQIA+ community, and the ongoing struggle to protect LGBTQIA+ voices in literature.
Register for the free event by filling out this online form. Participants will be entered into a drawing to win the following books: “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, and “Red, White, and Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston. The event is sponsored by the Diversity Council, Ottenheimer Library, Safe Zone, and the Office of the Chancellor.
