University to observe Disability Awareness, LGBTQ History months

Monday, October 1, 2012

In October, UNC Charlotte will observe Disability Awareness and LGBTQ History months.  The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) has developed a diverse set of programs and events that celebrate the achievements of and build awareness about LGBTQ and differently abled individuals and communities.

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, MRC’s “Let’s Talk About It” discussion series will tackle the topic of ability in a public forum, and on Tuesday, Oct. 23, Staceyann Chin, the 2012 OUTSpoken speaker, will share her poetry, life experiences and perspective on race, gender and sexuality. 

MRC visitors will have the opportunity to interact with a display that honors significant LGBTQ and differently abled individuals, such as Langston Hughes, Marlee Matlin, Harvey Milk, Stephen Hawking, Aimee Mullins and Kate Bornstein (OUTSpoken’s 2007 featured speaker).

MRC-sponsored Disability Awareness Month and LGBTQ History month events include:  

Women of Color Conversation Series

12:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12, Student Union, Room 200

This dialogue will present an ethnically and professionally diverse group of thought leaders, experts and innovators. It is open to the campus community and will converge around topics that are particularly relevant to women.

Religion and the First Amendment in Higher Education (workshop)

12:30, Tuesday, Oct. 16, Student Union, Room 261

This student workshop will facilitate an exploration of issues related to religion, the First Amendment and higher education. It is designed to examine the premise of separation of church and state; to develop an understanding of the University's interpretation of the principle; and to explore current programs, policies  and practices that are impacted.

Let's Talk About It: Ability

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, Student Union, Room 261

Have you ever been worried that you would say the wrong thing - is it handicapped, disabled, ability- challenged or something different?  Who needs assistance?  How can you help without offending?  Led by the Multicultural Resource Center (MRC), the Let's Talk About It Discussion Series focuses on areas of diversity through prompts that spark discussion. This event is open to the general public. 

OUTSpoken presents: Woman Talk: from Girlhood to Motherhood featuring Activist-in-Residence Staceyann Chin

7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 23, Cone University Center, McKnight Hall

Jamaican-born Staceyann Chin is an award-winning, internationally recognized poet and performer. She is currently the poet-in-residence at the Culture Project in New York. 

Working on C.U.E. (Consciously Using Ego)

Noon, Wednesday, Oct. 24, Student Union, Room 200

Guest facilitator Terre Lucas (director, Building Educational Strengths and Talents) will explore individual purpose and meaning.  The conversation will center on four critical themes:  (1) You matter; (2) So does everyone else;  (3) Practice everyday courage; and (4) See things differently.

Let's Talk About It: Age

5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30, Student Union, Room 261

There are four different generations in the American workforce, and numerous studies talk about how each generation is different. How can these generations work together effectively? Have you ever wondered about generational differences, and how they affect daily interaction in the workplace?  Come prepared to share thoughts and learn other perspectives.