Louisiana wants you

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

It’s time for the Ninth Annual Louisiana Queer Conference (LAQC), and Louisiana wants you to be there! This year’s theme is "Rainbow Resistance: Defining Our Existence,” with panels on Queer Studies and Queer Communities of Louisiana.

Yep, right there in the heart of Louisiana, they will be discussing queer issues.

“We will certainly have a sex-ed workshop and likely some art-themed workshops,” said Anna Foster, communications coordinator. “We're planning on having queer podcasts, magazines, and sexual/physical/mental health centers give their resources. This will let attendees know where they can go to be safe and welcomed in the state.”

The keynote speaker has not yet been announced.

The Ninth Annual Louisiana Queer Conference (LAQC), is a non-profit LGBT+ event that invites attendees from multiple states.

The LAQC, which started in 2011, provides leadership development, networking opportunities, and social support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) college students and their allies in Louisiana. The conference provides an annual venue for individuals to discuss ideas and collaborate on projects while building a statewide network to advance the LGBTQ movement.

“LAQC is a statewide, student-run, free conference inspiring Louisianans to LGBT+ activism and community solidarity,” added Foster. “We attract attendees from across the South to attend workshops and learn from speakers about the LGBT+ community and how they can better the world for queer people.”

Foster said the workshops are set up in 50-minute periods for interactive work and lengthier presentations. Examples include queer history, intersections of queerness and other identities, the work of your organization, sex education, queer identities 101, mental health, and activism.
“Other topics are welcome. If a presenter wants to participate but isn’t sure how to structure their presentation, our Panels Coordinator can offer help with that as well.”

Foster said the resource fair has limited spots that are filled as we receive emails requesting them. During the lunch period, a series of tables will be set up for attendees to learn about different organizations and receive resources that may interest them.

“The conference is structured around a keynote speaker, panels, a resource fair, and workshops with an after-party sponsored by the LSU LGBTQ+ Project.”

This event will be March 30 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Business Education Complex at Louisiana State University. To register, visit this link: Louisiana Queer Conference registration.

Copyright The Gayly. 3/3/2019 @ 8:38 a.m. CST.