UR hosts Q-Summit conference for LGBTQ youth leaders

March 3, 2016

LGBTQ youth leaders from across the south will come together at the University of Richmond on March 26 for a one-day conference called Q-Summit, which focuses on LGBTQ and racial justice organizing. The event is designed for youth ages 17 to 25 who are engaged in LGBTQ work or are interested in connecting to ongoing efforts in their area.

The goal of Q-Summit is to provide a safe environment for youth activists to discuss issues affecting their communities. Many of the youth who attend will be invited to speak and lead sessions. The day will include skill sharing for organizing social justice events and movements and best practices to use during conversations about discrimination and equality.

“This year the Q-Summit is putting a more explicit focus on racial justice as it intersects with queer organizing in the south,” said University of Richmond junior Maddy Dunbar, who is the content manager and volunteer coordinator for the event. “The LGBTQ+ community struggles with issues of racism and colorism, and many queer people of color unfortunately struggle to find a place within the community.”

The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Tyler Haynes Commons. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The deadline to register is March 13.

Q-Summit is a partnership between University of Richmond’s Office of Common Ground, VCU's Gender Sexuality & Women's Studies Program, UR's Students Creating Opportunities, Pride, and Equality (SCOPE), SONG (Southerners On New Ground) and ROSMY.

For more information, schedule specifics and registration, visit the Common Ground Website.

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