Fireign Blog

Approximately 1,500 individuals will gather in Bloomington, Indiana on February 13-15 for the 2009 Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender College Conference (MBLGTACC). This year’s conference carries the theme “Living Out Loud: Examining the Past to Enhance Our Future,” and its mission strives to empower all BLGTA individuals with the means to “truly live out loud.” In its 17^th year, the 2009 conference allows the continuation of conversations from prior conferences, and opens the ground for new dialogue.

Yet, the mission of the conference does not begin with the actual conference weekend itself. In fact, the planning process began in 2007 when Indiana University-Bloomington found out the conference would be hosted on its campus.  For the past year I have been volunteering as the Logistics Advisor for this conference, and have had the privilege of working within the BLGTA community in Bloomington.

Indiana University-Bloomington is fortunate to have immense support from its very own Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Student Support Services (GLBTSSS), which has helped to engage students on its campus. The leaders from the GLBTSSS office continuously encourage activism, inspiring future generations to promote diversity, equality, and social justice. I constantly see GLBTSSS professionals step beyond their 8am-5pm office duties and serve as mentors and friends to Indiana University-Bloomington students.

The willingness for experienced BLGTA advocates in a university community to help students understand the importance of promoting and defending diversity immensely improves the campus climate. Additionally, the reciprocal exchange of teaching and learning between GLBTSSS professionals and its students strengthens the impact of advocacy efforts in the community. It is important for other U.S. universities to note the way the GLBTSSS office at Indiana University-Bloomington provides resources and a supportive environment for students to enthusiastically plan one of the largest college conferences in the Midwest.

Many of the social change movements in the U.S. were fueled by the energy, enthusiasm, and passion of young people. Conferences like MBLGTACC 2009 build an activist base for social issues. Coupled with other organizations like Campus Pride, IGLYO, and theNational Gay and Lesbian Task Force, MBLGTACC 2009 provides an opportunity for conference attendees to share their experiences, ideas, and expertise on current issues affecting the BLGTA communities. The conference also provides young BLGTA activists with a wide array of workshops, three keynote speakers, three featured presenters, and two entertainment acts.

This community – comprised of students, faculty, staff, and Bloomington community members – has come together in a remarkable way to coordinate MBLGTACC 2009. I feel fortunate to work among a passionate group of individuals who serve as catalysts for social change.   

Tags: activism, Activists, Advocacy Efforts, Advocates, Bisexual Transgender, Bloomington Indiana, Campus Climate, Continuation, Conversations, Equality, Future Generations, Immense Support, Indiana University Bloomington, Living Out Loud, Mentors, Privilege, Reciprocal Exchange, Social Justice, Supportive Environment, Willingness