October is National LGBTQIA+ History Month, dedicated to the recognition of the identities and contributions of people who are LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Intersex, Asexual and “+”—representing those whose identities are more expansive). We celebrate LGBTQIA+ activism, advocacy, self-affirmation, visibility, culture, and the ongoing movement toward equality.
In recognition of LGBTQIA+ History Month, UHart invites you to join us in honoring the diverse identities and contributions of our LGBTQIA+ community.
Join us for the Experiencing Belonging: “Share Your Story” Panel Discussion
- Date: Monday, Oct. 21, 2024
- Time: 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Location: Shaw Center
UHart students, staff, and community leaders will share their stories by reflecting on a time when they did or did not feel like they belonged. The discussion will give voice to our LGBTQIA+ community members on how we can foster a more inclusive culture of belonging at UHart.
Meet Our Panelists
Royston Lester, a first-generation student in the Criminal Justice program with a double minor in Sociology and Africana Studies. He is also in the pre-law program. “My own queer journey at UHart has been both beautiful and challenging—and that’s life, that’s my experience.”
Curtis Rodriguez-Porter, Managing Director of the Division of School Choice at the Capital Region Education Council (CREC). has been serving students and families in the greater Hartford area for more than 10 years. Curtis serves as Chair for the LGBTQ+ Commission for the City of Hartford, Young Professionals for Urban League Greater Hartford, past president for the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective, and director of community development for the Lambda Kappa CT Alumni Chapter for his fraternity Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
David Grant, Executive Director of the Health Collective. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) and a certificate in human rights from the University of Connecticut. He is pursuing a doctorate in law and policy from Northeastern University with the ambition of moving to Washington, D.C., to work on federal legislation. His focus areas are reducing housing insecurity for LGBTQ+ youth, increasing equitable healthcare access, and expanding economic opportunities for marginalized populations.
Zuleyka Contreras, Assistant Director of First Year Students, Office of Residential Life. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management with a concentration in marketing from Westfield State University. She also holds a master’s degree in higher post-secondary education from Salem Syracuse University. Zuleyka is being a fierce advocate for marginalized communities. She supports the Latino Scholarship Fund of Western MA as the Director of Student Affairs and is currently looking for similar opportunities in the greater Hartford area.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Maliqa Mosley-Williams, Assistant Director, Civic Engagement and Fraternity and Sorority Life, Division of Student Success.