State University of New York announced the program for its groundbreaking SPECTRUM Conference which will discuss and address issues impacting the LGBTQIA+ community on campuses and across the country. The conference will feature groundbreaking figures in the fields of sports, fashion and law, including:
Schuyler Bailar (he/him), the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division 1 men’s team
Matt Berstein (he/they), is a creator and social media influencer with a confrontational approach using logic and humor
Amber Briggle (she/they), is an activist, speaker, writer, and mother of a transgender child whose family has made headlines for being subjected to attacks from the Texas state Attorney General
Additionally, the two-day conference will feature an array of experts discussing how campuses can become more inclusive and supportive, institutions can provide queer-allied emotional care, among several other topics.
It will take place September 15 and 16 in person at SUNY’s Global Center in Manhattan. SPECTRUM is open to the public, educators, and is free for all SUNY students.
Individuals can register at this link: www.suny.edu/events/spectrum.
“The LGBTQIA+ community is diverse and dynamic, the struggles these students encounter are unique and, as leaders in higher education, SUNY is committed to continually fostering a more inclusive campus community. That has never been more urgent than now when, sadly, there are attempts being taken across this country to roll back equality and protections we fought so hard to achieve,” said SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley. “We are here to send a message to every LGBTQIA+ individual that New York welcomes you, SUNY welcomes you, and we will do all we can to guide positive change on college campuses.”
SUNY Cobleskill President Marion Terenzio said, “An inclusive spirit is the beating heart of SUNY, exemplified in the phrase SUNY for all. As our collective of higher education institutions continues to live by our motto to learn, to search, to serve, we are ever-mindful of the challenges we must continue to meet in the name of equitable treatment and access for all students. The conversations at SPECTRUM will further energize our commitment, system-wide, and beyond to outwardly support one another in a time that, although uncertain, will ultimately strengthen our resolve to nurture and protect a SUNY for all.”
Amber Briggle said, “As a parent of a transgender child living in Texas, I feel the trauma that people in power enact against the LGBTQIA+ community – especially children – and those of us who love them. The conference serves as a way for us to address these harmful narratives and both elevate and destigmatize the conversation around queer youth. In a time when a majority of states have proposed or enacted anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation meant to erase the lives of queer people, we have a moral obligation to fight for a more inclusive environment where people can freely live as their authentic selves. I look forward to sharing my family’s story and continuing my advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community at this year’s SPECTRUM Conference, and I hope you’ll join me.”
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