Queer and Now is a conference on LGBT issues that will take place Tuesday, June 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at De Anza College in conference rooms A and B. We did a Q and A with Queer and Now host Brandon Davis, 23, communications major.
What is Queer & Now about?

“The goal is to focus on creating safe spaces for folks who identify queer. This conference aims to share how easy, fun and important it is to understand other people’s experiences. It’s going to be an eye-opening day for all of us in understanding the power we have to make incredibly positive changes that make our environments welcoming and inclusive.”

Why is it important to have a program like Queer and Now on campus?

“We need to know what holds us back from being most inclusive. When we, as a campus, are aware of social inequities, a change must be made. Everyone will leave feeling empowered to be their true selves and understand how to be an ally to those wishing to do the same.”

How would students benefit from attending the event?

“I have been rewarded with a stronger sense of community, and have had the pleasure of being around people who care about my presence. Students will have a larger network of support and all the resources needed to make an impact in shaping a more inclusive space. With the caliber of the speakers presenting, this event is already jam-packed with excitement and powerful knowledge!”

What are your hopes for future Queer and Now events?

“I truly hope that Queer & Now begins a conversation of issues impacting the success of our students at De Anza. I am excited for Queer & Now to continue annually and build healthier and stronger relationships within higher education. Longer-term goals include reaching an even larger audience and continually growing to be most effective in this work.”

A variety of workshops will go on throughout the day. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

For a full schedule of Queer and Now, visit the event’s Facebook page: Queer and Now LGBTQQI Conference at De Anza College.

Queer and Now conference schedule

8:30 a.m. Check-in/Registration

9:15 a.m. State of LGBTQQI Affairs at De Anza – Jean Miller Resources Room

9:45 a.m. Keynote: Tiffany Woods; Focus on Intersectionality and Being an Ally within the Community and between communities

10:40–11:20 a.m. Plenary 1: Creating an Inclusive Campus (Institutional Consistency): Thomas Ray, Tiffany Woods and Adrienne Keel

11:20 – noon Plenary 2: Interpersonal Dynamics/ Calling in vs. Calling Out: Sinclair Sexsmith, Francisco X. Alarcon, and Mia Mingus

12:00, Entertainment by, De Anza student Brandon Davis. Keynote: Mia Mingus, followed by De Anza student, Hakwoo Kim.
1:30- 2:20 p.m. Student Facilitated Workshops:

– “LGBTQ Families.”

– “Police Brutality and The LGBT Community: A History.” – “Overcoming Internalized Oppression.”

– “The Intersectionality of Trans Women of Color.”

2:30–3:20 p.m. Student Facilitated Workshops:
– “Trans kids 101.”

– What is a Hate Crime on the LGBTQ Community?”

-Working Toward Being a Better Ally.”

– “Gender, Expressionand Discrimination: Laws and Policies.”

3:30–4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions with each of the guest speakers: Francisco X. Alarcon, Mia Mingus, Tiffany Woods, and Sinclair Sexsmith: Queer Erotics: Writing Workshop

4:15–4:45 p.m. Spoken Word Presentations led by Sinclair

4:45–5:30 p.m. Next Steps/Harvest