Dr. Remolia Simpson has a passion for the welfare of veterans and travel. Both came as a result of her time in the military.
She channels her concern for the welfare of veterans through her nonprofit organization – My Brothers House.
My Brother's House is dedicated to providing safe, supportive housing and counseling services for veterans of the six US Armed Forces branches and their families.
While in the military and afterwards, Dr. Simpson has traveled the world. She sees herself as a global citizen and currently is living and working from the Caribbean island of Grenada. Grenada is an island country located between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. It is known for its spice exports and St. George's University a private medical school and international university.
She encourages others to look beyond geographical boundaries for opportunities and shares how thanks to the magic of the internet she is able to have the best of both worlds – managing and building My Brothers House while enjoying the warmth of her Caribbean community.

Collections by Michelle Brown

Dr. Remolia Simpson: Global Citizen, Veterans Advocate

She's an internationally renowned concert pianist, an orchestral conductor, a spoken word artist, award-winning filmmaker, and talk show host and now Nina Gamble Kennedy can add author - Lambda Literary Award-winning author to her list of accomplishments with the publication of her memoir "Practicing for Love: a Memoir."
Born in Nashville, TN, Nina was presented in her first complete piano recital at nine years old. She received her first musical instruction from her parents who were both members of the historic Fisk Jubilee Singers.
After her 1987 New York debut at Lincoln Center, she embarked on her second European tour performing and residing in several European countries. She also served as conducting apprentice with the New York Philharmonic.
Kennedy is the subject of a mini-documentary titled Portrait: An American Concert Pianist, produced for broadcast on PBS. 
In 2006, she directed and produced an award-winning feature-length documentary film about her father who was also a concert pianist and had been a director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
She is the host of The Noshing with Nina Show, broadcast on MNN, BRIC (Brooklyn Information and Culture Network), and Bronx Network which recently won the 2021 B Free Entertaining Award.
In her memoir “Practicing for Love” Nina tells it all - sharing her life as a child prodigy, and musical genius from growing up in Nashville, TN to performing worldwide as a celebrated concert pianist, orchestral conductor, spoken word artist, filmmaker, TV host and more.

Pianist, Film Maker Now Award-winning Author Nina Kennedy

This daughter of Indian immigrants, desi diasporic, queer non-binary femme traces her roots across homelands that stretch from Manhattan skylines to New Jersey suburbs and mango trees that grow in India.
Marie comes from a long lineage of storytellers and her creative writing explores the contours of immigrant family life, queer invisibility grief and resilience. Her poem, “Rearranging the Bones” was published in the book “Imanimam: Poets Writing in the Anzalduan Borderlands.”
She shares an unpublished work that she wrote about 20 years ago – “Reflections of the Glass Divide.” Although unpublished this powerful piece has been used in various settings to foster conversation helping others to realize what it is like to walk in the shoes of those often seen as “the other” by the majority culture.
Marie is the Senior Advisor for the CUNY Start program at Bronx Community College in New York. She is passionate about expanding college access for communities of color, first-generation students, LGBTQIA+ individuals, recent immigrants, and undocumented students.

Marie Varghese: A Desi Diasporic, Queer Non-Binary Femme

You may know Debbie David as a visible member of metro-Detroit’s transgender community. You may know her from her days at the aahCapella Theater in the NoHo arts district in North Hollywood California. And if you are a Star Trek fan, you know her for her recurring role as Ensign Russell on both The Next Generation and Voyager series. Her career includes performances as a background or extra on a host of television series and movies.
Her path from Shelbyville, Kentucky to New York, Hollywood, and ultimately metro-Detroit, as an actor and trans woman, has been filled with challenges and pain both personally and professionally.
She shares so much -the good, the bad, even the not so pretty - no regrets.
Activist, singer, and former actor Debbie David is the National Secretary of the United States Transgender Advocacy. She hosts Dragopolist Television’s Debbie in the D. 
Debbie in the D is broadcasting news about this year’s Pride Season activities while working to Aid Trans-Persons and Educate the Public.
As a  member of Christ the Good Shepherd's old Catholic church, Debbie videos the little church with the big heart’s weekly services.

Do You Remember Debbie D. David

It’s time for the 2022 Esteem Awards once again recognizing positive images from the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ)+ community in the African American and communities of color.
Since 2007, the Esteem Awards has honored over 300 local and national organizations and individuals for their continued efforts in supporting the areas of entertainment, media, civil rights, social services, business, and the arts. 
Phil Esteem is the founder and producer of the annual event.
This year’s 15th annual event will again take place at the Sidetrack Video Bar in Chicago on July 2nd. The event is free and will be co-hosted by womanist/writer/professor & Author M. Shelly Connor with a special performance by award winning comedy trailblazer Sampson McCormick.

15th Annual Esteem Awards Returns in Person

Pride in the Pews is reimagining what inclusion looks like in Black churches. Launched in 2020 by Pastor Don Abram, Pride in the Pews collects and shares stories of LGBTQ+ people in the Black Church and includes a group of eight historically Black religious denominations and other Christian groups that primarily minister to African Americans. 
Our guest Calvin Taylor Director of Partnerships and Program of Pride in the Pews, leads workshops in activities about statistics of LGBTQ+ members in Black churches. 
The organization will be recognized at this year’s Esteem Awards in Chicago.

Pride In The Pews 2023

Dion Alexander McNeal received the 2023 Next Generation Leader Esteem award for their work as an HIV Advocate. 
On their site Hopeful in Victory they discuss dismantling HIV stigma one conversation at a time.
This Black queer nonbinary, Artist/Activist &amp; Author will be a
panelist at Artists in the Afternoon 3: The Write Passion and
Purpose in Atlanta this Labor Day weekend on September 2nd
They will also be speaking at the Rainbow Café LGBTQ Center
Annual Gala in Illinois Garden Grove Center on November 4th. It will
be an evening of community, advocacy and gratitude.
We met at the Esteem Awards this year in Chicago and the
connection was immediate and deep. 
Originally from Chicago, they now live and work in Atlanta where they are  the Communications Manager at Morehouse College.

Esteem Awardee: Dion Alexander McNeal

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga during the aftermath of the Watts riots as a non-Christian, specifically African-American, holiday.  The goal was to "give black people an alternative to the existing holiday traditions and give black people an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the seven principles.
Expanding on the history of Kwanzaa and Adoma a leader in Detroit’s LGBTQ+ community and nationally recognized lecturer and activist.
Kwanzaa 2023 begins on Tuesday, December 26, and lasts through Monday, January 1, 2024. The planning for the annual Kwanzaa celebration has begun. This year's Planning Committee has gone NATIONAL thanks to the historic virtual gatherings of the past three years.

Dr. Kofi Adoma Breaks Down Kwanzaa 2023

Carrie Sinclair Vine is the Executive Director of the Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Founded in 2000 the Center's mission is to “provide a safe and welcoming environment for youth who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, or questioning their orientation, and their friends, by creating a space in which they are affirmed and offered non-judgmental support and access to personal, community, and spiritual resources.”
It offers programs and services for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies from throughout southern Illinois, including some who traveled an hour each way to attend.
They recently moved in to a larger space allowing the Rainbow Cafe to provide assistance to individuals of all ages .
Carrie Sinclair Vine is not just the Executive Director, she is co-Founder/ Board Member at GRIS- Golden Rainbows of Illinois South. She is deeply passionate not just about the Rainbow Cafe but the well-being of Carbondale as a safe haven for all.

Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center: A Safe Space in Southern Illinois

Naoml Washington Leaphart is the Strategic Partnerships Director at Political Research Associates, Government Fellow at Religion & Public Life at Harvard Divinity School and Minister at The Fellowship Of Affirming Ministries.
Her career has also included serving as Government Fellow at Religion & Public Life at Harvard Divinity School, Adjunct Faculty at Villanova University,  Director for Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs in Philadelphia’s Mayor's Office of Public Engagement, and  Faith Work Director at National LGBTQ Task Force, which is where we first met,  among other stops along the way as a faith leader.
Although women in the past fulfilled primarily were limited to supportive roles in serving the church, today in most denominations you will find women leading the way as leaders not only in the pulpit but, but like our guest, in government, academia and other areas fighting for social justice.  
In these culturally polarized days why do we need women, particularly in the clergy, to lead?

Leapheart 2024: Still Strong Smart Bold in Faith

Marques Coley was born in Carlsbad, CA but Michigan has been home most of his life. The oldest of four children, he always knew he was different but just didn't know how. His journey to self-discovery began at a young age and has been journaling since he was fourteen. Inspired by his 8th grade teacher, he learned different styles of writing and incorporated it into in his journal. 
His book "Being That Kid" is a coming out story, his coming out story but so much more. It's where Marques shares his truth and hopes that by doing so it will start conversations for and about folks who have been that kid.

Meet Marques Coley Author of "Being That Kid"

May is Lupus Awareness Month.
Lupus is a lifelong disease that can affect many parts of your life. However, many people with lupus live long, healthy lives. You can take steps to control your symptoms, prevent lupus flares and cope with the challenges of lupus. Lupus is a lifelong disease that can affect many parts of your life. However, many people with lupus live long, healthy lives. You can take steps to control your symptoms, prevent lupus flares and cope with the challenges of lupus.
Lupus Detroit Was founded by Sharon Harris. It is a voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating lupus as a major health problem through education, advocacy and service.
This year we recognize Lupus Warrior Gwen Littles WIlliams.
Gwen is a Lupus Warrior determined to live her best life as a mother and member of the community despite the challenges of living with this incurable disease.

Our 2024 Lupus Warrior Gwen Littles Williams

Part of the sandwich generation, Deneen Day's journey as a caregiver began in the 1990's when she became the guardian and caregiver of her grandmother who was diagnosed with dementia. Her second "tour of duty" began in 2007 when her mother began to show signs of the disease. She became an advocate primarily to help her son navigate the journey with his grandmother and to help others understand the impact of the disease on families and their caregiving in children.
She facilitates two groups offering caregiving support - one for active caregivers and the other regarding Life after Loss for caregivers. She reminds caregivers that memories matter as their loved ones approach the sunset of life.

Deneen Day: Wisdom For The Caregiver

An Advocate for Equality and Justice, Rev. Candy Holmes has been a voice for the LGBTQ+ community.  Brom and raised in Washington DC, Candy grew up in the church.  Musically gifted she sang in a number of different choirs and ensembles, ranging from classical to Gospel. 
She was ordained in the MCC in Washington Dc from which she retired. When Proposition 8 which eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry passed in California in 2008, her advocacy moved to action. A photo on display of Candy and her partner Darlene, catapulted her in to the forefront of the national fight for marriage equality. She was invited to stand with President Obama as he signed the Presidential Memorandum granting federal benefits to same-sex domestic partners of federal employees in 2009. She was asked to give testimony on behalf of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act to the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and District of Columbia. She became a spokesperson on behalf of marriage equality with the Human Rights Campaign, the National Black Justice Coalition, GLAAD, Many Voices, LGBTQ Task Force and gave interview/spoke across the country. Even in Retirement she remains a voice for the LGBTQ community most recently calling upon pro-LGBTQ Christians, other people of faith and of goodwill to stand with the Transgender community.

Candy Holmes: Faith and Activism Moving Hearts and Minds

Ken Mejia-Beal's focus has always been on giving a voice to the disenfranchised and addressing systemic inequality. He is the former Membership Chair at Howard Brown Health (Vernita Gray Council), an Equality Illinois Community Advisory Member, and as a WCPT Radio Personality/Published Columnist. In 2018, Mejia-Beal co-founded SNATCHED Radio, a podcast oriented toward LGBTQ+ Black and Brown communities to inform listeners about the latest news in policy, politics, and current affairs and to help people access resources and influence change. He was inducted into Chicago's LGBTQ Hall of Fame in 2024.
Ken made history in 2021 when he became the first openly LGBTQ+ political chair in the state of Illinois. He nearly flipped Illinois' 42nd district by a margin of less than 2,000 votes in the 2020 State Legislature elections, and he has continued planting the seeds of progressive change since. Ken has acted as a Campaign Board Member for Victory Fund (the largest LGBTQ+ political organization in the US).
In the wake of the 2024 elections. he has a lot to say about politics in Illinois, Nationally and within the Democratic party.

Ken Mejia Beal: Democracy's Next Chapter

Ferndale Pride strives to recognize and promote pride for gender and sexuality minorities and their allies. Julia Music has been working on the event since its beginning in 2011. Working with a mostly volunteer crew, Ferndale Pride remains the largest free-to-the-public LGBTQAI+ festival in Michigan. 
Located in the heart of downtown Ferndale, event-goers can expect over 220 vendors including local businesses and community resources. Ferndale Pride hosts three stage areas, showing off Michigan's brightest stars.  All ages are welcome. There is a little something for everyone at Ferndale Pride.
Julia shares the challenges of pulling together this year's event due to fewer sponsorships and the creative ways working with community partners they have overcome these challenges.
She is the undisputed Queen of Ferndale Pride. It's a labor of love and we love her for it.

OOPS She did it again: Julia Music talks 2025 Ferndale Pride

Reyna Ortiz is a proud Indigenous Trans woman who was born and raised in  
Chicago. Her experiences navigating through this society, poverty and various levels of systemic oppression has given her a great understanding of the needs in her community. She is an advocate, activist and author. Reyna works hands on with her community, providing vital resources and has dedicated herself to building and working with her Trans community.
She is Program Director at Taskforce Prevention & Community Services/ TaskForce is committed to addressing the environmentally systemic needs of disenfranchised adolescents living in communities with limited resources that provide HIV/AIDS prevention education, testing, treatment, and care services.

2025 Esteem Award Winner Reyna Ortiz - Outstanding Service Transgender Activist

When Marques Coley wrote "Being THAT Kid" he wanted to not just share his experiences/sharing his truth but to be a resource for other LGBTQ kids who found themselves also "Being THAT Kid" in their family, school, community and lives. 
Born in California, Michigan has been his home and where he has been living out and proud especially in/around Hazel Park, Michigan. His mission is to make sure LGBTQ+ Individuals know they are seen and heard.
He is the founder of "Sip and Spill" a regular event at Hazel Perk Cafe. It is a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones to come and just be their authentic selves. Attendees talk about current events, celebrate a victory in their life or share a sorrow. Nobody deserves to walk this life alone.
Working with the owner of Hazel Perks Cafe, Tim McZee, and the Sip N Spill family, the city of Hazel Park will be celebrating not one but two PRIDE celebrations in 2025 along with a number of community building events in the area.
From sharing his story to building a safe space for others Marques is there for all who have been and are still living as THAT kid. 

Marques Coley: Being That Kid and More in Hazel Park

Dr. Sean Lenard is a native of Greenville, Mississippi. She called Chicago home briefly, but returned to Mississippi to continue her practice.
As a mental health professional,  blends evidence base counseling with compassion. She believes you are the expert of your own authentic life. People who struggle with life stressors are
not alone in their battle. There are no issues too great for an individual to overcome if they are
willing to put forth the effort and energy it takes to deal with issues head on. She prides herself on being the "listening doctor."
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Founder of the Rah Truth Psychological Services. The mission of Rah Truth Psychological Services is to provide individuals and couples support to identify emotional barriers, so they can have a higher quality of life.
Besides her practice she hosts a series of videos called "The Real Real" where she tackles everyday challenges including aging, guilt, decorum and more with wit and wisdom. She has a strong passion for connecting with a diverse background of
people and building relationships within the community

Dr. Sean Lenard:  Real Reels - Insight, Inspiration and More

Sara Wasserman, PH.D. is the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice Queer Educator & Local Community Organizer.  She/hers combines her professional experience as an educator, her lived experience as a Queer woman & loving parent, and her acumen as an activist, to bring a unique voice to the Center. Sara’s loving & empathetic approach to community-building embodies our sacrosanct mission of never speaking for anyone, but instead with everyone.
Her professional experience includes college instructor, pre-school director, early childhood teacher, and educational consultant. 
Sara utilizes her bountiful background knowledge and expansive experience to plan and orchestrate extraordinary events at the BRCSJ. These are powerful programs for the edification & enjoyment of the areas Beloved Community. She continues to challenge herself and everyone around her to work toward equity and equality for all those who visit the BRCSJ HQ and in the greater community Princeton,  NJ area as well.


Meet BRCSJ Queer Educator & Local Community Organizer Sarah Wasserman

Kamora Le’Ella Herrington is a mother first, in all of the ways that a mother is. She is the founder and visionary of Kamora’s Cultural Corner and is an active Cultural Humility presenter and educator. Through the years she has worked with numerous organizations and groups committed to marginalized communities.
Kamora’s Cultural Corner provides both a metaphoric and physical space to learn to use the gifts and privileges of unique and shared identities. Approaching cultural humility through a Black Queer and Afrocentric perspective KCC creates and navigates Brave Spaces with the intention of building and supporting organic community connections.
Cultural Humility is about accepting our limitations. Those who practice cultural humility work to increase their self awareness of their own biases and perceptions and engage in a life-long self-reflection process about how to put these aside and learn. In short, folks who practice cultural humility spend a lifetime learning how to ‘get over’ themselves in order to authentically meet and connect with others.

Kamora Herrington: Mother, Activist, Visionary & Founder Kamora's Cultural Corner

Deneen Day is an EOL Doula/Grief Companion. She also helps families especially those with children navigate the challenges of having a family member with Alzheimer's while cherishing the memories along the way.
This is pretty heavy work and she finds peace that work/life balance in hiking.
Earlier this year she ticked off an item on her bucket list by hiking in Africa including  the land of the Assin Manso Slave River Site. This very sacred ground is where many of our African American ancestors who were captives were taken to take their last bath before being paraded on the auction blocks. Hiking and honoring the ancestors is one of her "Why's"
Upon her return she participated in another of her "Why's" Honor Flight Columbus. The organization honors and celebrates our nation’s senior Veterans with a trip to DC to see their memorials. She volunteers several times a year accompanying and providing support for these veterans 
In her work as an EOL/Doula/Grief Companion she reminds families that memories matter. In fulfilling one of her bucket list goals and supporting the veterans through Honor Flight Columbus she shares how she practices in her own life what she preaches - Memories Matter!

Deneen Day: Finding Balance Hiking in Africa & Serving in Her Community

It's time again for the Esteem Awards. This annual event held in Chicago at the Sidetrack Video Lounge, recognizes individuals and organizations whose impactful work has inspired many and brought hope to our communities.
Founder and creative genius behind not just the Esteem Awards but also Pride Index, Philip Esteem is back to talk about his year's awardees and program taking place on July 5, 2025.
2025 honorees include Roderick K Hawkins, Pen & Paper, Reyna Ortiz, Noel C. Green, Thresholds Chicago, One Roof Chicago, The Black & Brown Femme Film Festival, The School of Opulence, Guy Anthony, Angela Harvey, Toni Newman, Darrlyhan Edmond, AIDS United and more.
This year's Awards will be co-hosted by STorie Devereaux and Michelle E. Brown,
Phil will also give a preview of this year's "Artist in the Afternoon" program taking place in Atlanta on August 30th

It's Time for the 2025 Esteem Awards

Criss Christoff Smith lives a liberated life filled with self love. He is a trailblazer and advocate within the LGBTQ+ Community. His journey from a conservative upbringing in Jamaica to a proud transgender man in New York is inspiring. He thought he had it all until he found hos true self.
He's done it all - Wall Street? Conquered it. Gender binary? Disrupted it. He spent three decades on Wall Street breaking barriers as a lesbian. He thought he had it all—until he found his true self.
After his transition he pivoted towards his passions for acting and education. Deeply committed to community service, he volunteers and makes meaningful connections with LGBTQ+ Elders.
Criss is a visionary and life student always hungry for knowledge. He lifts up all he encounters, encouraging them to live their life authentically and without fear.
Criss was featured in the "Our in Living Color Campaign from Surface Level podcast - a love letter to the Queer Elders who walked so we could strut!!!

Criss Chrisstoff Smith - Living a Liberated Life of Self Love

A member of the Board of Directors of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, Clare Polke worked as a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State and a print journalist covering racial equity & education policy. 
A native of Archer, Florida, Clare has lived in multiple countries around the world, most recently in Sierra Leone, West Africa. 
She is a proud alumnus of Florida A&M University, and American University's School of International Service.
Clare is a Grimké Scholar & Master of Theological Studies candidate specializing in Religion & Society at Princeton Theological Seminary at Princeton University.

Clare Polke: Grimké Scholar & BRCSJ Board Member

Belinda Renea Brewer is a multi-dimensional artist, photographer, and social justice activist whose work illuminates the soul of lived experience. Through her lens and voice, she captures the quiet power of Black womanhood, the resilience of marginalized communities, and the sacred beauty of everyday life. Her photography is not just art — it is testimony, memory, and resistance.
A retired educator turned creative force, she brings depth, compassion, and a lived sense of purpose to every frame. Whether documenting the streets with her iPhone 13 Pro Max or curating exhibitions that center Black, LGBTQ, and underrepresented voices, her mission is to tell the truth — beautifully and unapologetically.
Her work is deeply rooted in love, authenticity, and the belief that art is a form of healing and activism. With a poet’s heart and an educator’s clarity, she speaks on themes of identity, grief, creativity, and rebirth. Her recent projects include spoken word performances, art presentations for community leaders, and a body of photography that explores “Energy Through Individual Creativity — Lost or Found.”



Belinda Renae Brewer

Queens is an empowering show produced by House of Peach, a female-led nonprofit organization. It's the brainchild of two strong queens from Delaware Pierrce Peach McCoy,President of I Am Me Inc, and "Smack" Vonderlear, CEO & Founder at Below Da Surface Radio.
The series brings together a dynamic panel of women from diverse backgrounds, identities, and orientations. Through open, thoughtful conversations, Queens explores current issues and varying perspectives with the goal of fostering understanding, sparking dialogue, and building unity across communities. It's by, for and about women. Gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, if you identify as a woman this show is for you.



QUEENS: A Show By, For and About Women

Dr. Tamara D. Hill is not only a versatile scholar but her exteensive body of work spans various publications.
In Merge Literary Magazine she authored the insightful piece "What Black Girl Advocacy on 'The Chi' Looks Like."  he also penned a three-part series on the influence and impact of rap artists Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj in the music industry. The series culminated with her article , "Megan Thee Stallion-Her Name and Persona is an Open Love Letter  to Women and Southern Swag Belles."
She's back continuing her discussion on Black Women their music and impact on Pop Culture.

Dr. Tamara D.  Hill: Black Women in Music Flex in Defining Pop Culture

Dr. Imani Woody the founding director and CEO of Mary's House for Older Adults. She's been an advocate for women, people of color and LGBTQ/SGL issues for more than 20 years. At the 2018 Creating Change Conference in Washington, DC, SAGE, the nation’s largest & oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT elders, presented Dr. Woody the SAGE Advocacy Award for Excellence on Aging Issues in recognition for her passion and leadership. Dr. Woody has a Ph.D. in Human Services, specializing in non-profit management. She holds a Master of Human Services degree from Lincoln University and is a graduate of Georgetown University.
She also works as a diversity and inclusion consultant in the field of health, aging, and issues affecting the LGBTQ/SGL and people color communities. She has presented on LGBT aging issues at the White House National LGBT Elder Summit and at the 2017 National Equality March for Unity and Pride.

CBMB Dr Imani Woody Interview

Robt Seda-Schreiber is the Chief Activist of the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice in New Jersey

The Center was named for the civil rights leader who was the primary architect of the 1963 March on Washington, an American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights, this community activist center is an educational enclave and a safe-space for all people. It was established with the explicit consent of Bayard Rustin’s partner, Walter Naegle. 
Seda-Schreiber was recognized in 2017 as the National Education Association’s Social Justice Activist of the Year. In 2014 he received the New Jersey Education Association Equality Champion Award which honors members who have been champions in defense of human and civil rights.

Seda-Schreiber believes it is important for students to have allies in the classroom if they are LGBTQ because the very existence of Gay-Straight Alliances saves lives every day, both literally and figuratively.
His passion is in part driven by memories of a beloved uncle who was gay and as an adolescent, seeing these issues of identity, especially for youth, being shrouded in secrecy and instilling a sense of shame and wrongness on his peers. Its foundation is deeply rooted in family – not just his parents but in his marriage
On September 14th The Center will cohost a screening, Brad Coley’s award-winning documentary “Voices Beyond The Wall.” There will be a reception and discussion at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Princeton, NJ. Then on November 17th the Rustin Center will co-sponsor with GLSEN Central NJ the 2018 GSA Forum in Middleton.

BRCSJ Chief Activist Robt Seda Schreiber

OwenKeehnen has had his fiction, essays, erotica, reviews, columns, and interviews appear in dozens of magazines and anthologies worldwide.
His books include - Dugan's Bistro and the Legend of the Bearded Lady, Tell Me About It (written  with St Sukie de la Croix), The LGBTQ Book of Days,  and A Place for Us: LGBTQ Life at the Belmont Rocks.
With the Windy City Times co-founder Tracy Baim, he co-authored the Chicago LGBT historical biographies.
He’s the co-founder of the Legacy Project. The Legacy Project was inspired the first time the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt was shown at the National March on Washington for LGBT Civil Rights in 1987.
In 1991 the City of Chicago instituted the only Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in the world. Several years later Chicago celebrated the LGBTQ community by installing the first of its kind “Rainbow Pylon” streetscape. This Legacy Walk is a dynamic outdoor LGBTQ history exhibit. Every year on National Coming Out Day new plaques are added. The pylons are to be named the first multi-block LGBTQ landmark in the world.
Owen is a frequent speaker on LGBTQ history and has chaired several panels for the Out at CHM, the Chicago History Museum series.

Chicago Author & Historian Owen Keehnen

Author, Public Speaker, Radio Host of Collections by Michelle Brown Blog Radio

Conversations: A Collection by Michelle Brown

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