As part of Coming Out Week, the University of North Florida’s LGBT Resource Center will host “Faith, Race and LGBT: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, in the Adam W. Herbert University Center, Building 43, Board of Trustees Room, Room 1058.
Faith communities and LGBTQ people have a troubled history in America that some may characterize with distrust and shame. That relationship is changing as more faith leaders welcome and affirm LGBTQ individuals and families in their places of worship. Simultaneously, the LGBTQ community is building relationships with faith communities for spiritual guidance, cultural influence and public policy alliance.
During his discussion, Washington, associate minister at Unity Fellowship Church in Baltimore, will offer timely insight into the harms, joys and community-building efforts connected to these challenges. He’ll also discuss the current state of affairs within the community as well as how current perspectives on race and culture impact the dynamic.
Following the presentation, Washington will lead a Q & A session about faith, race and LGBTQ communities. A reception will take place at 6 p.m. prior to the lecture, which is free and open to the public.
Washington has served as an educator, administrator and consultant in higher education for over 30 years. He’s the president of both the Social Justice Training Institute and Washington Consulting Group, a multicultural organizational development firm. Washington is also president of the American College Personnel Association and serves on the boards of Many Voices: A Black Church Movement for LGBT individuals, Campus Pride and Beyond Diversity.
Previously, he served as visiting assistant professor of religion and social ethics at Winston Salem State University. He earned a doctorate degree in college student development from the University of Maryland College Park and a Master of Divinity from Howard University School of Divinity.
This event is sponsored by the UNF LGBT Resource Center and co-sponsored by the UNF Interfaith Center. Generous support from the LGBT Community Fund for Northeast Florida makes this program possible. For more information about this event, contact Kaitlin Legg, LGBT Center director, at [email protected].
The LGBT Resource Center’s mission is to provide valuable education and resources for the entire campus community with a commitment to advocacy, equality, respect and support for LGBT students, faculty and staff.
