The LGBTQ+ community is a vibrant part of every culture and point of history, yet the narrative of the movement often leaves out the stories and experiences of transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) communities, as well as queer communities of color. This Pride month, join Irvington Library for a special presentation by The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center as we unpack the role that TGNCNB communities and LGBTQ+ communities of color have played in the advancement of the LGBTQ+ movement. Whether you are an expert advocate or an aspiring ally you are invited to join us as we take a deep dive into the interconnected nature of social justice movements.
When: Tuesday, June 15th, from 7:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Via Zoom!
Register here for this exciting presentation!
Presenter Bios:
Mia Edwards (she/her/hers) has been a participant and later, co-facilitator of the Trans-Peer Support group since 2016. Her spirit of caring and compassion has led to her becoming the Case Manager of The LOFT's PROUDWST Me program, a health and wellness initiative serving transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary (TGNCNB) communities throughout the Mid-Hudson Valley Region of NY. Her work with the TGNCNB community at The LOFT is "a dream come true!" Prior to that, Mia worked for fifteen plus years in luxury goods (wholesale, retail and manufacturing). She completed her bachelor’s in accounting at York College, CUNY and her MBA at Monroe College, New Rochelle.
Shepard Verbas (they/them/theirs) is the Director of Programs and Services at The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center serving LGBTQ+ community and allies, ages 18 and older throughout the lower Hudson Valley. Shepard oversees the center's diverse programming designed to engage and empower the LGBTQ+ community, and has been a part of the staff at The LOFT since 2015. They are dedicated to heightening visibility for trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) communities in every facet of their work. In addition to their role at The LOFT they also co-facilitate CANDLE Rockland's Trans Youth Group for TGNCNB youth ages 12-18. Shepard has been dedicated to furthering the LGBTQ+ movement since 2014 through their involvement with several LGBTQ+ organizations, and has spoken at hundreds of trainings and panels addressing issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
WHEN
June 15, 2021 at 7:00pm - 8pm
