[plug] Speaker’s Bureau Training & Info Sessions

Speaker’s Bureau Training & Info Sessions

The Speakers Bureau is one of the oldest and most popular of our programs. Our goal is to educate people on the current realities and personal histories of those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and/or Queer. Through personal story-telling or narrative, speakers share their experiences and growth, thereby promoting knowledge, compassion, and understanding about LGBTQ identities, gender expression & identities, issues and concerns.

In our traditional format, 4-5 speakers each share their personal stories, "putting a face" on the lgbtq and ally communities, illustrating how our lives and experiences are diverse, complex, and richer than portrayed in mainstream media. The Q&A component of our panel encourages broader, deeper dialogues about sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and possibilities for a better world. The training focuses on the importance of narrative in combating oppression, storytelling techniques, the mechanics of the speaker’s bureau program, and how to handle difficult questions. Any individual who is willing to share their narrative for educational purposes is welcome, regardless of sexual orientation and gender expression and identity. To learn more about how to participate in the Speaker's Bureau or to receive and application, please contact Fleurette King, Assistant Director at fking@umich.edu or 734.647.2724, or attend an information session. The entire training must be attended in order to participate in the Speaker's Bureau.

Information Session

January 9, Tues 5:30 pm– Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Affairs, 3200 Michigan Union

January 12, Tues 12 noon- Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Affairs, 3200 Michigan Union

January 22, Mon 5:00 pm- Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Affairs, 3200 Michigan Union

January 29, Mon 12 noon - Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Affairs, 3200 Michigan Union


Training Dates

February 4, Sun 10:00 am-2:00 pm

February 10, Sat 10:00 am-6:00 pm

February 11, Sun 10:00 am-2:00 pm


LGBTQ Ally Training

Participate in the Ally Training Program through the Office of LGBT Affairs! The purpose of having the Ally Training Program is to promote a campus community in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Our training encourages individuals within and outside the lgbt community to be better allies to each other. Thus, lgbt members and heterosexual identified allies are welcome to participate in the training.

Ally Program participants attend an 8-hour training designed to strengthen their ability to serve as allies to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students, staff, and faculty at the University of Michigan. After completion of the 8-hour training, participants can display the Ally logo as a way to let others know that they support the right of lgbt people at the University of Michigan to fair and equal treatment. The logo also lets others know that they can turn to these individuals for support or information about lgbt people and issues. Persons of all sexual orientation and gender expression and identity are encouraged to participate. Also, this year we distributing ally t-shirts to create more visibility of allies to and within the lgbt community.

January 29 & 31 Mon & Wed 5:30 pm-9:30 pm - Palmer Commons Boardroom 5

February 20 & 22 Tues & Thurs 8:30-12:30 pm -North Campus-Lurie Engineering Center-Johnson Room

March 22 & 23 Thu 8:30-12:30 pm & Fri 12 noon - 4pm – Michigan Union MSA Chambers

April 4 & 5 Tue & Thu 5:30 pm -9:30 pm Michigan Union Wolverine ABC

To participate in this training, please register by e-mailing Fleurette King, Asst. Director, Office of LGBT Affairs (here). Sessions one & two must be completed in sequence.