Triangle Speakers

Increasing empathy and awareness for the LGBTQ+ community

Triangle Speakers have shared their incredible human stories of triumph and hope to thousands of individuals in Santa Cruz County for over 30 years. Triangle Speakers bravely share their experiences of overcoming adversity; the joys and the struggles, the fear and the love, the highs and the lows is what makes these panels impactful. Triangle Speaker Panels are provided in schools, businesses and local community organizations. Triangle Speakers work to increase empathy and awareness of the LGBTQ+ community through storytelling. This educational speakers’ bureau is one of the most important ways we been breaking down barriers throughout Santa Cruz County.

“I always love hearing different peoples’ experiences and viewpoints. It’s important to recognize that the LGBTQIA+ community is large and wide ranging. We are not a monolith and we need to take into consideration the breadth of experience from members of our community in order to strengthen our community.”
— Triangle Speaker Panel Attendee, 2023

Triangle Speakers Panels:

  • Educate the community and the public about what it means to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender, related identities, or an LGBTQ+ ally.

  • Provide basic facts and true-life experience about sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

  • Dispel myths and stereotypes about LGBTQ+ people.

  • Build understanding and acceptance through open and honest dialogue.

  • Provide positive LGBTQ+ and allied role models and to let other LGBTQ+ folks and allies know they are not alone on campus or in their community.

  • Present information about LGBTQ+ people in a non-threatening, non-judgmental atmosphere.

  • Work toward a holistic understanding of intersectionality and the reality that multiple identities play an influence all our lives.

  • Work toward broad-based, multi-issue social justice.

  • Offer LGBTQ+ and allied students, staff, faculty, and community members an opportunity for self-growth and training in leadership skills (such as public speaking, workshop facilitation, teambuilding, and on-going education).

FIND OUT MORE

Please contact Dusty Colyer-Worth via email at dusty.colyerworth@diversitycenter.org.