Richard Burnett is emcee of Queer Homecoming 2018.
Concordia’s inaugural Queer Homecoming in 2017 was such an inspiring success that it’s back for a second edition on September 20, in the Concordia University Conference Centre.
Here are five fun things to expect at Queer Homecoming 2018.
1. Great networking
Queer Homecoming is a wonderful way to reconnect and network with other LGBTQ alumni and allies. It is also a unique opportunity for intergenerational dialogue between older LGBTQ pioneers and today’s trailblazing queer youth, and to celebrate Concordia’s rich LGBTQ history.
2. Concordia’s president
Queer Homecoming is an opportunity to raise a glass with Concordia President Alan Shepard, who warmly greeted attendees last year. Shepard is very supportive of LGBTQ rights and queer student life on campus.
3. Fascinating guest speakers
Concordia has proud LGBTQ alumni working in the public sector, arts, academia and business. Many will be in attendance at Queer Homecoming.
One of this year’s guest speakers is Florence Gagnon, BFA 11, publisher of Lez Spread the Word.
In a recent Concordia interview, Gagnon said, “There are currently only three or four major lesbian magazines in the world, and Lez Spread the Word is one of them. It was important for us to create an archive of lesbian culture for future generations, which is one of the reasons we turned to print. The web is so ephemeral, and we wanted to create something more tangible.”
Another 2018 Queer Homecoming guest speaker is neuroscientist Robert-Paul Juster, BA 06, currently assistant research professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction at Université de Montréal.
Before completing his appointment as Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center in 2018, Juster conducted studies researching chronic stress in LGBTQ populations, including Stonewall veterans.
“My research shows how coming out of the closet actually garners health benefits that make the LGBTQ community a bit more resilient than mainstream society,” he told Concordia in 2017.
At Queer Homecoming, Juster will share his thoughts on the benefits of coming out.
4. Raffle prizes
To complete this memorable evening, OUTtv is providing some swag — including a one-year subscription and a RuPaul backpack — to be raffled off.
All attendees will receive a complimentary one-month subscription to OUTtv.
5. A friendly evening out
More than anything, Queer Homecoming is a relaxed evening where attendees can make new friends, renew old friendships — and enjoy a chilled glass of white wine!
Concordia’s Queer Homecoming will be held September 20, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Concordia Conference Centre, John Molson Building, 9th floor, 1450 Guy St., Montreal.
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