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Speaking of Excellence: An LGBTQ+ Culture Center Speaker Series

Celebrating Acclaimed Members of the LGBTQ+ Community

Each year, Indiana University faculty, staff, students, and the community at large gather for keynote lectures from nationally and internationally recognized LGBTQ+ personalities who have achieved excellence and fame. Through the Speaking of Excellence Speaker Series, the IU Bloomington LGBTQ+ Culture Center invites all to participate in this series designed to increase the acceptance and understanding of members of the LGBTQ+ community and address LGBTQ+ bias and discrimination.

A Speaker Series Focused on LGBTQ+ Excellence

The Speaking of Excellence Speaker Series is made possible by private philanthropy and in partnership with various entities across IU Bloomington. Speakers invited to Indiana University reflect the mission, which is to inform, educate, and promote appreciation of the LGBTQ community.  More specifically, the series seeks to accomplish the following:

  • Change hearts and minds by showcasing LGBTQ+ excellence.
  • Affirm and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Support those searching for personal identity.

I feel a certain urgent obligation to do whatever I can to help people like my own trans grandchild and others within the LGBTQ+ community.

Speaking of Excellence Supporter

2024 Speaking of Excellence Speakers

Byron Perkins

Byron Perkins

In honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, the LGBTQ+ Culture Center and the Speaking of Excellence series are hosting “A Conversation with Byron Perkins.” Join us on Oct. 7, from 7-8:30 pm at Ballantine Hall 013! We will have a fireside chat with Byron followed by a Q&A.

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Jesse Ferguson

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Come see the Tony Award Winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson, as Union Board and the LGBTQ+ Culture Center presents the next installment of the Speaking of Excellence Series at IU Auditorium on October 15, 2024, at 7 p.m.

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Bruce Smail

Witnessing the excitement of LGBTQ+ students as they have the opportunity to meet and engage with national speakers such as George Takei and Hunter Schafer is inspiring. Coordinating partners across IU for this incredible speaker series is well worth the effort. It is a rare and, in many cases, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our IU students!

Bruce Smail, Director, LGBTQ+ Culture Center

Donor Wall

Thank you to all who helped make the Speaking of Excellence Speaker Series possible.