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Public Relations and Marketing | Published Jun 24, 2020
Trans trailblazer Kate Bornstein is College of Lake County’s Pride month keynote speaker. She will talk about re-envisioning the gender system in a virtual Zoom lecture to the campus community on Wednesday, June 24 from 9 to 10 a.m.
Since 1989, Bornstein has, with humor and spunk, ushered the LGBTQ+ community into a world of limitless possibility through a daring re-envisionment of the gender system as we know it. Bornstein identifies as nonbinary: not a man, and not a woman. She’s written about nonbinary gender identity for nearly thirty years.
“The college is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive campus community,” said Jesse Morales, diversity council co-chair and operations and compliance manager. “Kate was invited to campus because of her continuous advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights which has made her a legend in the LGBTQ+ community.”
Pride month brings various events, across the globe, to recognize the influence the LGBTQ+ community has around the world. The month of June was chosen because it is representative of the June 1969 Stonewall Riots. These riots were the tipping point of the International Gay Rights Movement, which advocates for equal right for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community members.
This time is historically significant and a chance for the college to uplift the local LGBTQ+ community by showing support. Due to COVID-19, the visible celebrations during the month of June have been moved online including the parades, activities, events and concerts.
“Pride month is taking place during an uneasy climate and our LGBTQ+ friends are standing in solidarity together with our black community in advocating for equality,” said CLC vice president of student development Karen Hlavin.
In addition to Wednesday’s lecture, the college’s LGBTQ+ Resource Center and Multicultural Student Center will present the film viewing and discussion of Paris is Burning. The film chronicles the lives of Black and Lantinx queer and trans people in the New York City ballroom cultural. This event will be held on June 24 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
About College of Lake County:
The College of Lake County is a comprehensive community college committed to equitable high-quality education, cultural enrichment and partnerships to advance the diverse communities it serves in northeastern Illinois. Offered at three campuses in Grayslake, Vernon Hills and Waukegan or online, college classes are affordable and accessible to help each student achieve academic, career and personal goals. More than 70,000 students graduated with degrees and certificates since the college opened in 1969. The College of Lake County is the only higher-education institution ranked among the top 15 best places to work in Illinois by Forbes and is a national leader in many areas, including sustainability and conservation.