Check out our photos from Rainbow Luncheon 2010!

Rainbow Luncheon 2009

The Honorable E. Denise Simmons, Mayor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was the keynote speaker for the Rainbow Luncheon 2009. Mayor Simmons received a standing ovation following her inspirational speech. She spoke of being a lifelong advocate for social justice and shared personal stories of challenges she has experienced and overcame as a lesbian woman of color.

We invited speakers from GLSEN (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network) to discuss issues concerning same-gender parents and their children. The focus this year was on the needs of children with same-gender parents, how to accurately represent and include such families in curricula and activities, and ways to dialogue with same-gender couples as well as respond to parents who oppose recognizing GLBT families in school or child service settings.Each of the speakers had years of experience as an educator in K - 12 and higher education. They were knowledgeable about current issues in education as well as the GLBT population.

The Pride Center sincerely appreciates the support of Dr. Bradfield, Dean of the School of Education and Allied Studies, who enthusiastically agreed to cosponsor this event.

Rainbow Luncheon 2007 featured a diverse panel of professionals who are out of the closet as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender at work, and who shared their personal stories regarding their decision to be out at work.

Although they represented a wide array of occupational fields, they shared the common experience of needing to work in a safe and accepting environment. Several of the panelists had unfortunately faced discrimination or harassment at work due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Most of the participants emphasized the importance for them of living and working in a geographic region and/or organizational climate that celebrates rather than oppresses diversity. They agreed that coming out of the closet is an intensely personal decision that oftentimes (albeit if unintentionally) has political consequences, and that each person needs to weigh the potential costs and benefits against their own values and priorities when deciding whether to come out at work.

The panelists also described differing experiences and views. They talked about the ways that oppression is different for transgender people than for gays and lesbians, as well as the differences women face compared to men in certain fields.