Dear Friends,
I would like to take this opportunity to personally invite all of you to the first event of our Summer of Pride: The Queer Joy Symposium, taking place on Wednesday, June 24, at 6:00 p.m.
Trinity holds such an important place in our community. It is a beacon of hope, acceptance, and belonging for people from all walks of life. It is a place where those who are underrepresented, marginalized, persecuted, or simply seeking community can walk through our doors and feel welcomed and valued. It begins with a smile, a handshake, an introduction, the sharing of the Peace, or an invitation to a cup of coffee. Each of you is an important thread in the fabric that makes Trinity, Trinity.
That is why our Summer of Pride is intended not only for members of the LGBTQ+ community, but for everyone. Whether you are part of the community, have been an ally for years, or are looking to better understand the many facets of the rainbow, these events are for all of us.
The Queer Joy Symposium is centered on education, conversation, and activism. Suggested for ages 13+. The evening will begin with refreshments generously provided by Focaccia’s and The Original Sub Shop. Following refreshments, we will gather for a brief panel introduction, during which each speaker will introduce themselves and share an overview of their topic.
Participants will then break into small groups and rotate through discussion sessions located throughout the first floor of the building. This format allows everyone the opportunity to engage directly with each speaker, ask questions, and reflect on the information being presented. Question cards will be available at each station so attendees can submit questions throughout the evening.
After all groups have completed the rotations, we will reconvene in the sanctuary for a question-and-answer session, where our speakers will address questions submitted by participants.
The Symposium Committee, led by Angie Carriker, Allison Hammons and Tylor Tennant, have worked hard to curate a group of local leaders, advocates, and activists to make this an evening to remember. Our speakers include:
- The Rev. Barb Rsezko, LCSW, discussing the importance of allyship
- Joe Wood, Lucas County Health Educator, discussing gender-affirming healthcare
- Taren Lutchey, founder of The Collective, discussing the organization’s mission and impact in Toledo
- Nick Komives, Toledo City Councilmember, discussing how we can effectively engage with and hold our elected officials accountable
The entire Pride Committee is excited to share this event with you, and we look forward to seeing you there.
With gratitude,
Michael Kidney
Pride Committee Chair