Shane Windmeyer is a leading author, national leader in gay and lesbian civil rights and champion for LGBT issues on college campuses.
Shane was phenomenal! As Greek Life on our campus continues to discuss the incorporation of social justice practices, and creating more inclusive communities, Shane was an amazing resource. He was vibrant and motivating and connected with students on a level that it made it safe for them to ask questions and receive feedback. By sharing his story and providing practical tools, Shane absolutely made a large impact at St. Cloud State University!
Heidi Aldes, St. Cloud State University
Shane Windmeyer was the first person I ever met who was out AND Greek. His presentation at ODU on how student organizations can better serve their GLBTQ members opened a lot of dialog on campus that still continues today. More importantly, it opened up an opportunity for me to spend a week with Shane at a leadership conference that ended up changing my life.
Brittany Cunningham, Old Dominion University
Shane Windmeyer has spoken a couple of times in my Gender and Sexuality classes. He is incredibly dynamic, entertaining and informative; the students have unanimously loved his presentations. They have also been profoundly impacted by his message and by the courage he has displayed in his life.
Dr. Lisa Griffin, University of North Carolina, Charlotte
What’s Your Gay Point Average™?
It is time to take the ultimate test—what’s your Gay Point Average? Learning about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues does not have to be divisive or difficult on campus. In fact, college students today need to understand why having a high Gay Point Average is an important aspect of diversity and preparation for success in life—at home, the workplace and places of worship. And, believe it or not, sometimes straight people actually have a higher Gay Point Average than a Grade Point Average.. and that’s okay.
Shane shares in a personal way the challenges confronting LGBT youth and challenges every person to play an active role in creating safer communities where everyone can thrive. The importance of straight allies can never be underestimated as young LGBT people struggle with their sexual and gender identities.
This interactive, high impact keynote destroys stereotypes, deepens understanding and compels participants to take the next step in coming out as visible allies and leaders for all people, including LGBT people.
The Time is Now
Time is working in our favor. LGBT people are on the winning side of history as courts, legislatures, leaders and communities make strides to recognize our rights and humanity. The role we each play being visible, sharing our story, is vital in advocating for equality.
But when you’re a LGBT person, the progress never seems to move quickly enough. Issues like same-sex marriage, conflict with religion, employment nondiscrimination, hate crimes and military service are all hot topics that are often used as wedge issues and excuses. It’s not uncommon for the rights of LGBT people to extend beyond the campus and onto the voting ballot.
Now is a critical time to be an LGBT and ally student leader, as public opinion is shaped. The time we spend as a leader impacts who we are, who we love, how we choose to live and how we can live in our communities. These moments are opportunities to create change to transform one’s life and those around us.
This keynote/workshop motivates and inspires LGBT and ally young adults to view time in the present—and to create a new paradigm of transformational leadership and action.
The Impact of Hate
Many of us do not understand the impact of bias and hate on a college community. We are neither prepared to handle an incident, nor empowered to actively do anything to prevent one. Fighting hate begins with awareness. Most victims are so frightened and shocked, they don’t know where to turn on campus for help.
For over a decade as founder of the national Stop the Hate Train the Trainer Program, Shane has been helping students, faculty and campus life professionals become advocates for hate-free campuses. He has trained more than 1,200 people to actively prevent and respond to hate crimes.
This keynote is designed to create a foundation of understanding surrounding hate crimes, to explore an individual’s awareness of prejudice and to motivate individuals to make a difference fighting bias and hate within their campus community. Participants are “dared” to fight the roots of hatred in specific, individual ways.
Shane's Bio
Shane is a leading author on gay campus issues, national leader in gay and lesbian civil rights and a champion for LGBT issues on college campuses. He is founder and executive director of Campus Pride, the leading national organization for student leaders and campus organizations working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students.
Released Fall 2006 by Alyson Books, Shane is the author of The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students, the first-ever college guide profiling the “100 Best LGBT-Friendly Campuses.” He is also the editor of Brotherhood: Gay Life in College Fraternities and co-editor of the books Inspiration for LGBT Students & Allies, Out on Fraternity Row: Personal Accounts of Being Gay in a College Fraternity, Secret Sisters: Stories of Being Lesbian & Bisexual in a College Sorority and Ten Keys to Extraordinary Leadership.
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