Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, will start Truth Week, a three-day virtual summit to support and affirm HBCU LGBTQ+ students, train a new generation of Black LGBTQ+ activists, and combat homophobia and stigma through public lectures, panels, and student engagement.

This summit develops the next generation of Black LGBTQ+ leaders. Past participants have gone on to play important roles in a wide variety of industries, creating change wherever they are. This program attracts people who will make headlines for the work that they will do to build a world where Black LGBTQ+ people are afforded the same rights and opportunities as anyone else. We could not be more proud of these young leaders and look forward to working alongside them to create a path toward their bright futures.”

Leslie Hall, HRC HBCU Project Director

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Monday, November 8, 2021 | 7PM ET

The Royal Truth: IG Live Conversation with Student Leader - Malay Simmons

Conversation on Black LGBTQ+ leadership at HBCUs featuring Malay Simmons, the first openly trans student to be nominated and voted Miss Junior and serve on their university’s royal court. She attended both the 2019 National HBCU Leadership Summit and 2019 Regional Leadership Summit at Johnson C. Smith University.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021 | 7PM ET

National Conversation - TRUTH: Unified Movement

Panel Conversation on building a collective movement of allies, and the importance of centering intersectionality.
Panelists include:
- George “Concsious” Lee, HR Training Specialist Learning Development at The University of Oklahoma, and social media influencer on TikTok.
- Rishard Butts, Senior Manager, HRC HBCU Program.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | 7PM ET

Work in Truth: Workplace Readiness for LGBTQ Students

Panel Conversation on the unique challenges and experiences of Black LGBTQ+ folks in the workplace, featuring guidance and tips on preparing for and making the transition.
Panelists from Electronic Arts (EA), StateFarm, and Phillips-Van Heusen (PVH).

In past years, HRC has hosted a National HBCU Summit in person; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has had to pivot to a virtual format under the new name of Truth Week.

HRC Foundation’s HBCU Program mobilizes and supports HBCUs in enhancing policies and services that promote excellence in LGBTQ inclusion, equity, and engagement. The program focuses on promoting individual competencies and collective action, empowering leaders and stakeholders, and building a network of committed leaders in pursuit of eliminating stigma and enriching the college experience for LGBTQ students and the entire student body.

The program intends to return to in-person leadership training to include our national and regional leadership summits. The program is supported by the David Bohnett Foundation, Centene Corporation, Electronic Arts, Gilead Sciences, Inc., PVH Corporation, State Farm, and USAA. For more information, please visit the program’s site.