In celebration of Pride Month, the NSU College of Psychology hosted a webinar on June 19, 2020 with a panel of members of the LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual, & Allies) community. Panelists shared their personal journeys and discussed how they have had to overcome barriers and stigmatization in today’s world.
“NSU’s core values support the dignity and equality of all people in the communities we serve,” said College of Psychology Dean Karen S. Grosby, Ed.D. “The College of Psychology was pleased to provide a forum to amplify the stories of LGBTQA individuals and advocates as part of Pride Month.”
Panelists included:
- Cindy Brown, Manager Jewish Community Services Lambda Living Program, Miami LGBT Leader, President of Cenergy;
- DJ Diva Power Infiniti;
- Shawn Palacious, aka KittyMeow;
- Steve Rothaus, mainstream news pioneer on South Florida LGBTQA issues;
- Justin Maki, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling;
- Zaver D. Moore, M.S., M.A., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Graduate Assistant–Student Counseling Services, Counselor in Residence;
- Mindy Dunagan, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling;
- and Nicolas Meade, M.S. Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Trauma Resolution and Integration Program.
Carlos Manuel Perez, Ed.D., NSU College of Psychology Director of Outreach, Department of Recruitment and Admissions, served as the organizer, host, and moderator of the conversation.
“What I tried to do was have a quality panel and presenters with individuals who are experts in their field or have a great influence in the community. We had an opportunity to hear from faculty, doctoral students who will be licensed psychologists within the year, and some community leaders as well,” said Perez.
The panelists were very open with their experiences, conversations, stereotypes they have faced, and research that they have conducted, delving into such topics as racism and racial bias in the community.
“When are we going to start having the open conversations about race and bias in our community?” asked Shawn Palacious, aka KittyMeow. “We need to start working on this now. This [today’s conversation] rocks, but we need to make sure more people hear about it.”
The discussion also touched on how women are treated in the LGBTQA community, ageism, religion, and the history of Pride Month and how the events affect not only the LGBTQA community, but the community at large. Panelists also suggested ways to truly be an ally. Read, watch documentaries, meet people who are lesbian, gay, or trans. Say something when discriminatory jokes or slurs are used, speak up publicly, and be supportive of friends.
“You are allowed to be who you are. You are allowed to love who you love,” said panelist Zaver Moore, M.S., M.A., Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student, Graduate Assistant–Student Counseling Services, Counselor in Residence “Having a conversation like we are having today is not only a start, but a continuation of what we need to be doing.”
NSU’s College of Psychology is committed to continuing the conversation. In addition to Shark Chats like this one, the COP offers a scholarship for students who are committed to doing research and professional work aimed at increasing the self-acceptance and community acceptance of gay and lesbian individuals. In addition, NSU helps address a need in the LGBTQA community with the trauma center.
“A good number of the individuals who are serviced and who are trained to service deal with trauma in the LGBTQA community,” said Perez. “There are high rates of suicide in young people. HIV AIDS has devastated an entire generation. In the College of Psychology, we can create new research in these areas that help people understand the value of inclusiveness and sensitivity.”
“Among LGBTQA youth, mental health issues stemming from rejection are at alarming levels,” added Dean Grosby. “We are all challenged to identify and address hate and to affirm their inclusion, acceptance, and civil rights.”
For more information on supporting the NSU College of Psychology, please contact Director of Development Thomas LaFleur at tlafleur@nova.edu