{"id":183613,"date":"2023-09-18T14:45:36","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T00:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=183613"},"modified":"2023-09-18T14:45:36","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T00:45:36","slug":"leeward-cc-queerify-lgbtq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2023\/09\/18\/leeward-cc-queerify-lgbtq\/","title":{"rendered":"QUEERIFY series highlights LGBTQ<\/abbr>+ struggles, triumphs"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"Queerify<\/p>\n

In recognition of Hawaiian History Month in September, and Filipino History and LGBTQ+<\/abbr> History months in October, the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Commission on LGBTQ+<\/abbr> Equality<\/a> is showcasing free online presentations and talk story panels in an effort to promote connection and uplift diverse voices and experiences.<\/p>\n

QUEERIFY<\/a>, a three-month long series on Zoom will address various facets of queer experience and allyship such as intersections with culture, neurodivergence and disability.<\/p>\n

Discovery and healing<\/h2>\n

Kaleikūkamakani Ruiz, an assistant professor and counselor at Leeward Community College<\/a>, spearheaded the inaugural series.<\/p>\n

Ruiz understands the power of internal acceptance, and has conducted extensive research on Indigenous perspectives on gender and sexuality, which has led to a great deal of healing in his own life.<\/p>\n

“This healing of discovery and connection is what I want for our community as a whole. My hope is that this platform allows us to learn more about ourselves and others, and in those connections, find healing, enlightenment and empowerment.”<\/p>\n

Ruiz\u2019s research is one of QUEERIFY\u2019s planned lectures. The series spotlights presenters and panelists from the UH<\/abbr> System and professionals in the community.<\/p>\n

QUEERIFY Sessions<\/h2>\n