Pride and Protection: Queer Library Workers in a Polarized Cultural Landscape
This timely free virtual event that brings together three presentations addressing the realities of queer librarianship amid escalating cultural and political attacks. Drawing from the experiences of queer library workers, we will consider strategies for safeguarding 2SLGBTQIA+ library staff, and innovative outreach efforts to support 2SLGBTQIA+ patrons in increasingly hostile environments. This event is a call to action, solidarity, and resilience for library professionals and allies alike.
Queer Library Workers during the Culture Wars
Libraries are under attack now more than ever and, unfortunately, queer library workers are caught in the crossfire. Learn about the threats facing your LGBTQIA+ coworkers and ways to ameliorate their stress to fight back.
Presenter: Alex Bishop, Student Engagement Manager, University of South Carolina
Outreach for LGBTQIA+ patrons during the Culture Wars
During the culture wars, libraries must stand strong and unified to welcome 2SLGBTQIA+ people out of the closet and into the arms of the larger community. This presentation will offer different methodologies to perform 2SLGBTQIA+ outreach while the culture wars rage on, including building grassroots collaborations in your community, generating administrative buy-in, creating safety plans, protecting your 2SLGBTQIA+ library workers, and it will share a spectrum of 2SLGBTQIA+ outreach ideas. This will be followed by a roundtable discussion where participants can share their experiences with 2SLGBTQIA+ focused outreach, including what has and hasn’t worked.
Presenter: Allison Madar, Research, Instruction & Outreach Librarian, SUNY Oswego
A Queer and Present Danger: Protecting Queer and Trans Library Staff
Queer people are facing increased attacks both in person and online, and library staff are no exception. This presentation will provide attendees with tips and resources to protect themselves and their staff when faced with physical threats as well as online trolls.
Presenter: Jenni Frencham, Main Branch Manager, Morgan County Public Library
Questions? Please send your questions to banhatenotbooks@gmail.com
