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The treatment of LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. has evolved rapidly in the past decade, but there is still work to do. Hate groups and hate speech are on the rise in public and private discourse alike. Despite considerable progress, the LGBTQ+ community often remains ostracized from society.

Allyship is the modern concept that describes how to transfer power and privilege to marginalized groups, but it’s necessary to understand the practical necessity for allyship to support a fuller inclusion of all LGBTQ+ individuals. That requires critical examination of how our written and spoken language is used to either uplift LGBTQ+ communities, or unwittingly perpetuate stigmas in a systematic way.

Join us on Monday, Oct. 18 at noon on the 2nd floor of Pugh Hall for lunch and a dynamic discussion at the Bob Graham Center about “Lavender Linguistics” and allyship, featuring campus expertise from the Dial Center for Oral and Written Communications and the Department of Linguistics. RSVP now.

Guest speakers for “Lavender Linguistics: Queer-ing Language to Save Lives” are Dr. Amy Martinelli, associate director of the Dial Center, and Graham Center graduate fellow Joey Radice. They will focus on the ways that well-intentioned discourse around policies related to LGBTQ+ issues in the public sphere can hurt more than help, and how to develop inclusive policy and messaging. After a short presentation from each speaker, attendees will have the chance to ask questions and share their personal experiences.

This event is presented in partnership with the Dial Center for Oral & Written Communication, and UF’s LGBTQ+ student affairs office. The program is free and open to all. Lunch will be provided.