10th Annual Queer Conference

The 10th Annual Five College Queer Gender and Sexuality Conference, which took place March 1–3, featured speakers, performances, and workshops that exemplified the range of activities and interests of the LGBTQ+ communities. Staying true to one of their founding principles, the three-day conference was free and accessible to everyone.

The event opened on Friday with Gavin Grimm sharing his experiences with court battles over bathroom use. Later that evening, there was a screening of  Kiki (2016), a film that takes a contemporary look at ballroom culture, which provides a creative community for many black and brown LGBTQ youth in New York City. The Kiki scene is simultaneously international and rooted in local community access to health services, education, and support. Chi Chi, one of the featured characters in the documentary, spoke honestly and authentically to the work he and others are doing in these communities in the follow-up Q & A.

On Saturday, Caleb Luna and Hamp alum Cyree Jarelle Johnson 07F delivered a striking keynote touching on disability justice, fat liberation, and femme modalities. Both emphasized their personal methods of navigating the world in their identities and carrying their complex experiences. After more workshops, there was a rare performance with Grammy-nominated singer songwriter Mary Lambert who brought the entire RCC audience together with folks crowding the stage, hugging friends, and sharing difficult emotions. Later that evening there was a Carnival-themed dance in the Red Barn.

Sunday was packed with three workshop slots, a drag show, and closing speaker. The Imperial Court of Western Massachusetts, Chibi Con Traveling Drag Show, and special student performer, Esmeralda De Ville, blew away a brunch crowd in the RCC with a drag show that featured characters from Steven Universe, Dora the Explorer, and Kirby.

Kevin E. Taylor closed out the conference on a positive note, delivering a rousing speech that encouraged attendees to be authentic in their lives and embrace their quirks. He concluded to a standing ovation at his words.

The weekend’s workshops varied widely with content that included: zines, accessibility, trans health care, dance, and sex worker self-advocacy. The Queer Conference helped its attendees to explore many of the intersections and complications of LGBTQ+ identities, while combining the arts, political policy, health care, and practical activist strategies.

by the Queer Conference organizers