Since Virginia's founding, government institutions have shaped the experiences of its citizens whose sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or sex characteristics do not conform to societal expectations. In addition to prohibiting sexual acts, lawmakers and courts have determined Virginians' right to marry, become parents, access healthcare and seek legal remedies against discrimination. A panel of speakers will discuss Virginia's LGBTQ+ history through the lens of law and government. Reflecting on discrimination, stigmatization, LGBTQ+ community building and political activism, panelists will speak to the importance of LGBTQ+ voices in the state's civic institutions. 

C. Paul Brockwell Jr., Library of Virginia Board chair and associate director of communications for MCV Foundation, will moderate the discussion with Aurora Higgs, vice president of operations at HUMiN, Inc., and founder of Borealis Consultancy; Cathleen Rhodes, director of Gay Cultural Studies at Old Dominion University; and Jeff Trammell, rector emeritus/former rector and member of the Board of Visitors of William & Mary, and owner of Trammell and Company. 

For more information, contact Catherine Fitzgerald Wyatt at 804.692.3999 or catherine.fitzgeraldwyatt@lva.virginia.gov.

This is a free event. Registration is required. Seating in the Lecture Hall is available on a first come, first served basis. Limited free parking is available in the deck underneath the Library building.