LGBTQ+ Peer Speaker Panel Program

What Are Peer Panels?

The LGBT Center offers Peer Panels to raise awareness and discuss the gravity of homophobia and heterosexism that exists on the Minnesota State University campus, while breaking the stereotypes and reducing stigma that affects the LGBTQ+ community. The panels consist of student volunteers who are committed to making our campus safer for all individuals.

The panelists share personal stories of coming out and give insight into their personal experiences as members of the LGBTQ+ and/or ally community. Following their individual stories, the panelists will field questions from students that are gathered by the faculty member requesting the panel and submitted anonymously prior to the scheduled panel for panelists to review and prepare. While most topics are eligible to be discussed, each individual panelist has the right to choose whether or not to answer a question.

Panelists are not experts in the field of LGBTQ+ issues and can only speak to their own experiences. Requests for presentations beyond coming out stories and a panelists' personal experiences should be made to the LGBT Center directly.

When Do I Request A Panel?

Panels may be requested up until 3-4 weeks before the end of the semester to allow students to focus on their studies and finishing their semester coursework. Availability is dependent on how many student panelists we have for the semester and their class schedules.

Faculty can request a LGBTQ+ Speaker Panel using the link below. The LGBT Center will reach out to the requester within one business week to confirm that a panel is available and to work with the requester on the next steps to host a LGBTQ+ panel in their class.

Request a LGBTQ+ Peer Speaker Panel

The LGBT Center is in search of students interested in joining the LGBTQ+ speaker panelists! This is a great opportunity for LGBTQ+ students interested in working in social services, advocacy work, and DEI to gain experience facilitating and participating in panel discussions. This is also a great opportunity for students to build and grow their skills in public speaking.

Students interested in being a panel speaker can reach out to the LGBT Center Director, Zeke Sorenson at Zeke.sorenson@mnsu.edu or the Graduate Assistant for the LGBT Center, Ashlyn Rakos at ashlyn.rakos@mnsu.edu.

What if I only need one person to come and speak to my class?

If you are only seeking a one person speaker, please contact our graduate assistant.