As such, LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated in the U.S. every June to honor the Stonewall riots.

The month allows us time to reflect on the history and progress of this movement, as well as the contributions made by LGBTQ+ Americans. At the University of Louisville, we have many points of pride to celebrate our LGBTQ+ community, this month and beyond.Ģż Ā 

Last year, for example, UofL was named among Americaā€™s ā€œBest of the Bestā€ LGBTQ-friendly universities for the sixth year, earning five out of five stars from the Campus Pride Index. UofL was recognized for attributes such as counseling and health, student life, recruitment and retention efforts and institutional commitment.

That commitment was amplified in 2007, when UofL became the first university in Kentucky to offer health insurance benefits to LGBTQ+ employees and the first school to open an office for LGBTQ+ services.

Since then, UofL has also established the countryā€™s first endowed chair in LGBT Studies, created an LGBT studies minor and added gender identity and expression to the campus nondiscrimination policy.

Further, UofL was the first school in the South to open a themed housing community for students interested in LGBT issues and social justice, and offered the Southā€™s first LGBT-themed study-abroad experience.

In 2013, ±«“Ē“Ś³¢ā€™s LGBT Center opened a satellite office on the Health Sciences Center campus and began a multi-year effort to infuse the medical school curriculum with new LGBT competencies from the Association of American Medical Colleges. This UofL curriculum initiated a national movement for LGBT medical education throughout the United States and Canada by demonstrating successful implementation of the competencies.Ģż

±«“Ē“Ś³¢ā€™s has since broken enrollment records and is a big step toward achieving health equity.

But our work doesnā€™t stop there. The institution has also led research efforts to bring Kentuckyā€™s relatively unexplored LGBTQ history to the forefront. This work to preserve Kentuckyā€™s LGBTQ history was recently done in association with the Fairness Campaign and .

These efforts simply scratch the surface of the work UofL is doing to promote an . We also host a Cardinal OUTlook day for prospective LGBTQ+ students, offer LGBTQ-inclusive career services, boast LGBTQ clubs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, offer a name change option for transgender employees and students, provide LGBTQ student scholarships and more.

Our work is not done. We will continue to build on our efforts as part of our strategic plan ā€“ approved in August 2019 ā€“ that strives to position UofL as a great place to learn, work and in which to invest because we celebrate diversity, foster equity and strive for inclusion.

UofL earned five out of five stars from the Campus Pride Index, a national nonprofit organization that rates colleges and universities according to their support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. Ā 

UofL earned a five out of five for the following inclusion factors:

• Sexual orientation score
• Gender identify/expression score
• LGBTQ support and institutional commitment
• LGBTQ student life
• LGBTQ counseling and health
• LGBTQ recruitment and retention efforts

UofL earned a four or four and a half out of five for the following inclusion factors:

• LGBTQ policy inclusion
• LGBTQ academic life
• LGBTQ housing and residence life
• LGBTQ campus safety

Some of ±«“Ē“Ś³¢ā€™s signature LGTBQ-friendly initiatives include offering an LGBT Studies minor program, the School of Medicineā€™s curriculum inclusion efforts (which have become a national benchmark for other institutions), the LGBT Centerā€™s robust programming, LGBTQ-inclusive career services, LGBTQ clubs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, trans-inclusive healthcare, free and anonymous HIV/STI testing and LGBTQ student scholarships.

The LGBT Center marked its 10^th anniversary in 2017.

Campus Pride acknowledges ±«“Ē“Ś³¢ā€™s goal to foster and sustain an environment of inclusiveness. The organizationā€™s synopsis states, ā€œOne of the five critical areas of the University of Louisvilleā€™s 2020 Plan is Diversity, Opportunity, and Social Justice. UofL is committed to creating a challenging intellectual climate enhanced by our many human differences, and this serves as the foundational objective of the programs and services provided by the Office for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Services. The Office supports the 2020 plan by working to strengthen and sustain an inclusive campus, one that welcomes people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions through support, educational resources, and advocacy. The office works in partnership with other diversity efforts on campus supporting the Vice Provost for Diversity and International Affairs.ā€

UofL supports that 2020 plan by:

• Maintaining a ā€œsafe zoneā€ gathering space where students, faculty and staffā€”regardless of their identity or orientation–can make positive connections with staff and peers
• Providing a hub for LGBT student organizations
• Promoting student/employee retention and success through personal support, advising and by connecting them with services and resources
• Developing and facilitating education and training for the campus community
• Reaching out to prospective and new students, faculty, and staff to make them feel welcome and connected to campus

UofL is one of only three Kentucky institutions on this yearā€™s list. The 2020 ā€œBest of the Bestā€ listing is based on the data provided annually through CPI related to policies, programs and practices. The research is analyzed by the Campus Pride research team. .

Karamo also discussed how to navigate people projecting their fear onto others, how comparison is “the thief of joy” and how challenging it is for people to identify boundaries.

“We should teach boundaries more,” he said. “It’s so important that we listen to each other and hear what other people say about their boundaries.”

Additionally, Karamo reminded the crowd that we should be able to talk about mental health as easily as we do physical health.Ģż

“Speak truth and be kind,” he said.Ģż

As one student shared on her Facebook page, the discussion was a “good reminder of self love and acceptance for all.”Ā 

The event was hosted by UofL’s Student Activities Board in collaboration with The LGBT Center and Black Student Union. .Ģż

The celebration was attended by certificate recipients, in addition to Dean Craig Blakely (School of Public Health and Information Sciences), Dean Toni Ganzel (School of Medicine), Dean Sonya Hardin (School of Nursing), and Associate Dean Dr. Margaret Hill (School of Dentistry).

ā€œItā€™s incredibly powerful to witness such a large amount of providers, students and community members take advantage of the training opportunities made available through the certificate program. Research shows that the health disparities that exist among LGBTQ+ community are quite significant. These current and future providers are doing the work to help better understand how to close this gap,ā€ said Aaron Weathers, assistant director of the LGBT Center, Health Sciences Center.

In order to receive the LGBT Health Certificate, all 93 certificate awardees were required to participate in at least four content modules, available in-person and online, which covered a broad range of topics related to LGBTQ+ health. Additionally, participants were also required to attend a patient simulation session in which LGBTQ+ community members acted out patient encounters with participants based on real-life scenarios and offer feedback.

“The LGBT Health Certificate program is a great example of ourĀ institutionā€™s commitment to programs that support inclusive excellence and health equity,” Ganzel said. “It makes me so proud of the faculty, staff and students who completed this program, and now have a better understanding of how to effectively supportĀ our LGBTQ students and colleagues, in addition to gaining a better understanding of the unique healthcare needs of our LGBTQĀ patients.”

Information about the 2019-20 LGBT Health Certificate Series will be announced this summer.Ģż

The event is UofL’s longest-running student-produced event. Proceeds benefit Shades, UofL’s group for LGBTQ students of color.Ģż

ā€œStudents direct the show, produce the event, manage backstage, serve as event volunteers and of course, perform,ā€ said Lisa Gunterman, director of the LGBT Center on Belknap campus. ā€œA number of students who participated in PINK in the past went on to work at event companies and some even became professional performers and secured positions in the entertainment industry.ā€

PINK offers an opportunity for UofL students, faculty, staff and community members of all ages to celebrate the diversity and culture of our LGBTQ and ally community.

ā€œPINK is a signature event for the University of Louisville and it is incredible to me that students have kept it going for the past 22 years,ā€ Gunterman said.

The show starts at 7 p.m. at Play dance bar. Tickets are $5 for students with ID from any school, or $15 for general admission at the door.Ģż

Both faculty members of the UofL School of Medicine are recognized for their work in LGBTQ medical education, patient care and advocacy. Kingery is a pediatric endocrinologist with UofL Physicians and the fellowship director in the UofL Division of Pediatric Endocrinology. She was nominated for her knowledgeable and enthusiastic instruction, mentorship of faculty and students, and advocacy for LGBTQ students and patients.

ā€œDr. Kingery is a phenomenal ally. Beyond her exemplary patient care with LGBTQ individuals, she goes above and beyond to teach medical students to best serve the LGBTQ community,ā€ said Jerome Soldo, a second-year medical student.

Kingery delivers lectures to second year medical students covering transgender care and gender-affirming hormones, instructing them in prescribing these therapies. She also informs the students about negative health outcomes that affect transgender individuals and correct pronoun usage to ensure patient trust and comfort.

Pendleton is associate program director in the Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine and also educates future physicians in the care of LGBTQ patients. He has been a persistent advocate for furthering medical student education in LGBTQ care and regularly mentors students who are interested in LGBTQ health care.

In his practice at UofL Physicians, Pendleton provides LGBTQ patients with a safe and knowledgeable medical home.

ā€œHis patients rave about him and he has put himself out there very publicly in our community that he is here for trans and genderqueer patients,ā€ said Susan Sawning, MSSW, director of undergraduate medical education research in the School of Medicine.

Pendleton also has taken on a clinical leadership role for a proposed LGBTQ clinic within UofL Physicians. The clinic is intended not only to benefit people in the LGBTQ community, but to provide an opportunity for clinical training and role modeling for UofL medical students who have been instructed in LGBTQ care as part of the UofL eQuality Project.

Earlier this year, Geri Morgan in the Office of Student Affairs received the LGBT Center Ally Award for Belknap Campus.

Previous HSC Ally Award recipients:

• 2017-18: Karan Chavis and Craig Blakely, PhD, MPH
• 2016-17: Toni Ganzel, MD, MBA
• 2015-16: Susan Sawning, MSSW, and Amy Holthouser, MD
• 2013-14: David Wiegman, PhD

The rankings include:

• Top 30 LGBTQ-friendly college ranking by Campus Pride Index. UofL has been one of the organizationā€™s top schools for the last four years, earning five out of five stars on the index.
• on its top 10 list of best campuses for LGBTQ students.
• Ranked 24^th by on its list of LGBTQ-friendly and affordable colleges in the U.S.

ā€œThese awards are a direct result of ±«“Ē“Ś³¢ā€™s commitment to building an inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly environment on campus and in our community,ā€ said UofL President Neeli Bendapudi. ā€œI am so proud of our efforts and look forward to seeing how we continue to grow in the future.ā€

Brian Buford, executive director of The LGBT Center, says these accolades are well-deserved, but the universityā€™s work is not finished.

ā€œThere is still a lot to do to remove barriers for LGBTQ students and make sure they have all the resources they need. But I do think that honors like these tell us we are heading in the right direction and that the hard work and investment has made a difference,ā€ Buford said. ā€œEspecially in a southern state, being recognized for LGBTQ inclusion is a big deal and also during a time when we are seeing protections rolled back at the national level.”

Buford said the universityā€™s widespread dedication to inclusiveness and recently-implemented initiatives contributed to this yearā€™s awards. For example, the Human Resources Department implemented changes that allow employees to change their gender-marker, the Housing and Residence Life staff opened a new residence area that caters to LGBTQ students, the Speed School of Engineering created trans-friendly restrooms and the university is adding new courses to the LGBT Studies minor each year.

ā€œAll these advances really add up to create a welcoming space,ā€ Buford said.

The department didnā€™t have to look far to find someone to lead the effort.

Brian Buford, assistant provost for diversity and executive director of ±«“Ē“Ś³¢ā€™s LGBT Center, has been selected to serve as director of employee development and success. He will take the reins of the new program beginning Dec. 3.Ģż

ā€œThis is a remarkable opportunity for me to support Dr. Bendapudiā€™s vision for UofL as a great place to learn, a great place to work, and a great place to invest,ā€ Buford said. ā€œIā€™ve been focusing these last several years on the ā€˜great place to learnā€™ part of that vision, and now I can turn my attention to the ā€˜great place to workā€™ part.ā€

This wonā€™t be Bufordā€™s first foray into HR issues. A 30-year employee, he previously served as manager of organizational effectiveness.

Buford and John Elliott, interim associate vice president for human resources, already have begun planning for the new initiative. Focus areas will include:

• Leadership development and preparing managers to be great leaders
• Onboarding for new employees, both during their first day at UofL and ongoing to help ensure their successful integration at the department level as well
• Cultural competency skills that employees need to help foster and create a climate of belonging and inclusion
• Staff fellows, mentoring and succession planning strategies
• Fostering a climate that makes UofL a great place to work

ā€œLeadership development, staff fellowships and development, and onboarding are key areas for us,ā€ Elliott said. ā€œWe will work together with the campus community to ensure these are well-structured programs that address the needs and concerns raised across our campuses, and that will align very closely to Dr. Bendapudiā€™s vision. With Brianā€™s experience, credibility and leadership, I am confident the quality will be high and the results will be impressive.ā€Ā 

Elliott said HR plans to build programs, curricula and infrastructure during the current fiscal year and expects to start deploying programs as soon as possible.Ģż

ā€œThe University is committed to developing its people through these various strategies, and we will be working very hard to launch as soon as administratively possible,ā€ he said.ĢżĀ Ā  Ā Ā Ā 

Buford has led the LGBT Center since its creation in 2007, turning a one-person operation into a program that is consistently ranked among the nationā€™s best. Under his watch, UofL has earned a five-star rating on the Campus Pride Index, a key national ranking of inclusiveness; launched an LGBT-themed housing community, the first of its kind in the South; opened a satellite office at the Health Sciences Center; partnered with community leaders on strategic fundraising initiatives; and worked with ±«“Ē“Ś³¢ā€™s School of Medicine to develop a national model for improving care of LGBT patients.

Those efforts and others have led to numerous local and national honors including a UofL Outstanding Service Award and a seat on the American Red Cross National Diversity Advisory Council.

Mordean Taylor-Archer, vice provost for diversity and international affairs, stressed that Bufordā€™s change of position will not diminish ±«“Ē“Ś³¢ā€™s commitment to the LGBT community.

ā€œMuch to the contrary, Brian has done such an extraordinary job in leading the way for UofL to become a five-star campus it benefits all of us for him to broaden the scope of his work,ā€ she said.

Buford agreed.

ā€œWe have outstanding leadership in place, and this transition will enable the center to fill some additional roles that will take its efforts even farther,ā€ he said. ā€œI think Iā€™m most proud of the fact that LGBT inclusion is now firmly part of the universityā€™s fabric and that the center has incredible support across campus. Being inclusive and welcoming is who we are.ā€

Soon, though, his primary focus will shift to improving campus engagement and professional development across the university.

ā€œI just canā€™t wait to get started,ā€ he said.

ā€œIt breaks my heart that kids lose their homes for expressing their identity,ā€ said Chavis, a host of Dining at the Mansions for the second year. ā€œWe have to make sure everyone feels like they have a home and somewhere they belong.ā€

Dining at the Mansions is a fundraiser benefiting ±«“Ē“Ś³¢ā€™s LGBT Center that offers a night of fine dining in one of six Old Louisville mansions. The night includes a reception and a full-course, gourmet meal.

ā€œDining at the Mansions is such a fun event and a chance to have an elegant meal in Louisvilleā€™s most beautiful mansions, but itā€™s so much more than that,ā€ said Brian Buford, assistant provost for diversity and executive director of the LGBT Center. ā€œTo me, itā€™s our community coming together to wrap its arms around LGBT young people and make sure that they have the support and resources they need to be successful. Itā€™s everything I love about our compassionate city.ā€

This year’s event is Saturday, April 14. The reception starts at 6 p.m. at the 1888 Historic Rocking Horse Manor Bed & Breakfast. Attendees can choose which mansion to dine at by reserving a seat . Each mansion has different chefs and a different menu.

Reservations for the event are free, however attendees are encouraged to donate a minimum of $100 dollars per plate.

The hosts will have a friendly competition to see who can raise the most money. Last year, they raised over $18,000 collectively.

ā€œI think for our students to see the surrounding community doing this for them is a tremendous feeling,ā€ Buford said. ā€œItā€™s what many LGBT youth missed growing up — the sense that they belong somewhere and that they are cherished for who they are. Old Louisville and these generous homeowners are having an impact that reinforces our vision for inclusion here on campus.ā€

Local sponsors for the event include Proof on Main, Jack Fryā€™s and Butchertown Grocery.

More information about Dining at the Mansions is .Ģż

“I like PINK because it’s a free and welcoming environment, you can get on stage and people will clap and cheer you on,” Black said. “It’s a healthy, queer home away from home.”

PINK, now in its 21st year, kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday, March 30 at Play Dance Bar in Butchertown. It’s the first time the show has taken place off-campus, as the usual venue, the Student Activities Center is under renovation.

“They are incredible community partners,” Lisa Gunterman, director of the LGBT Center, said about Play. “They are supportive of our students and are donating all proceeds from the cover charge and table and booth sales to UofL’s LGBT Center.”

PINK is the longest-running, student-organized fundraiser at UofL. The event provides an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and the broader community to celebrate the rich culture and diversity of UofL’s LGBTQ community.

Tickets are $5 for any students with ID and $10 for general admission. Reservations for booths and tables . Attendees are also encouraged to bring cash to tip performers. Proceeds benefit students served by the LGBT Center.

The show will be preceded by a pre-PINK cocktail reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m., also at Play Dance Bar. There will also be an official PINK after party from 9:30-11:00 p.m. at Lola at Butchertown Grocery, which will feature signature cocktails, food, and door prizes.

More information about PINK is .