Queer History Teach-In

LGBTQ+ history is American history, even if they don't want to teach it. This event is open to ages 13+ .

Join Rev. Ron Padrón for an afternoon learning about queer history at both the national and local level. We'll discuss everything from the challenges of finding queer folks in historical records, the history of activism in the United States, the growth of the movement for trans liberation, and our own individual roles in making queer history. We'll end with a dive into the history of queer experience and activism in Frederick specifically.

Attendees will learn directly from these amazing researchers, activists, and community leaders:

Dr. Christopher Mielke (he/him), the Curator of Exhibits for the South Carolina Military Museum in Columbia, SC. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Beverly Heritage Center in West Virginia, USA. He received his PhD in Medieval Studies from Central European University in 2017. He has taught at the University of South Carolina Honors College and the Al-Quds Bard College for Arts and Sciences in East Jerusalem. At the SCMM, he has recently opened a new exhibit about South Carolina Veterans and their contributions to the Civil Rights movement from Reconstruction to the present day.

Rev. Shige Sakurai (they/them), a senior consultant and executive leader with deep expertise in cultural and organizational transformation. They partner with social sector organizations and leaders to co-create tailored strategies that drive sustainable, empowering change. Shige authored Pronouns.org, founded International Pronouns Day, and was the first person in the U.S. to obtain a nonbinary X-marker driver’s license. They have been an activist for trans rights for well over two decades.

Kris Fair (he/him), a lifelong Frederick County resident who graduated from Linganore High School in 2002, Frederick Community College in 2008, and Hood College in 2012. Kris has worked on civil rights and other community challenges for over two decades. Kris has been honored with the Community Foundation of Frederick County’s Wertheimer Award, The Human Relations Commission’s Lord Nickens Public Service Award, and Hood College’s Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Award, and named the 2022 Maryland LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Community Service Member of the Year.