As You Are: The Power of Storytelling for Social Change
Workshop Description
In order to create a society where all of our young people are supported and affirmed, it’s not enough to change laws and policies—we have to change the culture. The Biden Foundation began a storytelling campaign to help bring the subject of family and community acceptance for LGBTQ youth to the broader national awareness. Drawing on the expertise of professionals in the LGBTQ family space and the lived experiences of young people at the forefront of our movements for social change today, we will discuss the critical role storytelling plays in how national conversations and policy agendas are shaped—from City Hall to the White House.
If you are a parent who has struggled with accepting your LGBTQ child, or if you are a parent who has completely accepted and affirmed your child, we want to empower you to share your story in your communities for public education and awareness of the importance of family and community acceptance.
Conference Track
Family
Primary Contact
Shear Avory, Biden Foundation
Workshop Presenters
Emily Hecht-McGowan, Biden Foundation
Presenter Bio
Emily Hecht-McGowan is the Director for LGBTQ Equality at the Biden Foundation. Emily has almost two decades of experience working in the LGBTQ movement, ten years of which have been focused on advancing lived and legal equality for LGBTQ families. In addition to working across federal agencies to expand access to public benefits and programs, and advancing pro-LGBTQ legislation in Congress and state legislatures across the country, Emily spearheaded the public education and storytelling campaigns focused on lifting up the voices of children raised by LGBTQ people and same-sex couples, which helped to win nationwide marriage equality.
Lauren Thurman
Presenter Bio
Lauren Thurman (she/her/hers) is a writer, editor, and communications professional. Storytelling is at the core of her work. As the digital communications specialist at the Biden Foundation, Lauren tells the organization’s story through strategic social media and web content development. She has worked in public relations, as a freelance writer, and as an editor for organizations across the country. Lauren grew up in Boulder, CO, and studied English literature at the University of Colorado.
Trystan Reese
Presenter Bio
Trystan Reese is a transgender man who started out as an organizer doing persuasion on queer and trans issues with the National LGBTQ Task Force. Last year his family exploded into the national spotlight when Trystan gave birth to their son, Leo. Trystan is now Director of Family Formation at Family Equality Council. He lives in Portland with his family; they can collectively be found on social media as “Biff and I.”