April 1, 2025

Bear Bergman and Ling Ling Huang Keynote WCU’s 5th Annual Gender Justice Conference

Ram statue in spring“Come As You Are: Autonomy, Joy, & Resistance” is the theme of the fifth Annual Gender Justice Conference hosted by the West Chester University Center for Women and Gender Equity. This free all-day event takes place on Wednesday, April 2, in Sykes Student Union (110 West Rosedale Avenue).

The program underscores the research of West Chester students, staff, and faculty and brings gender justice work to campus in an accessible, intersectional, and meaningful way. This year’s theme was developed to honor attendees' individual journeys, whether they seek to celebrate joy in gender justice, highlight the importance of autonomy, or explore pathways of resistance.

Keynote speakers are S. Bear Bergman and Ling Ling Huang.

Bergman is the author of nine books, founder of Flamingo Rampant press, and frequent consultant in equity and inclusion to business and government. He began his work in equity at the age of 15 as a founding member of the first-ever Gay/Straight Alliance and has continued to help organizations and institutions move farther along the pathways to justice ever since. Bergman will speak at 1 p.m. in Sykes Ballrooms.

Huang is a violinist and writer, appearing with many orchestras and on multiple stages including Carnegie Hall. Her debut novel, Natural Beauty, was published in April 2023 and was named a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, a New York Times Editors’ Choice, and winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Bisexual Fiction. Her second novel, Immaculate Conception, will be published in May 2025. Huang will appear via Zoom at 7 p.m.

In addition to the keynotes, other presentations, an alumni panel, and breakout sessions offer attendees a space that fosters community to relate and interact with peers, staff, mentors, and activists.

This free event from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. is open to both WCU and community members interested and passionate about gender justice and enthusiastic to learn and share ideas.

Additional information can be found on Instagram (@wcu_cwge) or RamConnect (https://cglink.me/2f3/r2263828).

Visit the WCU Center for Women and Gender Equity.

 

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