Uplifting and Celebrating our LGBTQIA+ Community During Pride Month

Dear Members of the Carnegie Mellon University Community:

This June, we celebrate Pride Month and the invaluable accomplishments and contributions of our LGBTQIA+ community. While LGBTQIA+ identities had been fighting for visibility, inclusion and equality long before June 28, 1969, Pride Month was ultimately established to commemorate the pivotal Stonewall Uprising that eventually sparked the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement. It is a time to come together in community to honor the past and celebrate progress while recognizing that there is still more to do to achieve equity, inclusion and belonging for all.

The Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer is pleased to invite you to our community’s annual Pride keynote lecture.

2024 Pride Keynote Lecture with Rabbi Sandra Lawson: “Black, Jewish & Queer: Building Bridges Across Identities & Communities”
Thursday, June 11, 2024, 4 p.m.
Rabbi Sandra Lawson (she/her) is one of the first African American, queer, female rabbis. She is a thought leader known for tackling difficult questions surrounding complex dimensions of identity within systems and culture. As director of Racial Diversity Equity and Inclusion for Reconstructing Judaism, she develops anti-racist policies and trainings, and is a mentor to rabbinical students. Her lecture will explore the intersections of identity, culture and community as important components to belongingness and unity. Register to attend.

Following the keynote, attendees are invited to stay for a light reception with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments and to engage with each other in community with our keynote speaker.

Reaffirming Our Values
At Carnegie Mellon, we are proud of our diverse community and remain dedicated to fostering an affirming and supportive environment for everyone. Our values continue to drive our work to nurture a sense of belonging throughout the university and across all identities and experiences. It is my hope that we can take the opportunity during Pride Month to reaffirm our commitment to growing a community where LGBTQIA+ individuals can authentically learn, work and thrive.

Please visit our website to learn how you can participate in events, programs and initiatives celebrating Pride Month across Pittsburgh. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Sincerely,

Wanda Heading-Grant
Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Distinguished Service Professor, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy