It may seem like little activity has been happening with the Highland Lakes Equality Center, but nothing could be more untrue. In fact, there’s been plenty to do because the work of the center, just like the LGBTQ community, doesn’t stop.
Below this president address is the HLEC Calendar that has four new events listed.
The first three are for the HLEC seminar “LGBTQ 101: A Primer for Therapists on How to Serve the Community With Respect.” HLEC officers and consultants spent the last three months writing and editing the seminar to ensure the most up-to-date information is included and the material is accurate. The seminar, designed for counselors, therapists and social workers, will teach health professionals how to talk to LGBTQ people and allies, better understand the struggles of being a member of the community, and help them better aid the LGBTQ community.
The seminar also has allowed the HLEC to develop more partnerships with other facilities doing work to help the LGBTQ community. One new partner is Metropolitan Community Church in Austin, which had not heard of the HLEC until about three weeks ago. Those leaders graciously decided to serve as the facility host for the seminar, and we are grateful. Please note that neither the HLEC, the presenter or the seminar is part of the church’s ministry.
The seminar will give three credit education units to attendees.
Equally important is that scholarships are available for those who want to take the seminar but can’t afford to. That’s how strongly the HLEC board members and donors feel about the seminar. Both groups want to ensure money doesn’t keep someone from attending, from learning how to better help our community.
The seminar allows the HLEC to fulfill one part of its vision — All LGBTQ people are able to achieve their full potential through Education, LGBTQ resources and health resources. It is no secret among HLEC board members that I consider the seminar to be the cornerstone of the center, the work that must continue even when our time to serve is up.
Go to https://hlequalitycenterevents.weebly.com/ to learn more about the seminar and apply for a scholarship.
My heartfelt appreciation, thanks and gratitude to our board, our consultants, our writers, our contributors, and our editors for their work behind the scenes in ensuring our community and our allies will get the understanding they need.
But we don’t want you to think the HLEC is all about work. That’s why we’re in the midst of organizing our first major fun event for the spring.
Join us at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at Spicewood Vineyards for our HLEC Prom “A Whole New World.”
Committee members are currently working diligently in ensuring this event is one to remember. We have music, live performances, chances to win several unique prizes, and so much more.
The one part of prom we think will get the biggest cheers is the Prom Court.
Cost to attend is $50 a person and includes a prom T-shirt and two complimentary alcoholic beverages.
Why prom? So many of us attended our proms unable to be our authentic selves. Or we skipped prom altogether because we couldn’t be who we really are or go with who we really wanted to. The HLEC Prom will allow you to escort the date you want, to dance with your date, and have a great time in a secluded place. We’ll have photographers ready to take prom photos and capture your memories.
While the attire is party casual to semi-formal, many HLEC board members will be dressed in their finest evening wear. You’ll recognize them immediately. They’ll be the ones leading the toasts and the dances and the cheers.
When we started the HLEC it was to help you see how extraordinary you are. We want you to see the best parts of yourself, to live your life proudly, and to know that you’re unconditionally accepted and loved. Our events will emphasize all of these traits.
Please plan on being with us and let’s ensure our community continues to grow and prosper.