On Mar. 12, ETHS hosted its annual LGBTQIA+ Student Summit. This full-day in-school experience is one of many school summits, each focused on reflection, discussion and connection. Since its debut in 2017, the LGBTQIA+ summit has widened its reach with a focus on inclusion of all LGBTQIA+ students.
“Over time, [the school] has been able to accommodate more students and be intentional about creating affinity spaces for LGBTQIA+ students of color,” said Bill Farmer, an ETHS science teacher and previous coordinator of the summit.
Farmer is a strong advocate for the summit, and he believes that it matters now more than ever.
“Especially in this current climate where some politicians are attempting to erase the existence of LGBTQIA+ identities, it is important for students to see that they are a part of a thriving, resilient community,” said Farmer.
Charlie Kingsbury, an ETHS senior, was an LGBTQIA+ summit coordinator who helped plan the event alongside other members of the summit committee.
“Planning was so much fun, and I could tell how much the LGBTQIA+ summit meant to everyone involved in the process,” said Kingsbury. “Our planning committee was full of some of the most wonderfully passionate people at ETHS.”
This year, the summit’s slogan was “Wishing on Queer Joy” to emphasize the importance of happiness, success and freedom for students.
“We wanted our attendees to be able to look past their fears and really just experience the beauty of being part of such an extravagant community,” said Kingsbury.
Kingsbury feels that all of the hard work that was put into organizing the event paid off.
“I hope that the LGBTQIA+ summit showed the Queer community at our school that they will always have a place at ETHS,” said Kingsbury. “ETHS is committed to DEI, and our community and support is not going anywhere.”
While Farmer values every aspect of the summit, activities like dance parties and drag performances always leave a lasting impression on him.
“My favorite parts of the summit are the moments when students are able to celebrate and embrace joy,” said Farmer.
Students at ETHS come from diverse backgrounds, and the LGBTQIA+ summit is a day of celebration of this diversity.
“LGBTQIA+ people are typically navigating hiding part of their true selves, and [at the summit], you can see them shine.”
