Long Beach City College students gathered at the Liberal Arts Campus in the W building on March 19 to listen to keynote Speaker Ebone Bell present during the 365: LGBTQ+ History and Allyship workshop.
Bell spoke specifically about the importance of “intentional listening”, “aligning your actions with your values” and “asking/listening with empathy” when fostering a connection with the LGBTQ+ community – as a member or as an ally.
Bell also spoke passionately about the history of LGBTQ+ civil rights.
In today’s climate, it’s easy to feel discouraged when trying to do the right thing, but Bell explained that grand gestures aren’t the only thing that can make a difference in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
“That’s what this work is all about, helping people understand that even a little bit can go a long way in helping the LGBTQ+ community,” Bell said.
After a short lunch, Bell acknowledged how emotionally and mentally taxing it can be when it feels like one is fighting for a lost cause, but she had words of encouragement for anyone who is feeling themselves lose steam.
“It can be disheartening to feel like the work I do doesn’t matter because of all the anti-LGBTQ+ policies being introduced,” Bell said, “But we always have to remind ourselves that every little effort counts.”
LBCC student Dailyn Owens shared that they left the workshop with a sense of renewed purpose and a way to move forward that could help their community.
“Going to this workshop has taught me that you never know who’s part of the LGBTQ+ community, so you have to move intentionally wherever you go and be mindful of how you show up in spaces, no matter who’s around,” said Owens.
Key note speaker Ebone Bell (left) speaks with LBCC event coordinator (right) during the 365: LGBTQ+ History and Allyship workshop held on Thursday, March 19th, at LAC in the W building, Ebone Bell speaks with the coordinator of the event after the speech. (Destiny Castillo)
She then went on to compare her own experiences with race with other people in attendance regarding their gender and sexuality.
“Being someone who’s mixed-race, I know how it feels when people judge me just my looks as a white-passing person so putting LGBTQ+ identities in that perspective has really opened my mind,” said Owens.
Bell lived up to the aspirations of her workshop by doing her part to make a difference and trusting those in attendance to go forth to do the same.
“As long as we show up for each other, at the end of the day that’s what matters most,” said Bell.
Understanding LGBTQ+ history and having a safe space to speak openly and freely is something that Bell and the 365: LGBTQ+ History and Allyship workshop intend, allowing students at LBCC in attendance an opportunity for growth and acceptance among their peers.
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