For this year’s Awareness Week, Out@Anderson has invited a range of speakers from a variety of industries and angles to discuss the ever-evolving essence of LGBTQ+ identities, with an eye toward the future. What will the future of our community — of LGBTQ+ identities — look like?
Awareness Week events will be open to members of all identities (LGBTQ+ and allies) within the UCLA community (UCLA/UCLA Anderson students and alumni). Registration limitations are listed under each specific event.
Kick off a full week of fun in the best way Out knows how — with a boozy brunch! If you can’t make it to brunch, Out@Anderson will likely be continuing Sunday Funday in WeHo with post-brunch activities for anyone who would like to meet up after.
Please reach out to Andrew Dougert for post-brunch details.
B209 + B210
AREA x Out Collaboration: Christy Mallory (J.D. ’08) from the Williams Institute will talk about housing discrimination and what real estate professionals can do to be inclusive.
A networking session will follow from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
For questions, reach out to Randy Jones.
Marion Anderson Hall, Crown Auditorium
Out x EMA Collaboration: Please join Out@Anderson for a panel discussion that will explore the current state of LGBTQ+ storytelling in entertainment today. This session will be streamed live on Zoom. For questions, reach out to Ryan Madsen.
Panelists
Chris Bright (she/her) is a consultant for film and television projects, including engagements with studios such as Netflix and Amazon. As a consultant, Chris provides commentary on how to tell authentic LGBTQ+ stories. She also serves as Director of Public Training for The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention in the LGBTQ+ community.
Jared Frieder (he/him) is the writer and director of “Three Months,” which debuted on Paramount+ in February 2022. Starring Troye Sivan, the film is a coming-of-age story about a high school student who is exposed to HIV and the three months he must wait for his test results.
Chris Rodriguez (he/him) is the co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Revry, a global streaming network that focuses on queer content and creators. Chris is also a UCLA alumnus, having graduated with a bachelor’s degree in government and political science in 2007.
Moderator
Jordan Barillas (’21) is VP of Strategy and Business Development at MarVista Entertainment, a board member of Outfest and a former co-president of Out@Anderson.
Boxed lunches will be provided to the first 35 registrants who RSVP.
Online Event
Out x AnderTech Collaboration: Join Out@Anderson and AnderTech for an interactive and inclusive design workshop. During the session, we will explore how companies can move away from rainbow washing and performative allyship by shifting their efforts toward intersectionality and inclusivity throughout the entire design process. This session will be streamed live on Zoom.
For questions, reach out to Amara Barakat.
C315
The Human Rights Campaign noted 2021 as being the worst year for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in U.S. history. So what does this mean for the community moving forward? Come hear a panel of speakers working across HR, EDI and social justice speak from their experiences about what they believe the future holds. This session will be streamed live on Zoom.
For questions, reach out to Courtney Cheng.
Panelists
Jennifer Abbondanza (’06) is Vice President of Corporate Initiatives for NBCUniversal’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, where she works with executives across the company to drive DEI results in the areas of workforce, content and philanthropy. Jennifer previously served as a vice president in the corporate strategy and development group.
Raudy Perez (’11) is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director and Head of Diversity External Partnerships at Experian North America. He’s a teacher gone corporate with 10+ years of diverse HR experience at globally recognized financial services organizations. He presently resides in Austin, Texas where he enjoys playing sand volleyball, indulging in barbecue, and cheering his nieces and nephews on during their athletic endeavors.
Justin Woods (he/they) is a HR Rotational Program participant at Microsoft and founder of EQuity. EQuity is a digital learning and development venture that works to advance racial justice by developing users’ emotional intelligence. Justin is a licensed social worker and based in Washington, D.C.
Moderator
Courtney Cheng (’22) is an outgoing co-president of Out@Anderson.
Briskin Plaza
Join a panel of classmates in a welcoming and brave space to learn about LGBTQ+ experiences, ask questions and become a more engaged leader committed to inclusive excellence. This event is limited to current members of the UCLA Anderson community. Food will be provided.
For questions, reach out to Courtney Cheng.
Panelists
Courtney Cheng (’22)
Lincoln Sedlacek (’22)
Nikith Kumar (’23)
Yannan Collins (’23)
Moderator
Jessica Luchenta
Come attend Out@Anderson’s first-ever Amateur Drag Night! This event is open to LGBTQ+ community members and allies as attendees and student performers. Student performers will be competing for the title of Best Amateur Drag Performer of the Night, and a few professional drag queens will join to emcee the show and round out the night.
Tickets cost $20. All event proceeds will be donated to the Point Foundation.
For questions, reach out to Jonathan Buckley.