Christine Caulfield (MaineTransNet) critically examines the largely invisible contributions of LGBTQIA+ people in history. Who are some of these important contributors? What is the science behind the very human elements of pride and prejudice? Why should we consider human advancement when we reconsider long-held biases?

This short presentation will be followed by discussion. Teens and adults are welcome.

Why Pride? The evolution of human society, with the challenges we have and continue to face, requires thinking that is different. New and as yet unknown problems demand novel, divergent thinking. At the same time, we struggle to find more inclusivity that allows more input and more unique ways of looking at the world. Ultimately, this leads to solutions we cannot anticipate. The Pride movement stems from a singular event, the Stonewall uprising, where LGBTQIA+ people finally said no to prejudice, discrimination, and violence. Part of the Pride movement that began in the 1970s was a critical examination of the largely invisible contributions of LGBTQIA+ people in a wide array of social, political, scientific, and economic pursuits.

Christine Caulfield is a volunteer for MaineTransNet, a retired public high school teacher, and a past nominee for Maine Teacher of the Year. Her testimony was key in the passing of the name change bill by the Maine State Legislature, which protects people who change their names from harassment, discrimination, and violence. She is a parent of two adult daughters, and a very proud grandparent of four.

MaineTransNet is a statewide non-profit that supports transgender people in many capacities.