Pride Student Union Welcome Assembly

The University of Florida’s Pride Student Union is proud to present our Annual LGBTQA Welcome Assembly: Home is Wherever I Am With You. This assembly will showcase the many different student organizations, LGBTQ on-campus resources and LGBTQ off-campus resources for new and returning students here at UF and in the Gainesville area. Join us for an exciting and welcoming evening filled with involvement opportunities, new friends, free food, a comprehensive tabling fair, live performances, and inspiring speakers. This is an amazing opportunity for both new students to learn what opportunities are out there for them and returning students to reconnect. Our speakers include: Mallory Garner-Wells has been a part of the Equality Florida team since 2005 and serves as the organization's full time lobbyist in Tallahassee during legislative session. In 2008 Mallory played an integral role in passing the anti-bully bill and blocked an amendment that would have prevented gay Floridians from adopting overseas. In 2009 she helped to organize the Rally in Tally for LGBT Equality, the first LGBT rally at the Capitol in over 10 years. Dexter Foxworth directs the Zebra Coalition of Central Florida. The Zebra Coalition is a network of Central Florida social service providers, government agencies, schools, and colleges and universities that provides a full continuum of services to at-risk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The Coalition assists young people facing homelessness; bullying; physical, sexual and drug abuse; and isolation from their families with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability. Dominique Gelin is a Political Youth Organizer who is currently working with Rep. Karen Castor Dentel's legislative aid. Joe Saunders is the first openly LGBTQ identified representative from Florida. For ten years Joe has built and led bipartisan coalitions that have fought for laws that now create non-discrimination protections for 1.5 million people in Central Florida. As the organization’s State Field Director, he has been a proud coalition partner in efforts to protect the right to vote, challenge attacks on working families and fight for economic and social justice. Additionally, we will have performances from local spoken word artists and Sabor Latino. So come one, come all and join us in the Reitz Grand Ballroom on August 27th to recongize just what a fantastic home Gainesville and the University of Florida is for us. **Tabling begins at 6:30 pm. Show begins at 7:30pm This event is open to the public.**