The LGBTQIA+ History Month is a month-long observance event set in October in order to observe and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ civil rights movement. It is held in most countries around the world and often integrated with the country's own civil rights history. Not only does this event provide people with role models to look up to and an opportunity to build community, but it is also a chance to educate people about the history and the legacies of the movement. The student cultural organization at Fountain Valley School has taken the opportunity to hold a series of workshops in order to educate students about this event. While the event could be easily understood from its name, most people lack knowledge about the historical background of the LGBTQIA+ civil rights movement. I proposed this SCO workshop in my junior year not only to share information with my fellow peers but also to gain more detailed knowledge about the civil rights movement in the U.S. Slide shows, presentations, and a Kahoot game were prepared to introduce students to this historical background and create a sense of engagement during the presentation. The workshop started with a chronological introduction to some of the significant events that shaped the LGBTQIA+ community today, famous people related to those events, and a friendly and considerable Q&A to end the workshop after a Kahoot game related to some facts about the movement.
I believe this workshop was successful because it was not only informative and educational but it was also built on the open-minded Fountain Valley School platform. It allowed my fellow peer students to step out of their comfort zone and embrace the difference between each other even though they might have no idea about the LGBTQ+ community. Through my research and preparation for the workshop, I explored and obtained more knowledge about the LGBTQIA+ movement and how it got all the way here. The U.S. has been an early role model compared to most countries, and there were definitely some moments that I could reflect on and learn from as someone who is from a totally different cultural background where the LGBTQIA+ community is taboo and where people lack basic respect and understanding towards them. I would not have been able to dive into such an important topic if not for this workshop. It was a learning opportunity for me as well as the others. Leading a workshop like this also helped me sharpen my leadership skills; I learned how to improvise, control the pace of the presentation, and regulate the atmosphere. All of them are vital skills that will be helpful throughout my life. All participants were engaged and respectful towards the topic, and they showed their curiosity and respect during the Q&A section as well. I believe this topic was not discussed as a form of workshops before; it was a great opportunity for FVS to build a stronger community, for students to continue to have conversations related to this topic after the workshop,to raise the community's attention to the event, and to give everyone a chance to embrace the differences and reflect on history.