About Us
In an effort to both better service, better represent, and be better represented by a diverse group of people, VLA formed the LGBTQIA+ Forum. The purpose of the LGBTQIA+ Forum is to create an atmosphere of understanding and inclusion and to promote programs and services by and for the LGBTQIA+ community.
We, as a forum, seek:
To invoke positive change toward a society in which the LGBTQIA+ community can participate free of negative stereotypes and as equal members of society.
To promote awareness of, educate others about, set a positive example for, and provide support to the LGBTQIA+ community.
To promote library services to the LGBTQIA+ community, and provide a forum for the discussion of activities, programs and challenges for librarians, support staff, and other information specialists who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community or as allies to the community.
To contribute to the educational awareness of LBGTQIA+ issues and services and collections within the profession and the communities we serve.
Objectives
Sponsor and promote awareness of LGBTQIA+ programs and awards designed to recognize Virginia LGBTQIA+ activists and movers and shakers as well as Virginia authors writing excellent literature that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, including launching awards such as a Virginia Pride Award for best books.
To recognize the achievements of Virginia libraries and librarians which relate to the LGBTQIA+ community or issues.
To provide a support system for LGBTQIA+ library staff and others in Virginia to provide excellent programs and services to the LGBTQIA+ community we serve.
To assist interested Virginia institutions in collection development and management of LGBTQIA+ materials and promote the improved quality, quantity, and accessibility of library materials and service of particular interest or usefulness to people who identify as LGBTQIA+ of all ages using Virginia libraries.
Develop, promote and defend unrestricted access of all Virginia library users to information by or for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Provide opportunities for LGBTQIA+ librarians, archivists, and other information specialists attending VLA conferences to meet and socialize with one another.
To foster an exchange of information about services for the LGBTQIA+ community by means of conference programs, workshops, lectures, tours, publications, a web presence, and additional initiatives.
Work toward eliminating job discrimination against LGBTQIA+ employees of libraries, archives, and information centers, including educating about unconscious bias, stereotyping, and discrimination.
Advocate within the membership and leadership of VLA on behalf of LGBTQIA+ librarians, archivists, other information specialists, and library users.
To work in conjunction with other LGBTQIA+ organizations and sub-groups to understand and to serve the wide variety of needs and interests of our community and to better serve those entrusted to our care.
Our History
In 2018 VLA created a Diversity and Inclusion Forum in an effort to build diversity and inclusiveness in the library profession. The interviews the forum did with librarians and library professionals in Virginia from historically underrepresented groups are still available. In 2020 this forum was split into us, the LGBTQIA+ Forum, and the Librarians of Color Forum to better represent both groups.