Welcome to my Keynotes & Speaking Page
Since releasing my book, Private Love, Public School – Gay Teacher Under Fire, in December 2021, I have delivered over forty-five speeches at libraries, nonprofits, professional associations, and corporations, and have led numerous training sessions. I am passionate about learning, writing, and speaking on LGBTQ+ identity, history and culture, education issues, gender, book bans, and related justice topics. My professional work and community advocacy embody this passion.
In the late 1980s, I emerged as one of the first "out" gay attorneys in Grand Rapids, specializing in LGBTQ+ Law. Back then, most laws regarding LGBTQ+ individuals were negative, pushing me to develop creative solutions to protect my clients and resolve their legal issues. I remain updated on LGBTQ+ legal matters and serve as the chair of the State Bar of Michigan's LGBTQ+ Law Section. Recently, I have contributed articles on transgender topics to legal journals.
For over three decades, I have taught as an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University. In the 1990s, I pioneered the university's first LGBTQ+ Law course. Additionally, I have taught Constitutional Law, Sexuality, Justice and Advocacy, Cultural Communication, and Gender Studies.
My community engagement includes serving as president of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community Network of Western Michigan in the 1990s and as co-chair of the Grand Rapids Chapter of GLSEN, a national organization supporting LGBTQ+ middle and high school students.
I offer a unique perspective from my experience in the legal, educational, and nonprofit sectors. As an employment lawyer handling discrimination and sexual harassment cases, I have gained insights into the inner workings of human resources departments, managers, and executives, identifying issues that lead to lawsuits. My talks intertwine personal and professional stories with historical context. I look forward to discussing how I can meet your organization's needs.
Please click here for additional information about Christine’s background.
In addition to keynotes, Christine offers workshops and is available as a speaker. She will tailor her talk to the needs of your organization. Reduced rates are available for libraries, schools, and local nonprofit organizations.
Keynotes & Topics
Navigating Cultural Shifts: Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity
LGBTQ+ identity is often reduced to a checklist of terms and definitions, but understanding goes beyond memorization. It's about delving into the deeper questions:
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Why is it crucial for individuals to have their identities acknowledged and understood?
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What drives the proliferation of identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum?
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Why do seemingly simple elements like pronouns hold profound significance for some people, and why should they matter to everyone?
In this keynote, we'll embark on a journey through the dynamic landscape of LGBTQ+ identity, exploring concepts such as gender fluidity, nonbinary identity, and the rich tapestry of gender and sexual orientation.
Beyond definitions, we'll tackle these fundamental questions head-on:
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The driving forces behind the expansion of LGBTQ+ identities.
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The significance of pronouns and their broader societal impact.
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How understanding these complexities can foster empathy and respect.
The presentation will conclude with practical strategies and real-life examples to enhance communication, nurture mutual respect, and unlock personal and professional growth.
Hot Topics in Education – Banning Books, Sanitizing Curricula, and Teacher Discrimination
As controversies surrounding sanitized curricula, cultural erasure, and book banning escalate, the need for critical examination of these issues grows ever more urgent.
There is a compelling challenge to confront these issues within the broader context of the historical and contemporary aims of public education.
In this keynote, we'll delve into recent legal cases that touch upon sensitive subjects including cultural representation, historical accuracy, music lyrics, symbolic speech, pronoun usage, and discrimination against educators.
This talk is indispensable for those committed to ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and enlightened education, one that fosters understanding, empathy, and inclusivity.
Liberating Libraries:
Understanding and Confronting the Escalation in Book Bans
In recent years, a troubling surge in book banning has swept through schools and libraries nationwide, raising profound questions about the mechanisms behind these bans, their individual and societal implications, and the delicate balance between communal welfare and parental rights.
How do these bans come to fruition?
What criteria guide schools and libraries in deciding whether to restrict materials?
What are the ramifications for both individuals and society at large?
And where do we draw the line between free speech, equality, and freedom of religion?
In this thought-provoking keynote, we will address these pressing inquiries, contextualizing the current wave of book banning within a historical framework.
We'll delve into the ways certain works and themes have been historically marginalized and restricted, and will illuminate paths toward countering censorship and safeguarding intellectual freedom.
Book Christine to Speak
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