To spark important discussion and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues on National Coming Out Day, ArtServe will host a panel discussion together with the Stonewall National Museum and Archives and the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center on Tues., Oct. 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Moderated by ArtServe Executive Director Jason Hughes, the four-member panel will discuss recent developments in the civil rights arena particularly concerning issues like marriage equality and healthcare for trans children and their families.

“To show the national scope of support for LGBTQ+ rights, the Stonewall Museum has started the ‘Circle of Pride,’” Stonewall Executive Director Robert Kesten said.  “Coming together will help our friends and families feel comfortable ‘coming out’ to join our community.”

In addition to Hughes, the panelists are:

Jessmarie Gonzalez from Care Resource
Aspen Schenker, a youth representative
Paul Auerbach of Broward Sheriffs’ Office
A representative from Equality Florida

The Oct. 11 panel discussion, which will also be livestreamed on facebook.com/ArtServeFlorida, is open to the public and free to attend.

ArtServe is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.   The Stonewall Museum and World AIDS Museum are headquartered inside of ArtServe.

“The best way to mitigate the fear of uncertainty about an issue is to create dialogue about it and hopefully connect with others,” said World AIDS Museum Executive Director Terry Dyer.  “This panel discussion will motivate our LGBTQ+ community and our supporters to reach out to those who might be afraid.”

ArtServe inspires, supports and advances its diverse members, artists and community by promoting artistic development, education and prosperity through the exploration and presentation of the visual and performing arts.

About ArtServe 

Named a “2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator that is advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Now in its 35th year, ArtServe has won several awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and Florida’s Department of State and the Division of Cultural Affairs. Each year, ArtServe programs contribute tangibly to the region’s economy, helping 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses and engage the community. To do that, ArtServe secures financial support through donations, sponsorships and memberships.

About the Stonewall National Museum and Archives

Recognized nationally as a leading, influential authority in the collection, preservation, and accessibility of American LGBTQ culture and history, the Stonewall National Museum & Archives is a safe, welcoming place that inspires and promotes understanding through sharing the proud culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people of all stories, and their significant role in American society.  A nonprofit organization, the Stonewall Museum presents an ongoing 12-month schedule of exhibitions on LGBTQ+ themes and public programs, including author presentations, films, panel discussions, and collaborative events at its museum and library in South Florida and in cities across the United States.  For more information, visit stonewall-museum.org.

About the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center

Located in Fort Lauderdale, the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center (WAM) promotes dialogue that eliminates HIV/AIDS stigma through education, artistic expression and cultural programming.  The WAM engages communities through online and gallery exhibits, discussion-based educational and arts programming that encourages connection on an emotional level.  Since its inception, the WAM has reached more than 25,000 people through in-person museum visits, online cultural programming and prevention education workshops.  For more information, visit worldaidsmuseum.org.