Aurora Library hosts conversation about LGBTQ+ challenges, celebrations
Four local experts will be sharing their knowledge and experiences during the event LGBTQ+ in Conversation Sept. 20

YorkRegion.com
Sept. 19, 2017
Laura Finney

In response to public input, the Aurora Public Library will be hosting an intimate discussion about issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities.

Four local experts will be sharing their knowledge and experiences during the event LGBTQ+ in Conversation which will explore culture, diversity and inclusion on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. .

“The public library is in the community to develop conversation and bring important aspects of discussion into our community and to move forward so that we can all grow and learn together,” explained Reccia Mandelcorn, manager of community collaboration at library. “Events like this are important because they provide a third space where people can come and feel safe to be able to talk about issues.”

Journalist Brock Weir will be leading the discussion between Chelsea Derry from PFLAG Canada York Region and medical practitioner; Niki Fragiadakis from the Lisa Feldstein Law Office; Jacob Gal from York Pride Fest and Jennifer Tyrrell, a lawyer who will be getting married in a few weeks.

Mandelcorn said they decided to organize the conversation after receiving feedback from focus groups and strategic planning about LGBTQ+ programming at the library.

Additionally, the event is part of the library’s One Book One Aurora program. This year the book is Natural Order by Brian Francis. It is about a senior woman reflecting on her life, and how she dealt with her gay son.

“We select a book that has themes we can program around,” said Mandelcorn. “If you haven’t read it, you must.”

Mandelcorn said she got the idea for the format of the event by watching other discussions and interviews.

 “This is going to be as if you were a fly on the wall in someone’s living room listening to a conversation,” she said.

While Mandelcorn said people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community will be at the event, it is open to everyone, including friends, family and other members of the community.

“It’s only going to work if everyone comes,” she said. “No group exists in isolation.”

The event will also feature coffee and refreshments along with information booths from PFLAG Canada, York Pride Fest, AIDS Committee of York Region, My House: Rainbow Resources of York Region and the equity club from Dr. G.W. Williams Secondary School.

The event is free. For more information or to register visit onebookoneaurora.com.