Peace and Possibility Speaker Series
The Peace and Possibility Speaker Series aims to bring high profile LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates to campus to provide cultural opportunities, enhance the "welcomeness" and inclusion of campus, and to cultivate our ally community. Along with sharing the stories of prominent LGBTQ+ leaders, we also like to highlight the experiences and talents of our LGBTQ+ students.
Every year as part of the Peace and Possibility Speaker Series, we host an essay writing competition. The winners of the competition receive a scholarship reward. We have had some wonderful and inspiring essays shared with us. They are listed below the keynote speeches of our tremendous guests.
This program is possible due to the generous support of the Jane and Tami Marquardt Peace and Possibility Project.
2023 Keynote Speaker
Andres Larios Brown, M.S., LMFT (They/Elle)
“We Are Our Medicine: Resilience, Healing, & Hope as LGBTQIA+ People”
- March 28
- 1 - 3 p.m.
- WSU Ogden Shepherd Union Ballroom A
- Free event, open to all
“Our Authentic self is magical--vibrant, brilliant, and sacred. When we experience a congruence of that self-- aligned in what we feel, who we are, and what we do-- that is when we heal. All of us- every last bit- is worthy of compassion, celebration, joy, and love.”
Andres Larios Brown, M.S., LMFT (They/Elle) is a Queer & Non-Binary mescla bella (beautiful mix) of a father who immigrated from Guatemala and a mother of Western European descent. First and foremost, they are a healer, as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Currently, they are Associate Clinical Director & Director of Cultural Engagement at Encircle, a non-profit that provides services for LGBTQIA+ youth, people, and families here in Utah.
For more information or to request accommodations in relation to a disability, contact Katelyn Blanch at katelynblanch@weber.edu
Previous Keynote Addresses
Kate Kendell, 2017