H.E.A.L. Ourselves with Greg Baird

H.E.A.L. Ourselves: Opening Eyes, Closing Wounds (Healing, Engaging, Acting, Lifting) is a series of events focused on advocacy against LGBT hate violence. Wednesday, September 29 will feature guest speaker Greg Baird as he presents his lecture "Hear Me Out," which is filled with stories and a motivating message of compassion in embracing a diverse community together for both Gay and Straight communities.

About Greg Baird: A multi-faceted speaker with heart and a witty sense of humor, Greg Baird has spoken around the U.S.A. on such topics as LGBTQ issues, diversity, acceptance, coming out, community, hate crimes and more. In this informative and challenging presentation, "Hear me Out! Celebrating Diversity, Acceptance & Community." Speaker and Advocate, Greg Baird delivers a powerful and motivating message of compassion that is both timely and important. Greg's lecture is inclusive for all audiences both LGBTQ & Straight.

Greg explores how the LGBTQ community is faced with discrimination and the challenges involved with telling our families, friends and co-workers about their sexual orientation. He also focuses on the importance of diversity, community, acceptance and how we should all contribute to the greater good of our communities. His passion, humor and storytelling shine through as tells us why it is so important for everyone to be a role model and take the time to share our stories and listen. His message offers hope, compassion and understanding. Greg will leave you motivated to change your life and be the voice of change in your own community.

He is the executive producer of an new heartfelt documentary film with 89-Second Productions, that explores the 1998 gay hate murder of Matthew Shepard & the town of Laramie, Wyoming eleven years later. The film focuses on the education of our youth in dealing with hate crimes, Matthew's continued impact eleven years later and hate crime legislation. It is also about the journey to film and the friendship of Greg and Director, Ryan Kipp. The film will be mixed with heartfelt interviews and discussions from across the United States.

The summer of 2010, Greg was the keynote speaker at the International Lesbian and Gay Police Association/Gay Officers Action League of Chicago Conference. Greg along with actress Sharon Gless from the hit TV show, Cagney & Lacy, Showtime’s Queer as Folk and the recent film, Hanna Free were headliners at the Palmer House Hilton speaking about, “A Bridge to Unity.”. The speech was about bridging people together and putting down the things that divide us and reaching for the things that unite all of us.

Greg is a playwright, and director and is currently a free lance writer & filmmaker connecting gay-friendly communities on Meefers.com. Greg is acknowledged for his contribution in Dr. Ruth Westheimer's book on her Guide to College Life. He also has been written about in several publications and books across the U.S.A for his work in the community as a mentor/teacher.

For more information contact Lakshmi Nemani, Family and Recreation Coordinator at lnemani@centeronhalsted.org

Event website Tickets