At the Intersections: How APIDA and LGBTQ Identities Impact Identity Development

Wed, March 16, 2022 at Berkey Hall 207

How does the intersection of Asian American identity intersect with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) identities? This discussion featuring Nathan Nguyễn, Director of LBGT Student Services, Western Michigan University, will reflect on the impacts of assimilation in racial and gender contexts in addition to hetero and cissexism. Participants will engage in reflection activities interrogating stereotypes, perceptions, gender, and race. Participants will challenge both conscious and unconscious biases/actions that are reinforced within multiple communities and media.

Keynote: Nathan Nguyễn, Director of LBGT Student Services, Western Michigan University 

Nathan Nguyễn is the current Director of LBGT Student Services at WMU. Prior to WMU he worked at NC State University, University of North Florida (UNF), Northeast Florida AIDS Network (NFAN), and the Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN). While at JASMYN, he was an HIV tester and counselor in addition to assisting with case management, youth development, and CDC grants for HIV prevention.

Nathan has served in various organizations including: National Advisory Committee for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education (NCORE), Asian Pacific Islander committee for NCORE (co-chair), and the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals (people of color committee co-chair).

His formal education includes a BA from the University of Kansas and both a BS and M. Ed. from University of North Florida. He has worked with LGBTQ populations since 2007 and has worked in higher education since 2010. Nathan's community involvement includes being a board member with a community organizing group to pass an LGBT-inclusive Human Rights Ordinance as well as being a volunteer instructor with local girls rock incorporated (North Carolina and Florida). His career goals include attaining a doctorate degree to continue working in higher education in an upper administration role.