Academy Forum: PRIDE in San Francisco with Carolyn Wysinger

TO ATTEND

This outdoor event is open to Club Members and their guests, and to interested members of our LGBTQIA+ community. Please feel free to register and be our guest for the evening.

ABOUT THE EVENT

This edition of Academy Forum, featuring SF Pride President Carolyn Wysinger, will discuss the significance and impact of Pride in SF! We will be engaging in a conversation celebrating the many successes of the LGBTQ+ movement in San Francisco and reflecting on the new obstacles to full equality for all members of our community. 

The discussion, moderated by Dr. Ish Ruiz, will consist of a brief historical overview of the movement - with particular focus on the tradition, logistics, and even controversies of the annual pride parade - and a broader reflection of the state of LGBTQ+ justice in SF and beyond. Audience questions and participation are highly encouraged, with a goal of a constructive and respectful discourse.

ABOUT CAROLYN WEISINGER

Carolyn Wysinger has worked fiercely in the LGBTQ community in a plethora of capacities. As a blogger, she has written timely and insightful articles for blogs such as Autostraddle, Everyday Feminism, Black Girl Dangerous and Media Diversified. As an author, Carolyn published her first book, Knockturnal Emissions, which has been listed on LGBTQ essential reading lists at several universities. She is currently serving her 3rd term as President of SF Pride.

In 2013, Carolyn was appointed to the Human Rights & Relations Commission of the City of Richmond. In 2020 she was appointed by Mayor London Breed and Treasurer Jose Cisneros to the Economic Recovery Task Force of the City and County Of San Francisco. Currently, she is an elected Assembly Delegate in California Assembly District AD-15. She is the Vice President of Programs for the El Cerrito Democratic Club and PAC Chair of the Lambda Democratic Club of Contra Costa County. She was recently appointed to the Legislative Committee of the California Democratic Party as well as the Legislative Committee of the National Federation of Democratic Women which functions as the Women’s Caucus of the Democratic National Committee. She also serves alongside the family of George Floyd on the board of the Philonise and Keeta Floyd Institute for Social Change. She is also a regular LGBTQ Contributor on “Roland Martin Unfiltered.”

As an educator and workshop leader, Carolyn has facilitated workshops at BUTCHVoices, Black Lesbians United, BLAQout Conference, and Gender Spectrum. As a faculty member at Richmond High School, she taught English Language Learning, 10th Grade English, Leadership and African-American Literature, while also serving as advisor for the Black Student Union, Majorette Squad and LGBTQ Student club. She currently works as the Education Coordinator at the Commonwealth Club of California.

ABOUT DR. ISH RUIZ

Dr. Ish Ruiz is an educator who holds a PhD in Ethics and Theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. His research interests explore various matters of LGBTQ+ justice and his dissertation discussed the conflict between LGBTQ+ rights and religious liberty. Ish is passionate about education, advocacy, human rights, and community and he looks forward to facilitating public-facing conversations with key leaders of our LGBTQ+ community.

MEMBERSHIP

The Academy is currently accepting new memberships. If you are interested in becoming a Member and enjoying all of the associated perks and benefits, please click here to learn more.

GUESTS

Members are welcome to bring up to (5) guests per Club visit. They may be Members or non-members.

CLUB INFORMATION

The Club will also be open during regular hours (Thursdays 5-11pm) for Members and their guests not attending this event.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and food items are available for purchase. Academy Social Club Members receive certain beverages complimentary. Ask your bartender or host for details.

COVID-19 SAFETY

This event will take place in accordance with all currently applicable health guidelines per the City of San Francisco and SFDPH. Our full safety information can be found HERE. Please contact us if you have any questions.