'Speak Out' lets voices be heard

By: Sam Kribbs

Posted: 10/6/08

Speak Out, an event organized by the Kansas City chapter of Out & Equal, came to Pierson Auditorium last Monday, opening up discussions about sexual discrimination.

The event was an opportunity for members of the organization and the audience to come together and discuss discrimination in the work place experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the Kansas City area.

Victims of discrimination shared stories of their experiences.

The stories varied in industry, but the tone was about the same. Employees said they were fired or told to change their life if they wanted to keep their job.

A panel discussion then ensued about the legal steps being taken to protect employees.

A member of the panel was Jason Kander, newly elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, representing the 44th district.

"I ran for office and I am here tonight because I want to see a world that is more just," said Kander. "Many people's lives do not have a just outcome and I want to do something about it."

Kander said discrimination of any kind is an important issue for him, especially if it is in the work place.

"Two areas where we form our opinions are home life and work life," said Kander.

Bryan VanOsdale, an educator, was also a member of the panel. He spoke of a risky, but in his mind, important discussion he had with his students one day about using derogatory terms to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

He also spoke about how important it is for educators to be themselves with their students to allow them to establish trust.

Randy Coffey, a partner at the law firm Fisher and Phillips, spoke about the encouraging signs of equality in the work place, while acknowledging there is still a long way to go.

"It is most encouraging that 94 percent of the Fortune 500 says, we will treat LGBT employees just like we treat everyone else," said Coffey.

He went on to say it points to a more positive perception and outlook for the companies' employees.

Karelene Wagner-Jackson, the Corporate Diversity Manager for Hallmark Cards Inc., was also a part of the panel. Hallmark has been at the forefront of diversity sensitivity.

Wagner-Jackson said she has seen first hand how it has been an asset to the company.

"If employees are allowed to be who they are, they will be more productive," said Wagner-Jackson.

There were also discussions about what steps to take if you feel you are a victim of discrimination because of your orientation.

The event was organized by the co-chairs of the Kansas City chapter of Out & Equal, Leo Walters and Ken Hagenbeck. Speak Out was the first major event for the organization.

Walters estimated 60 people attended. He felt good about the turnout, but it also concerned him.

"Why weren't more people able to be here? What is going on in their life and what are their priorities?" said Walters. "This was great exposure for a fledgling organization. It will help us get the word out. Also it will help us make new connections and create a new synergy."

For more information about Out & Equal, visit www.oekansascity.collectivex.com.

skribbs@unews.com