Speaking Freedom

The Liberty Education Forum (LEF) Speakers Bureau reaches audiences who have never before heard from an openly gay or lesbian person. The goal of the Speakers Bureau is to put a human face on an issue that people too often learn about through sound bites and sermons instead of facts and common sense. LEF partners with well-known LGBT advocates to participate in the speakers bureau.  These allies for equality attract larger crowds and gain more earned media attention.

LEF has worked closely with Mary Lou Wallner, who was featured in the award-winning documentary “For The Bible Tells Me So.” Based on a narrow interpretation of the Bible, Mrs. Wallner rejected her lesbian daughter when she first came out. After Wallner’s daughter committed suicide, Mary Lou became a strong advocate for equality. LEF sponsored multiple community outreach events for her around the country. Here’s part of an email from Mrs. Wallner after a speech in Northern New York:

“Just wanted to let you know that last night at SUNY Potsdam was absolutely AMAZING!!! It was exactly the kind of "happening" that Dan Karslake (the film’s director) created FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO for. There were at least 75 people in the small auditorium, and many were conservative Christians, and the hour long discussion after the screening of the film was nothing short of wonderful. There was SO much interaction between the GLBT kids (and adults) and a conservative pastor….we sat back and listened some of the time, but were often put ‘on the spot’ and were thankful for the answers that came.”

The LEF Speakers Bureau targets two distinct audiences. First, we provide speakers for community groups and organizations; especially those who may have never previously heard from a gay person. The second focus for the LEF Speakers Bureau is young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. Polls show we are winning the fight for equality with the next generation; however we must continue educating them about the importance of inclusion and fairness. Strengthening existing relationships and forging new allies with this age group will help create a powerful grassroots network to help accomplish our goals.

LEF board members and staff frequently speak at colleges and universities, educating young people about the importance of freedom and fairness. LEF representatives spoke to students at Iowa State, the University of Ohio, University of Chicago, George Washington University, Boston College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Oberlin, Amherst, Duke, the University of North Carolina, Georgetown, the University of Missouri, North Carolina State, and others. At many schools, we bring together college conservatives with members of the campus GLBT groups for important dialogue about issues of basic fairness.

For information about LEF Speakers Bureau call (202) 371-2974.