Image courtesy of Upper Dublin Township
The speaker's presentation will be held at the UDPL on Jan. 9
In order to be a stronger community, it is important to try to learn and understand more about one another. From a variety of cultures to an assortment of lifestyles, what can often make communities great is the mixture of unique and varied people. After all, America itself was formed to be a melting pot of people.
In Upper Dublin Township, a Human Relations Commission was established in 2017 to do just that. The goal of the commission specifically was to “ensure that all who live and work in Upper Dublin Township, and all visitors, are protected from unlawful discrimination.”
To meet that goal, a seven-person board of volunteers, made up of residents of the township, provides a nonpartisan panel to provide services to the community. You can read more about the HRC here in a presentation its created to explain its offerings.
One of its regular features is a Speaker Event, during which the HRC invites a variety of guest speakers to enlighten and educate township residents. On Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m., that speaker will be Galia Godel.
Godel, whose pronouns are she/he, will provide an overview of the LGBTQIA+ community, explaining terminology and best practices. Scheduled for the Upper Dublin Public Library’s Shanis Auditorium, the speaker will also take a dive into analysis of queer-supportive laws, policies, and “community norms.” Godel aims to open the conversation to discuss additionally how participants can use the information learned to create a more inclusive and welcoming space, especially for the LGBTQIA+ individuals in the community.
The talk will begin at 7 p.m. in the UDPL auditorium, located at 520 Virginia Drive in Fort Washington. Registration is free, and it can be done online here. While registering, you can even add any questions you’d like to have addressed during the speaker’s presentation.
Galia Godel’s “LGBTQ Existence and Community Building” is made possible thanks to a sponsorship of JFCS, the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia. Godel is the program manager there, and is the organizer of “J.Proud,” the “Greater Philadelphia consortium of Jewish organizations committed to LGBTQ inclusivity, and teaches LGBTQ workshops to Jewish and secular organizations.”
According to the event post, Godel has a Masters’ degree in Human Sexuality Education from Widener University, and also works as a “communication coach for neurodivergent adults and as a sex educator for learners with intellectual disabilities.”
“When not teaching, Galia can be found singing loudly at his synagogue or attempting ambitious home improvement projects,” said the UDPL post.
For more information, visit the UDPL site here or call the library at 215-628-8744.
