October is LGBTQ+ History Month, and Indiana University is offering an array of events and programs to celebrate and honor the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. One of these special events, "Speaking of Excellence: A Conversation with Byron Perkins," will take place on Oct. 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Ballantine Hall, room 013.
Sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Culture Center and the Speaking of Excellence series, the event will feature a fireside chat between Perkins and Nalini Krishnan, president of the Queer Student Union. The event is free and open to the public.
The former Hampton University defensive back is the first openly gay football player at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). He is also one of the few HBCU players to be in a National Football League draft. Today, Perkins is determined to use his platform to amplify goodwill and elevate conversations about LGBTQ-related issues.
“We are pleased and excited that Bryon will be coming to IU to share his deeply personal story,” says Bruce E. Smail, director of the LGBTQ+ Culture Center and special assistant to the vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. “Bryon is breaking down barriers in the LGBTQ world, addressing LGBTQ+ bias and discrimination issues and helping young Black men and others who may be struggling with their identities.”
Perkins publicly came out as gay in 2022 on Instagram, telling his followers, “I am who I am.” The announcement quickly went viral. His story immediately garnered national attention from news outlets such as ESPN, CBS, NBC, and others. In 2022, he was named Male Hero of the Year by Outsports, a sports news website focusing on LGBTQ issues and personalities in amateur and professional sports.
Perkins's appearance at IU on Oct. 7 comes as the LGBTQ+ Culture Center celebrates 30 years of providing LGBTQ students and allies with a welcoming and safe space that offers resources, intersectional programming, mentorships and opportunities to help them live their authentic lives.
The center, a unit of the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, works with campus and community partners. These collaborations are designed to address LGBTQ+ students’ needs and issues throughout their time of living and learning at IU and provide experiences to help them learn, grow and thrive during college and beyond.