In honor of LGBTQIA Heritage Month, the Multicultural and International Student Programs Office put on a reception in collaboration with the Pride Network and the LGBTQIA heritage month committee, consisting of students, faculty and staff. 
Jose Rivera, a member of The Pride Network and a senior Spanish and Latin american and Caribbean Studies major, acted as our M.C. and welcomed students, faculty and staff from across the university who came to support the LGBTQIA community.
Sigma' Cappella, an on campus Acapella group, opened the reception with a few songs, including a beautiful and inspiring rendition of "Love is a 2 way street." The Pride Network followed shortly after with an LGBTQIA trivia that provided the audience with important dates in LGBTQIA history.
Our featured keynote speaker was Micah Jesse, 2009 Hofstra alumnus and Entertainment/Pop Culture Expert. Sharing his key to success, he encouraged students to expand their network while studying at Hofstra as many of his current colleagues are former Hofstra students. He also reminded students that "Your network is your networth."
Micah shared his inspiring story of being discriminated against for who he was in his hometown in Georgia. He later moved to Hofstra where he felt accepted and embraced for who he was. When Micah saw Hofstra's sign "Gay? Fine by Hofstra" he knew it was safe to come out and truly be himself. He encouraged other LGBTQIA students to get involved on campus as well others to serve as allies to support individuals who identify as being part of the LGBTQIA community. Today, Micah is involved in the WWE Anti-bullying campaign to teach young people that respect and acceptance of difference is not only cool but a key part of a civil society.
Thank you Micah for inspiring us to '"find our passion and we will be successful!"
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| Micah Jesse with members of The Pride Network |
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