Eastern Michigan University highlights LGBTQ+ joy and community with Queer Talks 2025 – Jan. 31

Queer Talks logo

YPSILANTI — On Friday, Jan. 31, the Honors College and LGBT Resource Center at Eastern Michigan University will host its second annual Queer Talks event in the Honors College at 511 W. Forest Ave. from noon to 5 p.m. The event is free and aims to educate, empower, and uplift queer students on campus to build community. 

“In 2025, queer individuals are facing anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and being stigmatized at higher rates,” said Nick Malendowski, assistant director of the Honors College. “By having Queer Talks, we want students to know that there is a community here to support them.”

Queer Talks will begin with a keynote presentation from EMU alumni Nick Clark, assistant coach of women's volleyball at the University of Michigan, who will discuss how his queer identity has impacted his work in athletics. Seven undergraduate and graduate students will lead presentations highlighting the importance of intersectionality, transgender individuals navigating the prison system, and more. 

The event will conclude with entertainment from ten local drag artists, hosted by EMU student Logan Wilkowski.  

“When I was figuring out what college I wanted to attend, a big factor in choosing EMU was its LGBT resources,” said Wilkowski, who performs under the stage name Lyrica. “Events like Queer Talks make me proud to be an EMU student.” 

Malendowski discovered EMU’s old Queer Talks event when he stepped into his role in 2023 and chose to revive it. For this event, Malendowski aims to include more students in the conversation. Queer Talks has also received a grant from the American College Personnel Association’s Coalition of Sexuality & Gender Identities, providing a paid lunch for those in attendance. 

Looking forward, students like Wilkowski hope that events like Queer Talks will inspire queer students on campus to feel safe. “People are going through the same things you are. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to seek out the community because we are waiting for you with open arms.”

For more information about the event and the LGBT Resource center, visit the website


About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.

January 28, 2025

Written by:
Gavin Millard

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401