Another Interesting Rotary Fellowship
Did you know that there is a Rotary Fellowship for LGBTQ members and friends? It started with a question from Michelle Wilson, a member of the Rotary Club of Athens Sunrise, Ohio.
At the 2017 Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Michelle asked why there was no Fellowship for LGBTQ people, and added that one should be started. Before the break-out session had even ended, Sean O’Hara, a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Charles Happy Hour, Louisiana had established a group on Facebook for LGBTQ Rotarians (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer). The LGBT Rotarians and Friends Fellowship was born and Michelle left the meeting with a stack of business cards from people who wanted to be part of the new group.
In between regular Zoom events held in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, members speaking with clubs about promoting diversity, as well as telling the story of being LGBTQ in Rotary. Additionally, the fellowship is seeking to work with clubs on projects that support the LGBTQ community and to offer resources to clubs that want to be more diverse and welcoming to all.
For additional information visit https://www.rotarylgbt.org
Take a look at Rotary International’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
A top priority for Rotary is growing and diversifying our membership to make sure we reflect the communities we serve.
We're creating an organization that is more open and inclusive, fair to all, builds goodwill, and benefits our communities. We want people with differing perspectives and ideas who will help Rotary take action to create lasting change in communities around the world.
Through Rotary, you'll find unique opportunities to get involved. Everyone is welcome in Rotary.
All the Best…
President Cleo MeriAbut Jarvis
