Come visit the University of Akron Sociology Department for an Ohio Humanities’ Speakers Bureau event with LuSter Singelton and Julia Applegate!

Join Julia Applegate and LuSter P. Singleton in an audience-driven conversation about growing up in the ‘hills and hollows’ of southern and southeastern Ohio while trying to sort out questions of sexuality, sexual identity, and gender. These topics are further complicated by race, class, and higher education. Their candor and willingness to be vulnerable while sharing their truths is a unique opportunity to gain insight into Appalachian Ohio, a community rarely valued for its insight, commentary, or contributions.

Julia M. Applegate, MA, MPH is an HIV and LGBTQ+ health advocate, researcher, and administrator who has taught Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies classes at Ohio State, Wright State University, and Ohio University since 1996. Presently, she is directing and producing an Ohio Humanities-supported documentary film project that tells the story of Ohio’s longest running lesbian bar. 

LuSter is a Zanesville native fascinated by the intersections of ‘isms’ and how they inform and instruct positive perceptions of faith and gender in our daily lives. They are a community leader and creator of queer programming, educational series, presenter-led-discussions and more. Currently, they are co-directing an Ohio Humanities-supported documentary film project that tells the story of Ohio’s longest running lesbian bar. 

This event is a part of Ohio Humanities’ United We Stand initiative.

Curious about our Speakers Bureau? Check out speakers and topics here.

Want to see other Ohio Humanities events? Check out our calendar!