OUTstanding was a success! Get ready for OUTstanding 2012!

Thank you to everyone who made OUTstanding Seminar a resounding success!

We had over 125 attendees, 23 presenters, workshop leaders, and panelists, 30 amazing volunteers, 10 exhibitors, 42 surveys completed, and a great after-party!

Currently, we are uploading presentation videos and materials on The University of Tennessee “Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange (TRACE)” to archive the conference. Coming soon!

Initial findings from the surveys and the response from the University and Knoxville community demonstrates the need for OUTstanding as a yearly event.  See below.  We are actively pursuing ways to make this happen.  Look for OUTstanding again in 2012!  In the mean time, there are many groups, organizations and individuals challenging our communities and institutions to develop more inclusive and compassionate policies for LGBTIQ people.  During the closing panel discussion entitled “Where do we go from here?” Renee DeLapp conveyed a central theme of OUTstanding: “every single person can help with creating a future of safety and equality for the LGBT community, simply by sharing your story with friends, family and the people around you.”  We encourage everyone to support events and campaigns throughout the year that are sustaining the fight for equality for LGBTIQ people.

OUTstanding was featured in The Out and About Newspaper and in the UT College of Social Work’s Winter 2011 Stimulus.

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Findings from the 42 surveys and the response from the University and Knoxville community demonstrates the need for OUTstanding as a yearly event.

Notable findings from the surveys:

• Level of understanding of LGBT issues on campus:  The average changed from average to above average with 23 out of 42 participants (55% of attendees) reporting improved understanding.
• Level of understanding of LGBT issues in community: The average changed from between average and above average to between average to excellent with 25 out of 42 participants (60% of attendees) reporting improved understanding.
• Level of understanding of LGBT issues in state: The average changed from between average and above average to between average to excellent with 25 out of 42 participants (60% of attendees) reporting improved understanding.
• Level of understanding of LGBT issues nationally: The average changed from between average and above average to above average with 17 out of 42 participants (40% of attendees) reporting improved understanding.
• Make campus welcoming for LGBT people:  The average changed from between average and above average to between excellent and above average with 21 out of 42 participants (50% of attendees) reporting improved understanding.
• 90% of participants reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that the session abstracts accurately described the presentations.
• 93% of participants reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that the presenters were knowledgeable regarding LGBTIQ issues and topics.
• 90% of participants reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that the conference environment was welcoming.
• 83% of participants reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the variety of workshops and presentations.
• 93% of participants reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that they could use the information that they learned at the conference.