Welcome and Keynote: The Power of Being

Abstract

The power of Being plays a crucial role in our work as librarians and an even more critical role as community leaders—every time we choose to "be," we make a choice that has ripple effects. Whether you choose to be afraid, be visible, or be a leader, our actions shape our community. Drawing on personal experiences, Brandon West tells his Story of Being, which led to him becoming a Queer activist librarian, and founder of the leading nonprofit organization working to educate, empower and raise visibility for the over 2.9 Million LGBTQIA+ individuals who call rural America home.