GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Bard Queer Leadership Project (BQLP), which welcomed its first cohort of students this semester at Simon's Rock, will host its inaugural Queer Leaders Vision Forum with Jim Fielding, author of "All Pride No Ego," and Schuyler Bailar, inspirational speaker and first openly transgender NCAA Division swimmer. 

 

Provost John Weinstein and Director of the Bard Queer Leadership Project, Carla Stephens, will be in conversation with Fielding and Bailar. This forum will mark the start of the Bard Queer Leadership's school year and the first of many events to come for the BQLP. 

 

The event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. in the McConnell Theater at the Daniel Arts Center on campus. The event is free and open to the public. It can also be accessed via livestream following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83216412050

 

According to a press release:

 

Jim Fielding (he/him) is a respected retail and media industry veteran whose expertise combines storytelling, product innovation, merchandising, and consumer experiences. Jim currently serves as a partner at Archer Gray, an independent media company, and president of its Co-Lab Division. Having led consumer products groups at the world's largest media companies, including Disney, Dreamworks, and Twentieth Century Fox, Jim has built diverse cultures and visionary teams that excelled in competitive global markets. He served as president of Disney Stores Worldwide for four years, transforming its global consumer experience. He also served as CEO of Claire's Stores, Inc., a leading jewelry and accessories retailer. Jim's early experience spanned leading global retail companies, from The Gap to Lands' End. He mastered all aspects of vertical specialty retail, including supply chain, product design, store operations, and visual merchandising.  

 

An active community leader and philanthropist, Jim serves on the board of directors for the Indiana University Foundation and was a founding member of the Dean's Council for the Hamilton Lugar Global and International School. Jim is a founder of the Queer Philanthropy Circle, the nation's premier fundraising and advocacy group for the queer community. He also participates in the Women's Philanthropic Leadership Circle and the Black Philanthropy Circle.  Jim has served as a board member for GLSEN, Make-A-Wish International, and American Red Cross, as well as an executive-in-residence for IU Ventures and Indiana University's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He has endowed several scholarships at IU to support overseas study, international internships, and advocacy leadership training.  

 

Schuyler Bailar (he/him) is an educator, author, and activist who made history as the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division 1 men's team. Originally recruited to swim for the Harvard women's team, Schuyler made the difficult choice to transition while potentially giving up the prospect of being an NCAA Champion. His story has appeared everywhere from 60 Minutes to The Washington Post. Schuyler's tireless advocacy has earned him numerous honors, including LGBTQ Nation's Instagram Advocate for 2020. In 2021, Schuyler released his first middle-grade novel, Obie Is Man Enough. And in 2022, Schuyler created LaneChanger.com, a learning series that makes gender literacy education accessible to every team, school, and company.