Watch video of the LGBT Health Week address by Bishop Gene Robinson: “Being Gay: Does It Really Get Better?”
Hosted by the Vanderbilt Medical School GSA as part of their annual LGBTQI Health Week, Bishop Gene Robinson visited campus on March 14, 2011. This event was co-sponsored by VMS Gay-Straight Alliance, Vanderbilt Divinity School GABLE, Office of Medical Student Affairs, Office for Diversity in Medical Education, Office of LGBTQI Life, Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Religious Life, and Office of Active Citizenship & Service.
V. Gene Robinson was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire on June 7, 2003, having served as Canon to the Ordinary (Assistant to the Bishop) for nearly 18 years. He was consecrated a Bishop on All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2003, and was invested as the Ninth Bishop of New Hampshire on March 7, 2004. He has been particularly active in the area of full civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Working at the state, national, and international levels, he has spoken and lobbied for equal protection under the law and full civil marriage rights. He has been honored by many LGBT organizations, including The Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, and the Equality Forum.
Bishop Robinson was invited by Barack Obama to give the invocation at the opening inaugural ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial on January 18, 2009. He is the subject of a new documentary film “The Truth Will Set You Free” due for 2011 release. He is also co-author of three AIDS education curricula for youth and adults and has done AIDS work in the United States, Uganda, and South Africa. He has been an advocate for anti-racism training in the diocese and wider Church. He holds two honorary doctorates and has received numerous awards from national civil rights organizations. His story is featured in the 2007 feature-length documentary, “For the Bible Tells Me So.” In 2008, Gene’s book, “In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God” (Seabury Books, New York) was released.