Karma R. Chávez of the University of Madison will speak about the DREAMer "coming out" strategy and queer leadership in this movement in "Coming out of the Closet, Coming out of the Shadows: From DREAMers to 'Undocuqueers' and Beyond."

The lecture, sponsored by Wingspan and the UA Institute for LGBT Studies is 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 7, in the Ventana Room, level 4 at the UA Student Union Memorial Center. A summary:

In 2010, "coming out" became a dominant strategy of the undocumented youth movement, particularly among those advocating for the DREAM Act. Given the queer leadership of this movement, the appropriation of the LGBTQ political strategy made sense, and it has since become a regular strategy among migrant youth activists, even those who oppose the DREAM Act. This talk argues that the appropriation strategy provides a unique lens to understand coalitional possibilities among queer and migrant rights and justice movements. The appropriation also helps to highlight the differences between movements, the risks and opportunities for differently-positioned groups using the same strategies for different ends, as well as how groups imagine the conditions of their politics.

Wingspan also hosts a community dialogue about LGBT immigration issues from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, at 430 E. Seventh St.:

Over the last several years, LGBTQ citizens, non-LGBTQ immigrants and LGBTQ immigrants have been developing provocative ways to join together in dialogue and alliance about shared political concerns. This community dialogue will bring together speakers who have knowledge and concern about LGBTQ immigration issues in Southern Arizona and beyond, to talk about the rewards, challenges, and future possibilities for connection among LGBTQ, immigrant and LGBTQ immigrant communities. LGBT youth will also share poetry, spoken word, and personal experiences.