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University of North Georgia (Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û) alumna Angela Duncan, a Gwinnett County Superior Court judge, will serve as keynote speaker for LGBT+ History Month at Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û in a 4 p.m. Oct. 14 Zoom call. A link to the meeting can be found in Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û Connect.

"We are incredibly honored to have an alumna speak as part of this month," said Dr. Robert Robinson, director of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) at Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û. "Students can see themselves in Duncan because of her experience."

Duncan was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp to her current role in 2019. Her appointment came after serving as the Gwinnett County Magistrate Court Judge and chief judge for the City of Chamblee Municipal Court. She earned her law degree at John Marshall Law School and bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û.

Duncan also served in the U.S. Army Reserve from March 1987 to March 1995 as a lightweight vehicle mechanic. The Lawrenceville, Georgia, resident attributes her success to her time at Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û and in the U.S. Army.

"I have always been open about who I am. My wife and children have accompanied me and are a huge part of my success," Duncan said. "Even when faced with adversity, I would soldier on, just be who I am and not allow other people's views to affect who I am."

Grey Nebel, a junior from Buford, Georgia, pursuing degrees in English with a writing and publication concentration and modern languages with a French concentration and business emphasis, is president of the student group Spectrum at Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û. He is excited to hear from Duncan.

"Here's someone local we have something in common with doing all these really great things," Nebel said.

Michaela Follett, a senior from Stockbridge, Georgia, pursuing a degree in secondary education with a concentration in biology, is the president of Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û's Gender and Sexuality Alliance. As a future teacher, she is passionate about the mission of LGBT+ History Month.

"LGBT history is often erased from curriculum," Follett said. "When there is evidence that historical figures may have been LGBT, that part of their life is erased or hidden or pushed under the rug."

Robinson said he appreciates the number of faculty and staff who support the LGBT+ community on Õý°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û's campuses.

"It gives an additional support system to the students," Robinson said. "We take pride that there are so many advocates, and they're lights to students that they can be safe and secure in their future, as well."

Both Robinson and Nebel said individuals don't have to be LGBT+ to participate in the events.

"It's about persevering, learning and growing as a community," Robinson said. "Hearing other people's narratives about overcoming obstacles helps us grow."