Thank you for your request for a Coming Out panel from our Speakers Bureau. We offer panels comprised of people representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally identities. However, we are unable to guarantee that specific identities will be represented. Each panel will consist of three to five members who will share their general coming out stories followed by a time for questions.

Panel Request Fee Policy: Due to the number of requests and the need to invest more resources in the Speakers Bureau, a fee structure is in place. The policy is stated below:

Each request will be processed to make the best effort to fulfill panels based on the availability of the speakers and timing of the request. Qualified panels are designed with 3-5 available panelists (representing diverse backgrounds when possible). And for groups outside of the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, a fee will be charged based on the location of the panel event. The following is the fee structure for a Speakers Bureau panel:

University of Michigan Ann Arbor - $0.00
University of Michigan Dearborn/ University of Michigan Flint - $50.00
Washtenaw County Agencies - $75.00
Outside of Washtenaw County - $100.00

If more than one panel is arranged or if the arranged panel will be presenting multiple times and/or locations, the fee is applied to each panel event. The check should be made to University of Michigan-Spectrum Center and sent to Lauren Sherry prior to the panel event or must be given to the panelists at the conclusion of the event. The panel members will return it to our office with the required panel packet. The requestor must indicate how the payment will be submitted and be responsible for adhering to the agreement. Should the requestor cancel the panel event 2 weeks prior to the event with a written notification, there will be no penalty. Should the requestor cancel the panel within 2 weeks of the panel event, the fee is non-refundable. If the Spectrum Center is unable to recruit a qualified panel, and a payment has been submitted, the requestor will receive a complete refund or a returned unprocessed check. If the payment is late, a 30% late fee will be charged and must be paid within 45 days of the panel event to avoid additional fees. This is also applied to panel requests cancelled within 2 weeks of the panel event. Questions or inquiries, please contact Lauren Sherry at lasherry@umich.edu.

Please note that we need three weeks advance notice in order to contact and schedule our speakers. You will receive a confirmation on the week preceding your requested date with the names and contact information of the speakers.

This is a confidential email form; it will be sent to the coordinators of the Speakers Bureau. All of your contact information is essential to ensure the speakers can reach you if necessary. Please include both email and phone contact information.

If you have a request that you do not feel will be met with a Speakers Bureau Coming Out Panel, please contact the Spectrum Center.