Buff Allies, the gay-straight alliance at West Texas A&M University, is hosting its annual speaking event featuring Kimberly Shappley, mother of a transgender child and faith outreach coordinator for Equality Texas, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15 at the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, Legacy Hall. Shappley will speak on “Faith in Transition.”
Shappley is a registered nurse who identifies as an evangelical Christian. Her transgender daughter began socially transitioning at age 4 as Shappley began re-evaluating her religious beliefs. Fighting for her daughter’s rights made Shappley an accidental advocate, eventually leading to her role as faith outreach coordinator for Equality Texas.
“We are excited to bring Kimberly to campus,” said Bekki McQuay, Buff Allies committee member and licensed professional counselor. “She is inspirational for our transgender community members and parents who are advocating for their transgender children.”
First Presbyterian Church-Canyon will host Shappley and Open and Affirming Congregations (OAC), an organization of area churches supportive of the LGBT community, for a 6:30 p.m. reception Sunday, Oct. 14.
“Bringing Kimberly to speak to our community is an amazing opportunity,” said Stacy Yates, member of OAC and St. Luke Presbyterian Church.
Buff Allies is an organization of faculty, staff and students dedicated to providing welcoming and affirming spaces on campus.
-West Texas A&M University
