In honor of Pride Month, Peace Corps Midwest held an LGBT focused information session June 16 at Hosteling International's J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Hostel in Chicago.
The event, which celebrated the contributions of all LGBT Peace Corps volunteers, featured remarks by Midwest Regional Diversity Recruiter/former volunteer Travis Bluemling as well as former volunteers Lee Losey, who served in Tanzania; Brett Michaelson; who served in Paraguay; and Jes Scheinpflug, who served in Togo.
"The purpose of tonight's event is to talk about being a volunteer in the Peace Corps and identifying as LGBT," said Bluemling.
Bluemling, who served in Indonesia and identifies as gay, spoke about the various aspects of the application process. Those included the fact that applicants can now choose the countries and assignments where they want to serve. He also said that, due to safety concerns, same-sex couples will only be assigned to host countries that don't criminalize homosexual acts. He explained that, in 2013, the Peace Corps began accepting applications from same-sex married couples and any couple ( regardless of marital status ) who want to serve together. Bluemling noted that there never was any barrier to LGBT individuals serving in the Peace Corps.
As for his experiences as a volunteer, Bluemling noted that he didn't come out to his community in Indonesia while he was serving there.
Losey and Michaelson, both of whom identify as gay, explained that they didn't come out to their recruiter when they started the application process.
Scheinpflug, who identifies as pansexual, noted that she didn't come out to her recruiter, either.
Everyone indicated that the best way to approach serving in the Peace Corps is to make serving the community they were placed in a priority and to put their personal lives on hold. They also noted that they eventually came out to other Peace Corps volunteers during their time in service and, in some cases, community members.
As for advice they would give to prospective volunteers, Scheinpflug and Bluemling said it's important to be flexible while Michaelson noted that one can't take things so seriously. Losey explained that just getting through the first six months of the assignment is key to having a fulfilling experience.
When asked what surprised them the most from their time serving, Michaelson noted that learning to cook is at the top of his list while Scheinpflug said it was learning French and fighting with her host dad, just like she fights with her biological dad. Losey explained that he was surprised at how much he loved it and Bluemling said it was the relationships he formed.
Peace Corps Midwest will also be marching in Chicago's upcoming Pride Parade. The chapter also participated in Milwaukee's and Louisville's Pride festivals and parades as well as a number of similar events throughout the Midwest.
To apply for available assignments, visit www.peacecorps.gov/openings.
See www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/learn/meet/offices/chicago for more information .
