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I am a native of Huntsville Alabama.  In 2009 I founded a non-profit agency called GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. now dba Free2Be. I am very proud of this organization.  I led the agency as CEO from its creation through 2017.  During this time the agency grew to have offices in 5 cities and services in 7. Its annual budget grew to $1,250,000 during this time. Free2Be provided services through the Free2Be Safe Anti-Violence Project. This project was a regional program addressing intimate partner violence, sexual assault, bullying, and other forms of violence impacting the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the Southeast region of the United States.  The agency also produced Rocket City Pride from 2012 through 2017.  Creating this organization was part of my "Coming Out" process as a gay man.  I quickly found myself being a public speaker, Human and Civil Rights activist, and a Humanitarian.  It was a true honor to have had this opportunity and I wish to thank everyone who played a part in the fulfillment of this dream.  Unfortunately, in May of 2018, the agency closed due to funding problems.  

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In January of 2019, I became a doctoral student at Northcentral University and I am earning a doctor of education degree in International Education.  I am embarking on a new journey of personal growth and exploration to determine my next steps as I try to live a life which focuses on my own well-being while supporting the needs of those who might need my support.  I have learned that self-care is essential.  I am on an amazing journey and I invite you to join me as together we do our part to make the world a better place for all of humanity.

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I hope you have a few moments to read about my work, watch a few of the videos, and look at the things I've written including my personal poetry.  

 

I am always open to new opportunities including speaking engagements.  I provide presentations and workshops which focus on diversity, inclusive practices, anti-violence, and oppressed and abused populations including the LGBTQ community.   I look forward to knowing you.  My personal e-mail is jamesrobinson63@gmail.com. 

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Education
BA, Political Science, Auburn University
MA Ed, Special Education, the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Doctoral Student, International Education, Northcentral University (2019 - Currently enrolled)

Professional Experience
Founder & CEO of GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services, Inc. dba Free2Be from 2009 to January 1, 2018.
Co-Host of "All That's Left" talk radio
Special Education Teacher with five school systems in Alabama and Georgia
Resident Manager and Instructor at the Horizon’s Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Volunteer Experience
Board of Trustees - PFLAG, Huntsville, Alabama Chapter
Board Chair - Jefferson/Shelby County Child Abuse Task Force

Executive Vice President - American Federation of Teachers Jefferson County, Alabama

Awards
2014 Red Ribbon Award "Community Leader"
2012 Recipient Billy Jack Gaither Humanitarian Award for commitment to justice and equality for all people
2011 Named One of Five People Transforming Five Communities by Encore Careers
1995-96 Outstanding Graduate Student, Special Education, the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Education
1989 Outstanding Citizen Award, Huntsville Police Department

Other Professional Experiences
2009 to current: Public Speaker and Presenter on:
Sexual and gender minority diversity
Violence awareness, prevention, and treatment of resulting trauma
2018 Participant application reviewer for the 2018 Fellows with the U.S. Department of State's Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)
2017 Reverse Exchange participation in Belize through YLAI
2016 Mentor with YLAI
2014 Executive Director's Boot Camp Graduate funded by the David Bohnett Foundation through LGBT CenterLink 
2013 Social Media experiences were documented in "The Encore Career Handbook" by Marci Alboher
2013 FBI Citizen's Academy Graduate