Justin Hager ’12 Invited to Attend White House LGBT Pride Month Reception

Rising 3L Justin Hager ’12 has been invited by the President and Mrs. Obama to join them at a reception in celebration of LGBT Pride Month. The reception will be held at the White House on Wednesday, June 29, 2011.

A native of northern Wisconsin, Hager was nominated by CampusPride.org to join the celebration at the White House in recognition of his advocacy efforts over the past eight years.

During that time he has helped to found and lead several LGBT advocacy organizations, helped organize the first ever Campus Pride National Out and Greek conference for LGBT members of fraternities and sororities, and participated in a cross-country tour of colleges and universities that openly discriminate against LGBT people sponsored by Soulforce.

The New York Times featured Hager in a 2006 story for his participation in a national protest against the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy, and in 2009 he was among the inaugural group of recipients of the Campus Pride National Voice and Action Leadership Award. 

“Being a good leader is not just about inspiring people to follow you and your vision,” said Hager. “It is about empowering other people to create their own vision and lead themselves.”

He has pursued this vision at UC Hastings as a representative and parliamentarian for ASUCH, the chairperson of the Ambassador’s Committee, and as a tour guide and student assistant in the Admissions Office.

Hager’s long term goal is to serve as an elected official. “I feel it’s irresponsible to be a lawmaker if you don’t know how the law works,” he says. “The education I’m receiving at UC Hastings is critical to making the move from an outside agitator to being a true change maker.”