Chris Armstrong was the first openly gay Student Body President at the University of Michigan. After being elected, the Assistant Attorney General of Michigan began attacking him and lobbying for his resignation simply because he was gay. After the story gained national media attention, the Asst. Attorney General and Chris went on to win a settlement against his aggressor. Chris now resides in Washington, DC.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)