LBGT issues explored this month
Feb. 5, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Increasing awareness about lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender issues is the goal of a series of events scheduled on the Western Michigan University campus from Tuesday, Feb. 5, through Friday, Feb. 15.
Many colleges and universities celebrate "LBGT" Awareness Week in February, but WMU has planned nearly a full two weeks of educational and cultural activities to highlight the unofficial nationwide observance.
All of the University's Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Awareness Days events are open to the public and all but one are free. They are being sponsored by OUTspoken, an organization of WMU undergraduate students; OUTreach, an organization of WMU graduate students; and the Office of Lesbian, Bisexual and Gay Issues in WMU's Division of Student Affairs.
An LBGT Awareness Days kick-off party featuring refreshments and music will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, in the Faunce Student Services Building Kiva.
Several members of the local chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays will speak at the regularly scheduled OUTspoken meeting at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, in the Bernhard Center Faculty Lounge.
The third annual drag show and contest will take place at 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, in rooms 158-159 Bernhard Center.
A concert featuring singer-songwriter Tamara Bedricky will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, in the Wesley Foundation. Bedricky, a Detroit native, plays guitar and describes her music as soulful acoustic rock. Admission to her performance costs $5 or $3 with a WMU student ID.
A silent auction to benefit OUTspoken will be staged from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, in Room 207 Bernhard Center.
Sean Kosofsky, director of policy for the Triangle Foundation of Michigan, will speak on "Michigan's Political Environment for LBGT People" from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, in Room 157 Bernhard Center. Those attending are invited to bring their lunch.
A panel representing members of the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender community will share their personal stories about being part of this community as well as part of other minority groups from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in Room 157 Bernhard Center. Those attending are invited to bring their lunch.
A reunion and discussion for Safe On Campus members will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in rooms 157-158 Bernhard Center. SOC, founded in 1997, is a group of allies for WMU lesbian, gay and bisexual students. The reunion will feature a structured discussion of SOC issues. Light refreshments will be provided, but those attending also are invited to bring their own lunch.
The Rev. Shawn MacDonald, a WMU doctoral student in counseling psychology, will speak on "LBGT People in the Bible" from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, in the Faculty Dining Room of the Bernhard Center. Those attending are invited to bring their lunch.
For more information about Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Awareness Days, call the Office of Lesbian, Bisexual and Gay Issues at (269) 387-2123.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 269 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu