Now in its fifth year, Healthy Loving Week starts today with its annual focus on maintaining healthy, loving relationships between members of all sexual orientations and a new emphasis this year on self-esteem.

The educational week of programs and speakers affirms communication, equality, sexual health and ethics, and diversity issues, said Elaine Jurs, assistant director for the Office of Health Promotion and Education and the event's co-chair.

This year, Jurs said, the week stresses self-esteem in relationships with six programs:

-- "Hetero 'Sexism' and Homophobia: Barriers to Creating an Environment for Healthy Living, Working and Growing for Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Persons at Penn State University," at 7 tonight in the HUB Assembly Room.

The week's keynote speaker Jamie Washington, assistant director of residential life at the University of Maryland, will address the group.

Washington has presented more than 70 talks about the "-isms." He will attempt to raise awareness about sexual orientation, dispel myths about gay people and address fears of gay men and lesbians, Jurs said.

"He breaks down a lot of different stereotypes that can create barriers in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships," Alnisa Allgood (junior-administration of justice) said.

-- "The Intimate Connection: Self Esteem and Relationships," at 7 tomorrow night in the HUB Fishbowl by Mary Anne Knapp and Lisa Manning.

-- "Male-Female Relationships: The Roles We Play," at 7 tomorrow night in the HUB Assembly Room by Join Leonard Jack and Nadene Chambers.

-- "Loving and Partnering in the '90s: When Half Is Better Than Having It All," at 7 Wednesday night in the HUB Fishbowl by Patty and Chris Johnstone.

-- "Healthy Same Sex Relationships," at 7 Wednesday night in the HUB Gallery Lounge by a panel of gay men and lesbians.

-- "Does Abstinence Make the Heart Grow Fonder? Alternatives to Intercourse for a Safer, Healthy, Loving Relationship," at 7 Thursday night in the HUB Fishbowl by Penn State Clergy Marie Lindhorst and Bill Saxton, Sex Educator Patricia Koch and a person with AIDS.

Trained volunteers from University Health Services' Sexual Health Awareness Resource Program will staff an information table in the HUB and accompany a Wellness Wagon in the dorms during the week.