LGBSA kicks off Pride Week

A theatrical performance by a bisexual incest survivor, a drag workshop and an "absolutely fabulous dance" are just a few attractions of the 13th annual Pride Week.

Sponsored by the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance, events are scheduled every day this week and will culminate in a day-long conference Saturday.

The theme is "Forging Freedom" because the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community is continuously fighting for respect and equal rights, said Steve McCann, Pride Week coordinator and social/educational co-director of LGBSA.

The week will officially begin with a kick-off rally today at noon, featuring speeches by members of the University community. The rally will also include the unveiling of LGBSA's new name, which will be more inclusive of the entire LGBT and allies community, McCann said.

LGBSA member Laura Hennessey (junior-African and African-American studies) said the kick-off rally is her favorite event of the week.

"It's an opportunity to see people that I know and that I'm close to speaking out about gay rights," Hennessey said. "It makes me feel proud to be a part of something so great."

The week also contains workshops, presentations and performances. Tuesday, a program titled "Straight But Not Narrow" will address issues surrounding the LGBT community and ways to become an ally.

Saturday's conference will feature six workshops, one of which will discuss how to be mentally prepared and physically successful dressing in drag. Other workshops will deal with topics such as activism and bisexual issues, before the conference finishes off with an "absolutely fabulous dance."

Pride Week is fun and exciting for the people who participate in it, Hennessey said, but the week has a serious message.

"It's a reminder that there is so much that needs to be done before the LGBT and allies community will experience true equality in America," she said.