A series of weekend events set the tone for the remaining days of Pride Week, which will include a coffee shop concert, speakers and the annual Unity Prom.

On the steps of Old Main Friday afternoon, Pride Week co-directors Jennifer Storm and Chris Brown introduced several speakers and talked about their goals for the week.

This year's Pride Week theme is "We are Penn State; we are not straight."

Storm said the phrase is used to highlight the fact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people are members of the Penn State community.

"We wanted to make sure that we are included in that," she said of the popularly used "We are Penn State" cheer.

She also noted that the phrase is not mean to leave out straight people, only people who are homophobic.

Before starting the rally, the co-directors thanked the different groups that sponsored Pride Week.

"You know Jenn, I think we are missing someone who usually funds us," Brown said, making an obvious reference to the Undergraduate Student Government Senate's decision not to fund Pride Week this year.

Funding quibbles aside, the rally, drag show and "Safer Sex Cabaret" produced large turnouts, and the remainder of the week promises a plethora of additional events.

Edie Carey, a folk singer-songwriter well known for her storytelling abilities, will perform at 7 tonight in the Daily Grind coffee shop, 107 E. Beaver Ave.

Other events include a speech by James Dale -- the former Boy Scouts of America troop leader who took the organization to court when he was kicked out because of his sexuality -- which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in 112 Chambers Building.

Leslea Newman, renowned author of the children's book Heather Has Two Mommies, will also speak at 7 p.m. Thursday in the HUB Heritage Hall.

The diversity of programs available during this year's Pride Week show that it is targeted for all members of the Penn State community.

At the kickoff rally on Friday, Allies Social Chair Crystal Andrews explained the importance supporters play in the LGBT community.

She said she had always supported the community in theory, but never knew how to become actively involved. For her, joining Allies was the first step in the right direction.

"It was a very eye-opening experience for me," Andrews said of her first Allies meeting.

After the rally, Brown reiterated the idea that Pride Week is for all members of the university community.

"Penn State is about people, and people who love and respect each other," he said.