BGLAD prepares for Issues Conference 2001

BGLAD (Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians, and Allies for Diversity) are getting ready for the Idaho Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues Conference 2001, which takes place Oct. 5 and 6.

The Cultural and Ethnic Diversity Board is the primary sponsor for the conference, but there are several other sponsors as well.

Workshops on a variety of topics, including homophobia and transphobia in communities, schools and universities, are scheduled, as well as discussions and training sessions that emphasize tolerance and support.

Suzanne Pharr and Marcy Westerling, the two keynote speakers for this conference, are both avid speakers for diversity and social change.

This conference is free of charge to both students and community members, although donations are accepted.

“We start here (on campus), but we definitely want to send the message out,” Wendy Morgan, president of BGLAD, said.

BGLAD will be setting up a speak-out session upstairs in the Student Union during the afternoons of the conference and the following weekend. It is intended to be a very relaxed atmosphere for people to tell their stories or other people’s stories. People can write down their stories for others to view as well, in an attempt to create awareness. Educational programs, regarding gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender issues, will be viewed in addition, followed by discussions.

“My mission for the year is to let us be known as not just a queer group,” Morgan said.

Heterosexual allies are always invited to participate. For more information, contact BGLAD at 426-3171.

Tammy Sands, Special to the Arbiter

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