Correction: Jean O’Leary, a lesbian nun, organized the first White House meeting of gay leaders. Psychologist Robert Eichberg founded a political action committee for gay rights in Los Angeles.
By NICOLE A. WEST
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
In honor of National Coming Out Week, the college will host eight events today through Thursday.
President Robert Zeigler will introduce Dale Carpenter, law professor at the University of Minnesota, who will talk on his book “Flagrant Conduct: The Story of Lawrence v. Texas” at 11 a.m.–noon today in Room 218 of the nursing complex.
Local LGBTQ professionals will host a LGBTQ business leaders panel discussion titled “Stories of Success in The Real World” about succeeding regardless of orientation 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. Tuesday in Room 218 of the nursing complex.
Also on Tuesday, comedian Jade Esteban Estrada will perform his one-man show “ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 4” 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in the auditorium of McAllister.
An LGBTQ community fair will take place 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday in the mall. Farias said students can learn information on health, advocacy and business organizations.
Students and community performers will participate in a drag show 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Loftin Student Center.
The week will conclude with two events Thursday.
Transgender activists will discuss rights based on gender identity and expression during “The Journey Towards Transgender Acceptance” 9:25 a.m.–10:40 a.m. in the faculty and staff lounge of Loftin.
English Instructor Farias will host the discussion.
Political science Instructor Fred Williams will host “Is Gay the New Black?” 10:50 a.m.-12:05 p.m. in the faculty and staff lounge of Loftin.
The discussion will cover similarities and difference between the African-American and LGBTQ civil rights movements.
Coming Out Week is meant to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning community, Farias said.
He said the week is also meant to encourage people to “come out” and be proud of who they are.
In honor of Ally Week, which immediately follows National Coming Out Week, drag performers will host drag show bingo 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 17 in the faculty and staff lounge of Loftin.
Coming Out Week is an institutionally recognized event like Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Women’s History Month, Farias said.
Psychologist Robert Eichberg, and Jean O’Leary, a lesbian nun, organized the first White House meeting of gay leaders. They founded National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, 1988.
Eichberg founded a political action committee for gay rights in Los Angeles.
About 10,000 rainbow-colored wristbands will be distributed throughout the week.
“Our purpose is to educate, advocate, provide a safe place and provide information on resources for the LGBTQ people. The club is like a training ground for leaders in the community,” GALA president Rene Orozco, advertising and public relations sophomore, said.
GALA meets 3 p.m. Wednesdays in the faculty and staff lounge of Loftin.
For more information on Coming Out Week, contact Farias at 210-486–0668.
For more information on GALA, call 210-201-4252