September 20, 2002 — In an effort to educate members of the campus in addressing issues of importance to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center at the University of Utah will sponsor a series of discussions, “Out @ Lunch,” during the 2002-2003 academic year.
The first workshop will be held next Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the Union Theatre. Thereafter, the biweekly Wednesday meetings will be held from 12 noon until 1 p.m., in the Union Den. Although targeted to the campus community, the free discussions are open to the general public as well.
“The series will not only educate the campus community, it will be an opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals to dialogue,” notes Charles Milne, interim advisor to the LGBT Resource Center. Since opening its doors last April, the privately funded LBGT Resource Center has served an estimated 150 individuals.
Following is the fall semester “Out @ Lunch” schedule:
— Sept. 25 -“The Pride Divide,” featuring Kathryn Stockton, associate professor of English and director of the Gender Studies Program at the U; Cristi Heinmiller, U student and Lesbian Gay Student Union vice president; and Gerardo Okhuysen, assistant professor of management at the U’s David Eccles School of Business
— Oct. 9 -“Why Do We Need to Be Out?” will be a panel discussion featuring members of the LGBT community and their student, faculty and staff allies
— Oct. 23 -“Spirituality and Sexuality,” featuring minister Joel Nau of the Lutheran Campus Ministry and Father Jose Pimentel from the Catholic Newman Center
— Nov. 6 -“Can We Cure Homosexuality?” will feature Kay Packard, retired U counselor and reparative therapy researcher, and representatives from Evergreen International, an organization that assists individuals who want to change their homosexual behavior and diminish same-sex attraction
— Nov. 20 -“Queer Dialogue,” featuring Kathy Brooks, director of the U’s Women’s Resource Center, will explore the appropriate use of language when referring to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and issues
— Dec. 4 -“AIDS Youth Panel” will feature Tyler Fisher, Youth Programs director for the Utah Aids Foundation
The discussion series will resume spring semester.
The LGBT Center houses a resource library, offers live or online confidential support services and conducts therapy groups in conjunction with the University’s Counseling Center and Women’s Resource Center. In addition, the LGBT Center provides staff training to campus agencies to foster understanding and acceptance of all people. The LGBT Resource Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is located in Union room 317.
