Jan. 22, 2010
Contact: Daniel Pfau
805-458-5971; westernregional@gmail.com
Cal Poly Pride Center to Host Feb. 19-21 Conference
on Gay and Lesbian Issues
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s Pride Center will host the 20th annual Western Regional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Ally (LGBTQIA) College Conference on Feb. 19 to 21.
Organizers anticipate around 700 people attending and at least 17 universities participating in the conference, which will be held on the Cal Poly campus. The conference is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.
The event is intended as a place for growth and development for anyone who fits within the LGBTQIA community. This is the first time in its 20 years that the conference has been held at Cal Poly.
This year’s theme is “Honor the Past, Impact the Present and Define Our Future.” The three-day conference will include workshops, lectures, roundtable discussions, and special events. Workshops will cover topics such as LGBT history, relationships, activism, feminism, and transgender and ally issues.
Events Friday, Feb. 19, will include entertainment in the University Union from 6 p.m. to midnight.
The opening ceremony Saturday, Feb. 20, will begin with a speech by Joan Garry, former executive director of GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and current featured blogger for the Huffington Post.
Rick Jacobs, chairman and founder of the Courage Campaign, will be the keynote speaker Sunday, Feb. 21. And Sunday’s closing ceremony will feature award-winning, internationally renowned poets Buddy Wakefield and Andrea Gibson.
Advance registration is $25 for high school students, $35 for college students, $40 for college or high school faculty or staff; and $45 for other community members until Feb. 1. After Feb. 1 (including at the door), registration prices are $30, $45, $50 and $55.
For more information on registration and the conference schedule, visit www.comeoutwest.org or contact Conference Chairman Daniel Pfau at 805-458-5971 or westernregional@gmail.com
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