EDITORS: For a complete schedule of events, contact Bev Tuel or Monteith Mitchell.
National speakers, a film series, discussion groups and a "Stop Hate Crimes Vigil" are features of October's LesbiGayTransQueer Awareness Month activities sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Transgender Resource Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Organizers said the term "queer" has been added to the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender designations to identify people of all sexual orientations and gender expressions who don't fit into the original categories. Once viewed as derogatory, "queer" now is used by GLBT activists as an inclusive term of identity.
According to center Director Beverly Tuel, Awareness Month activities can serve as opportunities for building community among different groups, both inside and outside of the gay community.
"I'm thrilled about the number and range of groups who have chosen to co-sponsor these events," Tuel said. "It shows that there is widespread support for the issues highlighted."
Community sponsors of individual events include Boulder Boyz, Boulder Gender Support Group, Boulder Hillel Jewish Center, Boulder Pride, Children's Hospital Neonatal/Perinatal Education and Research Conference, Colorado Daily, Metropolitan Community Church of Boulder, United Ministries in Higher Education and Visions, Inc.
University sponsors include Bridges: An Alliance for GLBT Â鶹ÒùÔº of Color, Counseling and Psychological Services, Cultural Unity Center, department of ethnic studies, department of housing, School of Education, Student Organization Finance Office, Vice Chancellor's Office for Student Affairs, Women's Studies Program and the Women's Resource Center, in addition to the Program in Health Care Ethics, Humanities and Law at the CU Health Sciences Center.
LesbiGayTransQueer Awareness Month coincides with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, which celebrates the courage of millions of bisexual, transgender, lesbian and gay people who publicly identify themselves as a member of the GLBT community.
The CU-Boulder gathering will take place at the UMC Trumbo Fountain from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a procession throughout campus showing support for GLBT people. The day will culminate with an Open House at the center in Willard 227 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
"National Coming Out Day gives the campus community an opportunity to celebrate CU-Boulder GLBT members and also is a time when others, regardless of their sexual orientation, can show their support for the GLBT community," Tuel said.
Rainbow ribbons, a symbol of support for GLBT community members, will be available at each event and various locations around campus throughout the month.
Other LesbiGayTransQueer Awareness Month programs include:
o Film series: "Before Stonewall" on Oct. 12 and "After Stonewall" on Oct. 26, both at 7 p.m. in Willard Hall, room 229.
o "Stop Hate Crimes Vigil," Oct. 17, 6 p.m., south of Norlin Library.
o Love With a Ruler: Intersexuality and Social Justice" presentation by Cheryl Chase, founder of the Intersex Society of North America, Oct. 19, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. lecture at the Humanities Building, room 150. A second presentation will be held on Oct. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the UMC Aspen room.
o "One More River to Cross: Black and Gay in America," featuring author Keith Boykin, Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Benson Earth Sciences Building, room 180. Boykin is a graduate of Harvard Law School and was the highest-ranking openly gay person to be appointed to the White House, as a special assistant to President Clinton.
o Weekly discussion groups on various topics, including "Sexuality, Spirituality and Reality," a multi-faith conversation, "Straight but Not Narrow," specifically for heterosexuals and "Queers Against Racism" for GLBT people overcoming oppression.
The GLBT Resource Center has moved to a new location in Willard Hall, room 227, that now has a gathering space and greater access to resources. It offers visitors a lounge, a TV and VCR, and books, magazines and other resources.
Fall semester hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (303) 492-1377, send e-mail to glbtrc@colorado.edu, or visit the Web site at .