News Release

This year's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Awareness Days at The Johns Hopkins University, called Smile if You're LGBTQIPPIQA, will bring to Baltimore individuals at the forefront of the queer rights movement including director Chi Chi La Rue, author and activist Wayne Besen and actor George Takei of Star Trek.

The month-long program is organized by the Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance (DSAGA), an undergraduate group. All events will take place on the university's Homewood campus, 3400 N. Charles St. in Baltimore. For event information, contact DSAGA at (410) 516-4088 or email dsaga@jhu.edu.

The following is a schedule of events. Admission is free and open to the public.

Saturday, April 1, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Beach (grassy area on the Charles Street side of the Eisenhower Library)
A barbeque and picnic will kick off Awareness Days 2006. The afternoon will offer food, music and information about the events scheduled for the rest of the month.

Sunday, April 2, 1 p.m.
Glass Pavilion, Levering Union
Donna Rose, a well-known educator, author and advocate of transgender issues, will speak about the challenges posed by gender transition and her memoir Wrapped in Blue: A Journey of Discovery.

Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
Great Hall, Levering Union
The Gay Baltimore Panel, with representatives from the GLCCB, Equality Maryland and Chase Brexton and a local LGBT community entertainment leader, will be assembled to speak about events in Baltimore, about getting involved with Baltimore Pride, and about what to do if you find yourself LGBT, young and in Baltimore.

Saturday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.
Glass Pavilion, Levering Union
Director Chi Chi LaRue is one of the few directors who has achieved "above the title" name recognition within the gay erotic film world. LaRue will talk about his role in creating a culture of safe sex within the gay community. He will also share stories and gossip.

Tuesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.
Shriver Hall Auditorium
George Takei, who played Sulu in the original Star Trek, will speak about his experience as a gay actor and politician and his walk out of the closet.

Thursday, April 13, 7:30 p.m.
Sherwood Room, Levering Union
Irene Monroe, recently featured on the PBS documentary series In the Life and author of works on African American gay and lesbian culture and the treatment of women and homosexuals by religious institutions, will offer new insight and inspiration into the lives of queer people of faith.

Tuesday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sherwood Room, Levering Union
Students Educating and Empowering for Diversity (SEED) is a group of carefully selected and trained students who are dedicated to raising campus awareness of racism, sexism, homophobia and other types of bigotry or intolerance through education. SEED will present a workshop on homophobia that will increase dialogue and set goals for the campus.

Thursday, April 20, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Glass Pavilion, Levering Union
A hilarious version of The Dating Game, presented by Spring Fair and DSAGA.

Friday, April 21, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Glass Pavilion, Levering Union
A DSAGA tradition, the Drag Show and Dance, will feature local drag queens as well as Johns Hopkins students. Prizes will be awarded to the best performance.

Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
Great Hall, Levering Union
Wayne R. Besen, a former spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, will speak about his book Anything but Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies behind the Ex- Gay Myth, which was nominated for two Lambda Literary Awards.

Sunday, April 23, 1 p.m.
Great Hall, Levering Union
Faisal Alam, founder of Al-Fatiha, a U.S.-based organization dedicated to Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning, will explore the complex diversity within the Muslim world and will illustrate the many challenges facing queer Muslims. This presentation will bring new light into the lives of an often invisible and silent community.

Sunday, April 30, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Great Hall, Levering Union
The Equality Maryland/HRC Town Hall Meeting will feature Equality Maryland and the Human Rights Campaign in a rally for equal rights for those in the LGBT community. Food, fun, services, speakers and sophistication are all part of an afternoon which promises to be a fun time for all.