Pride Week hopes to make big IMPACT April 13-17
Released: April 11, 2008
IMPACT will again be sponsoring its annual Pride Week beginning April 13-17. Pride Week gives students, faculty, staff and community members the chance to interact, support and participate in activities with individuals of different sexual orientations.
IMPACT, a student run organization, is an advocate for gay pride and supports three premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, that sexual diversity is a gift and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered. IMPACT will hold special events throughout campus beginning April 13 and ending April 17.
- Sunday, April 13: Bowling at the James R. Connor University Center at 8 p.m.
- Monday, April 14: Candle Light Vigil/Poem Reading at 7 p.m. outside the UC.
- Tuesday, April 15: Day of Silence 9-5 p.m. and Ellis in Jitters at 9 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 16: "When the Gay's Moved into Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" in Summers Auditorium at 7 p.m.
- Thursday, April 17: Paula "PB" Poorman Memorial Garden/Plaque Dedication outside of Winther Hall at 2 p.m. and Culture Shock from 7-10 p.m. in Arey Basement
Pride Week is a great opportunity for folks who identify as LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) and their allies to celebrate who they are.
"It's not always easy being openly LGBTQ and there are many women and men who can't be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression for fear of job loss, loss of family and friend support and even personal violence," said Kim Simes, coordinator of student life and first year experience. "Pride Week is a time to acknowledge and appreciate people who are "out" and support those who can't yet be out."
Throughout Pride Week, IMPACT will have tables of information in the University Center-Monday, April 14 through Thursday, April 17 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and in Esker and Drumlin Dining Halls from 5-7 p.m.
For more information on Pride Week, contact Simes at 262-472-1939 or at simesk@uww.edu.
- Keara Lahiff,lahiffkk25@uww.edu
