West Virginia University - News and Information Services
Gay-la, 'Miss Ginger' to headline Gay Pride Week at WVU
West Virginia University's Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Mountaineers group will kick off Gay Pride Week, April 12-16, with a screening of “Philadelphia” and a speaker from the Caritas House.
Organizers say the week is about acceptance and celebration of sexual diversity on campus.
Tonight's (April 12) screening of the Academy Award-winning film “Philadelphia” begins at 7 p.m. in the Mountainlair Gluck Theatre. The 1993 drama, starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, tells the story of a gay man who sues his law firm after being fired for having HIV/AIDS. The film gives a poignant take on the issues of homosexuality, AIDS and society's characterization of those infected with the disease.
After the screening, Roger Banks from the Caritas House will discuss the important issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. The Caritas House provides housing and supportive services, including counseling/support groups, financial assistance, legal aid and end-of-life care, to people of all ages infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Events on Tuesday include “Straight Talk," Drag Bingo and a candlelight vigil.
“Straight Talk” gets under way at 4 p.m. in 102 Woodburn Hall. The audience will participate in a frank discussion with BiGLM members about stereotypes and how to talk with and support those they think may be bisexual, gay or transgendered.
BiGLM will put a new spin on Bingo at 7 p.m. in the Mountainlair Shenandoah Room. All the rules of the game are the same, but the number caller is local drag queen “Miss Ginger.” Winners will be awarded prizes donated by local businesses.
Following the bingo game, the public is encouraged to come out in support of ending identity-based violence. A Candlelight Vigil Against Hate Crimes will start at 9 p.m. in Woodburn Circle.
The week continues Thursday with Hanne Blank, a noted author, feminist and weight-acceptance advocate, who will make two presentations. Her works include “Big Big Love” and “Unruly Appetites,” as well as featured articles in Lilith Magazine.
At 4 p.m., the public is invited to hear excerpts from Blank ' s latest work, “Virgin: A History of our Most Controversial Universal," in the lobby of E. Moore Hall on the downtown campus.
She will also lead “Acronymphomania,” a discussion about sex and love for labeling sexual practices at 8 p.m. in Room 458 of the Business and Economics Building.
Finally, on Friday, BiGLM will host the Gay Pride Week Gay-la, a night of art and entertainment. The event will take place at 7 p.m. in the Tanner Theater of the Morgantown Arts Center on South High Street.
During the Gay-la, local artists' work will be on display. Participants may also enjoy skits and musical performances. Tickets are $7 at the door ($5 in advance), which include food and refreshments. Event proceeds go to WVU ' s Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Mountaineers, a nonprofit organization created to provide support and advocacy for the area ' s bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgendered community.
For more information or to order tickets, call BiGLM at 304-293-8200.
Office: (304) 293-6997