Panel discussion, drag queen show to highlight annual event

The Pride Alliance kicked off its Awareness Week yesterday with an ice cream social and open house, the first in a series of events highlighting awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues on campus.

Alliance members hope the week will draw attention to these issues, even though the University of Arizona is "very homo friendly" compared to other universities, said Pride Alliance member Jack Hardy.

"People on campus seem very tolerant for the most part, a lot more than in high school," he said.

The week of events will continue today with the National Freedom to Marry Celebration and Ally Day from noon to 1 p.m. at the Old Main Fountain.

Pride Alliance members will be handing out shirts and "straight but not narrow" packets to help raise awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues on campus.

"People need to know that the entire campus community depends on understanding each other and eradicating homophobia is part of that," said Jonna Lopez, director of Pride Alliance.

Wednesday, Pride Alliance will be focusing on community outreach with Campus Health from noon to 1 p.m at the Mall's main stage.

A Valentine's Variety Show hosted by local drag queen Faith Michaels, where members of Pride Alliance will also hand out condom grams, will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday on the stage.

A panel discussion with a twist will take place Friday on the stage from noon to 1 p.m.

The discussion will concentrate on straight people defending their sexuality to a gay audience so students can put into perspective the harassment that some students face, Lopez said.

Outside of Awareness Week, Pride Alliance offers women, men and GLBT allies weekly discussion groups that are open to all students, a center where people can hang out and a variety of social events.

"(Pride Alliance) has introduced me to a lot of my current friends and has given me a group to feel a part of," Hardy said.