After a semester's worth of campus surveying, John Howard, director of the Center for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Life, has begun to incorporate his findings into a roster of programming for the spring.
At the top of Howard's list is a lecture series called "The Hump," which will occur every Wednesday, or "Hump-day," and will feature addresses on gay issues by nationally recognized educators and activists. The first installment of the series is scheduled for Jan. 22.
"The Hump brings us together as a community once a week," Howard said. "It helps us connect to one another, share ideas, share resources. It's a forum for debate but also an exercise in community-building."
When Howard arrived on campus this past fall, he conducted an informal "campus canvas" to ascertain what programming would most benefit the University. The survey, he said, revealed that the gay community wanted "provocative, challenging programs. They don't want to be talked down to. They don't want their issues sugar-coated."
These sentiments are represented by the first speaker on the list: Wayne Blankenship, a prevention coordinator for the San Francisco AIDS foundation whose explicit health campaigns, Howard said, "are world renowned."
Advertisements for Blankenship's presentation feature a full-color photograph of three naked men in bed together. Although the picture will not appeal to everyone, Howard said he believes that the controversy and subsequent discussion it generates will make it a worthwhile strategy.
"We're addressing issues of sexual orientation and gender identity," he said. "Everyone has a sexual orientation; everyone has a gender identity. If one's orientation and identity are privileged in our culture, then that should be examined in light of the experiences of others-the out groups."
Stephen Elmore, a graduate student in public policy studies and a frequent participant in the center's programming, said he hopes the shock-value of the advertisements-if not their content-will help attract a wider range of people to the discussion.
This desire to address diverse constituencies was foremost among the findings of Howard's campus canvas; hence an initial program loaded with candid portrayals of sexuality.
"Many felt strongly that we should offer sex-positive programming, given persistent erotiphobia not only in the larger culture, but within our own [gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual] communities," he said. "On the other hand, many downplay sex.... As they say, it's not a lifestyle. It's a life."
Howard added that plans for future activities-including a senior associates program-are forthcoming. In the meantime, The Hump will feature speakers leading discussions on subjects ranging from gay cowboys to lesbian gardening and community-building.
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