The Tufts Transgendered, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Collective (TTLGBC) is gearing up to host its largest Safe Colleges conference in five years this Saturday. With over 450 pre-registered attendees, campus will be flooded with LGBT discussions on topics ranging from self-identity and parenting options to body image in gay men and bisexuality. The event will be topped off by a Poetry Slam and the third annual dance and drag show.
TTLGBC culture representative Kelly Sanborn said she expects even more people than have pre-registered to attend the annual event. "This will be our biggest turnout yet," she predicted.
Keith Boykin, former executive director of the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum and former special assistant to President Clinton, will give a keynote address. Boykin authored Lambda Literary Award winner Respecting the Soul: Daily Reflections for Black Lesbians and Gays.
The University-sponsored conference provides the LGBT community with an opportunity to increase its visibility within the Tufts community, and demonstrates Tufts' commitment to tolerance and diversity in action, according to event organizer Ken Hammill. "I think visibility is the best weapon against intolerance," he said.
Safe Colleges attracts students from Massachusetts and the rest of New England, as well as local, state, and national leaders. "The main purpose of the conference is to inform and network students from colleges all over Massachusetts about pertinent LGBT issues," Hammill said. "They will get a chance to learn about the progress being made by other members of the LGBT community, and get to share their own thoughts and ideas."
The event will include two workshop sessions that cover topics such as gay marriage, civil unions, parenting options for LGBT people, transgender issues, and minority issues within the LGBT community. Male and female body image, homosexuality and religions, transgender issues, ways to improve LGBT student organizations, and dating within the LGBT community will also be discussed.
Transsexual author and performance artist Kate Bornstein will also present a keynote address. Bornstein has published multiple works including Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us and My Gender Workbook.
University President Larry Bacow will join national LGBT leaders in addressing attendees. The annual conference was first held at Tufts in 1998 with around 100 attendees. Over 300 people attended last year's event.
The conference will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at various campus locales, with free lunch provided. Following the conference, Brown & Brew Caf?© will host Poetry Slam/Queer Caf?© from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The third annual Glitter Dance and Drag Show will be held in Hotung Caf?© from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
