By KATRINA PENAFLOR Campus Life Editor
The sixth annual “Out and Proud” event, presented by the Multicultural Student Union in collaboration with Triangle Alliance, Student Activities Board, and the
Stonewall Center, takes place Monday, Feb. 2 through Friday, Feb. 6.
Maria Vargas, activities director of MSU, explained that the purpose of the event is “to educate and celebrate the LGBTQ community, especially those of color.”
The theme of the week is “You’ll never sail alone…” because groups like MSU want Western students to know that they are never alone within our school’s community and there are always resources available.
Activities vary from dances, workshops, to a dinner and mini drag show.
This year’s keynote speaker is Melanie Davis. She is the owner of PQ Monthly, an LGBTQ community magazine, and El Hispanic News, a prominent Pacific Northwest Hispanic publication.
Vargas said she is “excited to have a strong role model in the Latino community share her experiences.”
Check out the Out and Proud Table in the Werner Center to purchase tickets for the dinner. Tickets are $8 each.
Important dates, times, and locations
Monday, Feb. 2
12 to 2 p.m. “Sex Ed for All” workshop in the Willamette Room.
Tuesday, Feb. 3
2 to 3 p.m. OPOC Panel in the Willamette Room;
7-9 p.m. “Open Mic-Spoken Word” in the Willamette room.
Wednesday, Feb. 4
10 to 11 a.m.
An LGBTQ Film in the Willamette Room
5:30 to 8 p.m. Out and Proud Dinner with Keynote Speaker Melanie Davis and mini drag show in the Columbia Room.
Thursday, Feb. 5
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Push here for diversity” in the Willamette Room;
8 to 11 p.m. Black and Red Ball in the Pacific Room.
Friday, Feb. 6
11 to 2 p.m. Safe Zone Ally 1 training in the Willamette room.
For more information, contact: MSU at msu@wou.edu
