The University of Illinois at Chicago will host the third annual Chicago Collegiate Pride Fest Saturday, April 17, 2-10:30 p.m. at UIC's Chicago Illini Union, 828 S. Wolcott. Call (312) 413-9862 or pridefest.glbc.uic.edu .
National columnist and gay activist Dan Savage will headline Pride Fest, a partnership of four Chicago universities and colleges and the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations on LGBT Youth Issues.
'Collegiate activism is important for the success of the LGBT movement,' said Patrick Finnessy, chair of the Pride Fest committee and
director of the Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns at UIC. 'With this event, we are working to educate and inspire the next generation. It is our hope that students will take the information and energy found here to communities across the country.'
A highlight of the program will be the National Discussion with Dan Savage, author of the weekly advice column 'Savage Love.' Savage will face off with the audience in an open discussion on sex, sexuality, and gender, within the LGBT movement specifically and society in general. The title of his presentation is 'Let's Talk About Sex.'
International performer and slam-poet Staceyann Chin will open the festival with a performance about 'Sex and the City.'
Three breakout sessions will provide LGBT students with practical skills they can use as activists. 'Club Drugs and Sex' will examine the
use of drugs in the circuit bar scene. 'Legal Sex' will provide participants with knowledge about gay marriage, last summer's Supreme Court decision striking down state anti-sodomy laws, and how activism can combine with academics. It will be led by UIC gender historian John D'Emilio, whose research was cited in the high court's majority opinion. Finally, 'Toying with Sex' will be a safer-sex workshop offered by Early to Bed.
A fourth breakout will be 'The Soul and Sex: A Screening,' a special viewing of the film Jim in Bold. The film addresses a young gay man's suicide and the search for happiness in gay life.
The fest will close with Chicago Collegiate Pride Idol, a talent competition judged by Savage, Chin, and 'Who's That Girl' performer Patrick Russo. Chicago Cabaret performers Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen will emcee the event as well as perform. Each participating college and university (Columbia College, Roosevelt University, the University of Chicago and UIC) hosted a semifinal competition for its students. Pride Fest is open to everyone. Admission is $5; UIC students get in free.