Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

News Release

October 21, 2005

Athletics, Discussions, Unity Highlight Queer Identities Week

The University of Guelph’s annual Queer Identities Week begins with a QueerAntics! kick-off party Oct. 21 at 9 p.m. at the Grad Lounge, on the fifth floor of the University Centre. All proceeds will go to Out on the Shelf, a local resource and reading centre for the queer community. The evening will feature a drag show, spoken word, an art exhibit and music. Admission is $5 or pay what you can.

“This week recognizes the unity of those identified as queer, as well as the diversity and unique perspectives that we all bring to the table,” said organizer Scott Clarke of the Central Student Association's human rights office.

Dave Mitchell, events co-ordinator for Guelph Queer Equality, added: “It’s important for queer people on this campus to be visible, and we hope to continue challenging assumptions and exposing queer perspectives and experiences that are all too often silenced.”

On Oct. 24, Trish Salah, Paul Adomako and Jocelyn Thorpe will lead “Beyond Marriage: Queer Politics in Canada,” a panel discussion about the struggle for same-sex marriage in Canada and its future from 7 to 9 p.m. in Room 103 of the University Centre.

On Oct. 25, a forum titled “Queering the Curriculum: Queering Science” will examine how one’s outlook on nature and what’s “natural” affects ideas of human sexuality. It begins at 2:30 p.m. in Room 103 of the University Centre with an introduction by Alan Shepard, associate vice-president (academic). Discussion will be facilitated by Patrick Case, director of the Human Rights and Equity Office.

A discussion of queers in athletics titled “Playing for the Other Side” runs Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. in Peter Clark Hall. Also planned is a day of queer radio programming on U of G’s CFRU 93.3 FM Nov. 1.

Other Highlights:

Oct. 23

• 7 p.m. A free screening of D.E.B.S. in Room 1200 of the Thornbrough Building. The film is part of the Sunday Night Cinema series and follows the experiences of four young women who join an underground academy of secret agents known only as D.E.B.S.

Oct. 24

• 5:30 to 7 p.m. “CampOUT.” A coming-out discussion group. E-mail for location.

Oct. 26

• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. “Sitting in the Waiting Room,” a workshop about speaking with health-care professionals as members of the queer community, facilitated by Deb Singh of Come As You Are, in Room 441 of the University Centre.

• 3 to 5 p.m. A closed session for women of colour and facilitated by May Lui and Rose McLeod will address issues of sexuality and sexual diversity in Room 054 of the McKinnon Building.

Oct. 27

• 1 to 3 p.m. A transgender workshop on issues specific to the trans community and queer inclusivity in Room 441 of the University Centre.

• 9 p.m. “Glam Slam,” a queer positive dance party and fundraiser hosted by CFRU 93.3 FM at the Bookshelf, 41 Quebec St. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 from CFRU or $15 at the door. This event is not wheelchair-accessible.

Oct. 28

• 1 to 3 p.m. “Sex/uality and DisAbility Workshop,” a discussion about gender, sex and sexuality in the lives of people with disabilities with Loree Erickson in Room 441 of the University Centre.

• 8 to 9 p.m. “Flesh of the Word” film series at Ed Video, 16A Wyndham St. Tickets are $5 for non-Ed Video members. This event is not wheelchair-accessible.

Oct. 29

• 1 to 3 p.m. A queer-positive soccer game. E-mail for field location.