Members of the WSC PRIDE group attended the 15 annual Midwest Bisexual,

Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Ally Collegiate Conference (MBLGTACC) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota over the weekend.

     The event, which over 800 people from the Midwest as well as Canada attended, is designed to promote awareness and unity while seeking diversity.

     "The conference was a unique experience for the WSC PRIDE group," Karen Granberg, PRIDE advisor said. "It was very exciting to recognize that we are part of a larger movement that affects everyone, because we all have gender identity and sexual orientation."

      Aside from participating in numerous conferences and round table discussions, PRIDE members attended a drag show and the performances of gay and lesbian artists, including Jade Esteban Estrada, Magdalen Hsu-Li and Deidre McCalla.

     Before beginning his performance of "ICONS: Gay and Lesbian History of the World, Vol. 1," Estrada publicly recognized WSC PRIDE for the work they have done.

     "When Jade dedicated his show to WSC PRIDE, I was so excited," Granberg said. "He recognizes icons emerging from within the PRIDE group. I am honored to be a part of such a group."

     PRIDE is a confidential group on campus that works towards promoting gay and lesbian rights and in the community.

    

©2006 Wayne Stater