OHIO STATE TOWN MEETING BRINGS GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER STUDENTS’ CONCERNS TO UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS

   COLUMBUS -- Members of The Ohio State University’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) student population will have the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns with university officials at the GLBT town meeting Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Ohio Union Conference Theatre, 1739 N. High St.

   “This will be the first time Ohio State has provided an open forum for the GLBT student community,” said Willa Young, director of Student Gender and Sexuality Services. “We’re hoping students from all across the university will take advantage of this opportunity and participate -- sharing all of their concerns and experiences, good and bad, with university officials.

   “We hope the town meeting will be the beginning of a partnership between GLBT students and university officials that will allow them to work together on concerns within the community.”

   Young will moderate the discussion. Panelists will include President William E. Kirwan; Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost; David Williams II, vice president for student and urban/community affairs; Martha Garland, vice provost and dean of undergraduate studies; Sile Singleton, coordinator of GLBT student services; Josh Mandel, University Student Government president; and Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Alliance (B-GALA) co- chairs Bridget Strathman and Matt Teaman.

   Immediately following the town meeting, audience members will have the opportunity to continue discussion with panelists about concerns and experiences of the GLBT student community. A reception with refreshments will follow the meeting, which is free and open to the public, in the Main Lounge across from the Conference Theatre.

Contact: Willa Young, Student Gender and Sexuality Services, (614) 688-4898