NORTHRIDGE : CSUN to Hold Forum on Gay, Lesbian Issues

A forum on gay, lesbian and bisexual issues is scheduled for Thursday at Cal State Northridge as part of a monthly series exploring the university’s diverse culture.

“Who Are We? Does Anyone Know Our Name?” is a series of panel discussions set up to deal with common stereotypes and communication barriers faced by CSUN minority groups. Since October, students and faculty members have discussed issues such as domestic violence, ethnic discrimination and dealing with people who have physical or mental disabilities.

This month’s discussion will include speakers from the university’s new Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Community Resource Center, the Religious Studies Department and the Student Housing Services Department.

“The whole purpose of this series is to get people to appreciate the uniqueness of others,” said CSUN junior Hector Ramirez, student coordinator for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Community Resource Center, and one of the meeting’s four speakers.

“During the last few years, people have become increasingly educated on issues affecting the gay and lesbian community,” Ramirez said. “But there is s till a problem with acceptance.”

Campus activities director Tom Piernik said: “The threat of both physical and psychological abuse in college is very real in the homosexual community. This makes it difficult for people to feel comfortable on campus, because they cannot fully be themselves.”

The forum begins at 12:30 p.m. in the University Student Union’s Santa Clarita Room at 18111 Nordhoff St. Admission is free. For more information, call (818) 885-2130.