What are Straight Talks?
Straight Talks are panels of speakers comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally students from a wide range of beliefs and background who educate the university community on sexual orientation, gender identity, oppression, and diversity at Penn State University. All students who participate in Straight Talks have taken or are currently enrolled in B BH 251, Straight Talks. Get more information on how you can be involved in straight talks.
Straight Talk panels provide programs for classes and residence hall, as well as workshops for other groups within the university community. Straight Talks can be tailored to fit the individual needs of various audiences.
Mission and Goals
- Educate members of the university community about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender culture.
- Dispel common myths and stereotypes about sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Provide comfortable forums through which audience members can inquire about the lives and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and their allies.
- Educate members of the university community on the relationships between different types of social group oppression.
- Promote an understanding of identity development.
- Increase openness to diversity and expand the number of individuals who define themselves as allies.
What We Do:
Stereotyping Exercise
The audience explores derogatory language used to refer to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Personal Stories
Panelists tell their stories about coming to terms with their own sexual orientation of with orientations different than their own.
LGBTA at Penn State Stories
Panelists share their experiences of acceptance and oppression on campus.
Question & Answer Discussion
Panelists facilitate a Question and Answer discussion with the audience in order to dispel common myths and stereotypes about the LGBT community.
Please give us at least 1 week advanced notice for scheduling and let us know if there are any special issues or topics you would like us to cover.
If you have questions about the Straight Talks program please contact us.