Diversity film series begins Sept. 16 at Maryville College

Sept 11, 2009
Contact: Paula McGhee
865.981.8221; Paula.Mcghee@maryvillecollege.edu

The MC Community and public are invited to screen a variety of films highlighting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, queer and questioning (GLBTQQ) populations.

“GLBTQQ communities are often overlooked in diversity conversations,” said Paula McGhee, the College’s diversity programming director. “There is as much diversity within this underrepresented group as within other non-majority groups.”

Sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programming and the Gay-Straight Alliance, the films will be screened in Fayerweather Hall’s Lawson Auditorium at 7 p.m.

When I Knew

Sept. 16 - “When I Knew” – a documentary spotlighting men and women recounting the exact moment when they realized that they were gay.

 Milk

Oct. 20 - “Milk” – a documentary that follows gay activist Harvey Milk as he becomes the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected to political office when he wins a San Francisco supervisor seat in 1977.
Two Spirits

Nov. 18 - “Two Spirits” – a documentary that explores the history of Native American two-spirit people – individuals who combine the traits of both men and women. It also shares the story of a Navajo teenager who is one of the youngest hate-crime victims in modern history, brutally murdered at the age of 16.

Training Rules

Feb. 19 - “Training Rules” – a documentary that explores the topic of homophobia in the setting of Penn State’s women’s basketball team.

I Exist

March 24 - “Bi the Way – This video examines the unexplored world of bisexual individuals who choose to love and date members of both genders. It chronicles the youth explosion of bisexual popularity and the complexities associated with bisexuality.

 I Exist

April 20 - “I Exist” – the award-winning film features young men and women who combat negative stereotypes as gay and lesbian Middle Easterners who live in the United States.

For more information about the film series, contact McGhee at 865.981.8221.

Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state's third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2009 semester is 1,103.