| (Charlotte, NC) — Over 40 student leaders from colleges and universities across the United States came together to participate in the first-ever camp for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and ally college students. The five day long leadership camp, affectionately referred to as "Gay Camp," was hosted July 24-29, 2007 by the Queer Student Union on the campus of Towson University in Towson, Maryland.
"Camp was an amazing, enriching experience and I truly feel empowered to change the world, starting with my campus. Not only did I value the phenomenal leadership experience but I also gained life-long friendships -- a newfound family of sorts," said, Ashleigh Ratchford, one of two undergraduate students attending from North Carolina A&T University, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). "Ideals and issues on any HBCU campus can be particularly hard to change, but I have the passion and persistence to make anything happen now."
For over six months, Campus Pride coordinated a team of a dozen LGBT educators and activists to plan the successful camp. These individuals also served as the camp faculty who delivered the five day curriculum of skill building in leadership development, social justice and civic involvement. In addition, other camp highlights included a GLAAD campus media training, a Soulforce direct action and civil disobedience workshop and a program by the Human Rights Campaign in campaign training and political organizing. Keynote highlights included Neil G. Giuliano, Executive Director of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD); Sabrina Sojourner, the First Open Lesbian Elected to the United States Congress, Kevin Naff, the Editor of the Washington Blade, Andria Ruben McCool, Advisor to Google, and Vernon Wall, National Activist, Social Justice Educator & Author. Artists and entertainers were booked for each night of camp and featured riotously outrageous international sensation Vidur Kapur, the sketch comedy troupe GayCo, national slam master and author Emanuel Xavier and acclaimed singer/songwriter Randi Driscoll.
“The Campus Pride Summer Leadership Camp is a perfect example of how we can actively engage young leaders in advancing the movement for LGBT rights today and not wait until tomorrow," stated, Shane Windmeyer, Executive Director of Campus Pride and recent author of The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students profiling the “100 Best LGBT-Friendly Campuses. "We as a LGBT and ally community have the responsibility to invest in the future -- educate, empower and enlighten young leaders. Campus Pride will continue to lead the way."
Camp sponsors and endorsers for this year's camp included Ernst & Young LLC, Matthew Shepard Foundation, Chartwells (Compass Group USA), Terry Bean, Towson University, the Human Rights Campaign, OUTmedia, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbians & Gays, Equality Maryland, Tyvola Design, National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resources in Higher Education, Out for Work, Gay & Gender Research, The Point Foundation, Triangle Foundation, Frameline, Harris Productions, Wooftease, Public Identity, and OutRight Speakers & Talent.
Plans are already underway to build on the tremendous camp success for next summer. Campus Pride organizers are considering having two camps -- one on the East and one on the West coast next year along with other options to involve more college student leaders. If interested in attending the camp or being a sponsor, more information is available online at Campus Pride (www.campuspride.org) or email info@campuspride.org.
Believe In -- Campus Pride. Campus Pride is the leading national nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) for student leaders and campus organizations working to create a safer, more LGBT-friendly colleges and universities. It exists to give "voice and action" in building future LGBT and ally leaders.
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