Syracuse University’s Division of Student Affairs to showcase ‘Pride/Prejudice: A Focus on Gay Youth’ photo exhibit

Syracuse University’s Division of Student Affairs to showcase ‘Pride/Prejudice: A Focus on Gay Youth’ photo exhibitSeptember 27, 2002Michele M. Jachimmmjachim@syr.edu

Continuing Syracuse University’s commitment to its five core values, one of which is diversity, the Division of Student Affairs, along with Pride Union, an undergraduate student organization for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, is bringing a photo exhibit to campus to dispel myths and stereotypes about LGBT people.

Consistent with the Division of Student Affairs 2001-2006 Strategic Plan that calls for programs and services that foster a greater appreciation of diversity, the “Pride/Prejudice: A Focus on Gay Youth” photo exhibit will be on display from Oct. 1-31 in the Panasci Lounge in the Schine Student Center. Co-sponsored by the LGBT Resource Center, Arts Adventure, Light Work and Pride Union, the exhibit by Rachelle Lee Smith features 30 photos of lesbian and gay youth and provides these youth an outlet to speak for themselves.

“The artist, through this exhibit, accomplishes her goal of celebrating and giving exposure to the gay youth of today,” says Adrea L. Jaehnig, director of the LGBT Resource Center. “We encourage the campus community and our University neighbors to see the exhibit and understand how they might be able to play a role in creating safe and supportive environments for LGBT people.”

Smith will present a slide show of her work Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in Rooms 304A and B of the Schine Student Center. Members of the University and greater Syracuse communities are welcome to attend. A reception for the artist will follow.

Smith’s exhibit was featured in the June 25 edition of The Advocate, an award-winning gay and lesbian news magazine. She received a bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

For more information, contact the LGBT Resource Center at 443-3983.