Charlotte - Campus Pride highlights national groundbreaking film "On These Shoulders We Stand" with director Glenne McElhinney as a featured guest keynote during the annual Camp Pride, July 17-22, 2012.

"">On These Shoulders We Stand" chronicles the lives of eleven elders, from their early years to their coming out, to their groundbreaking activism for the rights of all LGBT people. Contrary to popular belief that the struggle for gay rights was confined to New York City and San Francisco, the film profiles several Los Angeles activists who helped change the course of both California and LGBT history. Viewers will learn how Los Angeles' gay community has had a national impact on issues as diverse as the first amendment, the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement. "On These Shoulders We Stand" brings the marginalized and under reported history of Los Angeles' LGBT community to a new generation of American audiences.

"Learning the history of the LGBT movement and telling our diverse stories is essential in being an inclusive, effective movement," said Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride. "This film is perfect in showing how far we have come and how deeply entrenched discrimination remains today impacting all of us, including LGBT and ally youth."

Camp Pride is the signature annual leadership training program of Campus Pride, the nation’s leading educational organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. Sixty LGBT and ally students from across the nation will travel to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., for five full days of the intense social justice leadership training, July 17-22, 2012.

Gay rights activist, ex-Morman and national recording artist sends message of "acceptance" and "perseverance"; Registration is open online until Mon, July 9

Campus Pride is excited to announced that nationally acclaimed, openly gay singer/songwriter Justin Utley will be one of the featured entertainers for Camp Pride this year. Justin began his career as a Mormon-Contemporary singer/songwriter and has since become an outspoken advocate against the Mormon church's use of conversion therapy.

"Campus Pride believes that it is important that LGBT and ally youth have exposure to leaders in all genres of professional life, especially those like Justin who have demonstrated perseverance for life in the face of adversity and who 'stand up' for acceptance," said Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride. "Justin will surely 'rock' it out at Camp Pride this July -- we are thrilled to have him join us."

In 2002, he was a featured performer at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics, and earned numerous awards during his time in Utah, including Best Singer and Songwriter by Salt Lake City Weekly and "Best New Artist" by Indie Review Monthly. The Utah native also composed and performed the theme song to the Emmy Award-winning PBS movie "The Shadow of Light", as well as other independent films. After publicly breaking ties with the Mormon Church and sending his own "self-excommunition letter", Justin became a noted activist and advocate for civil rights and LGBT equality in the United States, and an outspoken personality against the Mormon church's use of conversion therapy, a method Utley endured for two years after serving a two-year full-time mission for the church.

Generous contribtions from national brands Pepsico and Food Lion support LGBT student leadership development. Early-bird registration for sixth annual Camp Pride ends on May 30

Sixty lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and ally students from across the nation will travel to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., for five full days of intense social justice leadership training at the annual Camp Pride Summer Leadership Program, July 17-22, 2012.

The signature annual leadership training is a program of Campus Pride, the nation’s leading educational organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. The camp, which also includes an LGBT Professional Academy for LGBT faculty and advisors, is in its sixth year.

Early-bird registration for the program ends on May 30; those interested can learn more about Camp Pride, registration and scholarship opportunities at www.campuspride.org/camppride/.

Young adult marriage equality advocate Zach Wahls will be among the many nationally-recognized leaders and speakers scheduled to speak at Camp Pride this year. Wahls will also receive an honorary Campus Pride Voice & Action National Leadership Award. Also present at Camp will be Kara Laricks, winner of NBC’s “Fashion Star,” an out lesbian and a student leader during college. Laricks’ profession as a school teacher and her talent and eye for design will serve as inspiration to the LGBT and ally student leaders at our Camp Pride. Other speakers and entertainers scheduled to appear at the summer program include Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, and LGBT researcher Sue Rankin, associate professor of College Student Affairs and Higher Education and research associate at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Pennsylvania State University.

The 2012 Camp Pride has also garnered the generous support of national corporations, community organizations and celebrities. Sponsors this year include Pepsico, Food Lion, Alliance for Full Acceptance, Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund, OUTmedia, Consortium of Higher Education Resource Professionals, Charlotte Pocket Rocket Guide and Tyvola Design.

“Food Lion, A Delhaize America Banner, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for associates and customers,” said Patrick Washburn, co-chair of the Friends LGBTA Business Resource Group and a Campus Pride board member. “Campus Pride is located in one of our larger market areas where we have multiple stores, and the ability to reach a diverse customer base. We want to ensure that all associates who work here and all customers who do business with us are treated fairly and with respect.”

Alison Doerfler, executive director of The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, said their support of Camp Pride ensures students learn the skills they need to create positive change on their campuses. Their new “Campus Pride StandUp Team” will play an integral role in supporting the missions of their organization and Campus Pride.

“The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation is thrilled to be able to renew our support of Campus Pride in 2012 through the establishment of the Campus Pride StandUp Team,” Doerfler said. “This group of students who benefit from these scholarships to Camp Pride will each develop action plans that will enable them to return to their campuses in the fall as ambassadors of important messages against bullying and homophobia. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Campus Pride through this very important initiative and applaud the impact that Camp Pride has on attendees.”

Registration for the sixth annual Camp Pride, July 17-22, 2012, is now open. An early discounted rate of $815 is available through May 30. Scholarships for free registration are also available. The cost of registration includes educational curriculum, all program materials, accommodations for five nights and meals as well as entertainment and activities. A special “Advisor Bootcamp” track for LGBT and ally faculty advisors is also available. Students and advisors can register online or learn more about scholarship opportunities at www.campuspride.org/camppride/.

Early-bird registration rates for Camp Pride are soon coming to an end. Don't wait before it's too late! Early-bird registration period closes May 30!

More than three dozen students from across the U.S. have already registered to attend this unique, one-of-a-kind, five-day social justice training designed to turn LGBT and ally students into young leaders for positive and inclusive change.

Click here to learn more about Camp, registration and scholarships and be sure to check out our unique fundraising ideas.

If you aren't convinced, just take a look at all the great peeps we got coming...

Campus Pride recently announced that spoken word and slam poetry artist Kit Yan will be Camp Pride's artist-in-residence. In addition to Yan's appearance, Kara Laricks of NBC's "Fashion Star" will also be on hand.

Zach Wahls, affectionately known as "That Kid From YouTube," whose passionate testimony in front of the Iowa General Assembly defending his lesbian parents and family was named YouTube's Top Political Video of 2011 will keynote the annual leadership development experience. While at Camp Pride, Wahls will be presented an honorary Campus Pride Voice & Action National Leadership Award.

Nationally-respected LGBT movement leaders and speakers will also be at Camp, sharing their wisdom, knowledge and insights to help young LGBT and ally student leaders learn the skills they need to create positive, LGBT-inclusive social justice change on their campuses and in their communities.

Speakers confirmed for Camp Pride thus far include:

• Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, reknown for her indepth policy knowledge and experience in LGB and transgender inclusion efforts.
• Caitlin Ryan, director of the Family Acceptance Project and San Francisco State University, whose work on LGBT health and mental health since the 1970s has had a defining impact on how communities work with LGBT youth and families.
• Robyn Ochs, a bisexual speaker, teacher, writer and activist, who has made significant contributions to the national LGBT equality movement while raising awareness of bisexuality, pansexuality and other underserved and marginalized people within the LGBT community.
• Cathy Renna, a nationally-respected communications strategist known for her media relations expertise and work with LGBT non-profits and other clients for nearly 20 years.
• Sue Rankin, associate professor of College Student Affairs and Higher Education and research associate at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Pennsylvania State University, who serves on the research staff of Campus Pride's Q Research Institute for Higher Education and helped author Campus Pride's landmark report, The 2010 State of Higher Education for LGBT People.
• Marisa Richmond, president of the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition, known for her extensive work on LGB and transgender inclusion efforts at local, state and national levels.
• Kristin Russo and Dannielle Owens-Reid of EveryOneisGay.com, an advice site for those who are "confused about sexuality, gender-identity, dating, falling in love, or even dressing up like Super Woman." Kristin and Dannielle also tour high schools and colleges nationwide.

Campus Pride Executive Director Shane Windmeyer published an exclusive interview with young adult leader and national LGBT ally and advocate Zach Wahls:

"I just wanted to defend my family."

Simply stated, this is why Zach Wahls stood before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee on Jan. 31, 2011 and gave his testimony about being the son of a lesbian couple. Zach had no idea that his impassioned speech about "what makes a family" would go viral on YouTube, with over 18 million views. Nor would he, as a young man at the age of 20, understand immediately the positive impact his words would have on millions of people.

As the founder and executive director of Campus Pride, I have had the pleasure working with thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and ally young adults over the last two decades. Their energy, drive, resilience, and passion are exactly what the LGBT movement needs more of right now.

I had the chance to sit down on Easter Sunday with Zach, "that kid from YouTube," as he is referred by many, to talk about his life since the viral video, the Boy Scouts, and his new book, My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family.

Read the rest of this outstanding interview at HuffingtonPost.com...

And... check out Zach's message of support for Campus Pride...

You can join Zach in supporting Campus Pride's important work today! Click here to donate!

The annual Camp Pride Summer Leadership Program for LGBT and ally student leaders is quickly approaching! We're extending the early-bird registration from May 1 to May 30! Get on board today for this fabulous, one-of-a-kind social justice leadership development program!

Click here to learn more about and register to attend the 2012 Camp Pride Summer Leadership Program, July 17-22, at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

Camp Pride 2012 is promising to be the BEST CAMP EVER! Just take a look at some of the exciting announcements about this year's camp and some of the brilliant things we've got planned...

• YouTube Sensation Zach Wahls will keynote and receive national award at Camp!
• NBC Fashion Star Kara Laricks will also be on hand!
• Nationally-acclaimed trans, spoken-word icon Kit Yan is our official Artist-in-Residence!
• Other nationally-respected LGBT and civil rights leaders will be on hand to help lead Camp, including National Center for Transgender Equality's Mara Keisling, EveryoneIsGay.com's Kristin Russo and Dannielle Owens-Reid, and many, many more!

What they're saying...

“Campus Pride provides a safe, open space for new student leaders and for more experienced leaders alike. It is an extraordinary way to learn the basics of campus organizing as well as new strategies to create change.”
–21 year-old, gay male

“Campus Pride rocks! When I first searched the website, I was amazed that everything I needed as a LGBT student leader was there. I go back often to find what’s new and improved…”
–18 year-old, bisexual female

“I no longer feel alone. Campus Pride helped me meet others who share the same issues, challenges and frustrations as a leader. I feel more empowered, now than ever.”
–19 year-old, bisexual female

“I have been to almost a dozen LGBT conferences and events over the years. Never did I feel more welcome and included as a trans-identified, gender queer person than in the dialogue shared and tools provided during this program. Thank you.”
–22 year-old, M toF transgender

Don't miss out on scholarship opportunities and early-bird registration! Spread the word!

Early-bird registration runs through May 30, 2012 ($815 before May 30; $945 afterward)! The first-priority deadline for scholarship applications has already passed, but applications are still being accepted. Don't wait! Register or apply for scholarships today, and spread the word! Forward this email on to your friends and peers at your school or alma mater or those involved with your campus' LGBTQA student organization. Or, take a moment to talk to your peers on campus about your past Camp Pride experiences and encourage them to register for Camp today at www.campuspride.org/camppride/!

In July, 60 LGBT and ally students from across the nation will gather at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., for the 2012 Camp Pride Summer Leadership Camp, Campus Pride's annual summer leadership development program for LGBT college and university students and faculty. Waiting for them when they arrive will be a stellar line-up of speakers, activists and entertainers to boost their spirits, impart their knowledge and help build up the current and future leaders of our LGBT movement!

Campus Pride recently announced that spoken word and slam poetry artist Kit Yan will be Camp Pride's artist-in-residence. In addition to Yan's appearance, Kara Laricks of NBC's "Fashion Star" will also be on hand.

Zach Wahls, affectionately known as "That Kid From YouTube," whose passionate testimony in front of the Iowa General Assembly defending his lesbian parents and family was named YouTube's Top Political Video of 2011 will keynote the annual leadership development experience. While at Camp Pride, Wahls will be presented an honorary Campus Pride Voice & Action National Leadership Award.

Nationally-respected LGBT movement leaders and speakers will also be at Camp, sharing their wisdom, knowledge and insights to help young LGBT and ally student leaders learn the skills they need to create positive, LGBT-inclusive social justice change on their campuses and in their communities.

Speakers confirmed for Camp Pride thus far include:

• Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, reknown for her indepth policy knowledge and experience in LGB and transgender inclusion efforts.
• Caitlin Ryan, director of the Family Acceptance Project and San Francisco State University, whose work on LGBT health and mental health since the 1970s has had a defining impact on how communities work with LGBT youth and families.
• Robyn Ochs, a bisexual speaker, teacher, writer and activist, who has made significant contributions to the national LGBT equality movement while raising awareness of bisexuality, pansexuality and other underserved and marginalized people within the LGBT community.
• Cathy Renna, a nationally-respected communications strategist known for her media relations expertise and work with LGBT non-profits and other clients for nearly 20 years.
• Sue Rankin, associate professor of College Student Affairs and Higher Education and research associate at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Pennsylvania State University, who serves on the research staff of Campus Pride's Q Research Institute for Higher Education and helped author Campus Pride's landmark report, The 2010 State of Higher Education for LGBT People.
• Marisa Richmond, president of the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition, known for her extensive work on LGB and transgender inclusion efforts at local, state and national levels.
• Kristin Russo and Dannielle Owens-Reid of EveryOneisGay.com, an advice site for those who are "confused about sexuality, gender-identity, dating, falling in love, or even dressing up like Super Woman." Kristin and Dannielle also tour high schools and colleges nationwide.

Other speakers, artists and leaders will also attend Camp Pride and will be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition to our speakers and entertainers, Camp Pride is excited to welcome a phenomenal team of Camp Pride faculty, staff and student leaders.

Serving as Camp Pride Faculty this year are: Marcia "Ma" Purdy, Robyn Ochs, Nikita Burks, Robbie Powers (William Paterson University), Ash Wickell (Friends University, Wichita State University) and Jake Christensen (The University of Iowa). Service as staff are: Lisa Simmons-Barth (Towson University), Katie Simmons-Barth (Towson University), Laura Graving (Alumni Network Coordinator) and Shane Windmeyer (Campus Pride). Advisor Boot Camp Coordinators are: Annmarie Vacaro (University of Rhode Island) and Vin Porifirio (Sage College of Albany). Pride Leaders are students who have previously attended Camp Pride who have returned to help mentor and lead their peers. This year's Pride Leaders include: Alethia England (Vanderbilt University), Jennie Rokakis (Eastern Michigan University), Jess McDonald (Elon University), Spencer Whalen (Occidental College), Mack H. Lewis II (Northern Illinois University) and Nicolas Daily (Oregan State University).

Camp Pride is a one-of-kind leadership experience that brings together over 60 LGBT and allied young people from across the country for five days of student leadership development, campus organizing techniques, conflict management, social justice advocacy, diversity education and more. The summer leadership program will be featured in the May 5, 2012, TV premiere of the documentary “Legalize Gay: The Civil Rights Movement of a Generation” on the national TV network Logo. Campus Pride is the nation’s leading non-profit organization for LGBT and allied college and university students.

Registration for the sixth annual Camp Pride is now open. An early discounted rate of $815 is available through May 1. Scholarships for free registration are also available. The cost of registration includes educational curriculum, all program materials, accommodations for five nights and meals as well as entertainment and activities. A special “Advisor Bootcamp” track for LGBT and ally faculty advisors is also available. Students and advisors can register online or learn more about scholarship opportunities at www.campuspride.org/camppride/.

Two student leaders and Camp Pride Summer Leadership Program alumni were interviewed recently for an anti-bullying feature in Convergence: Diversity & Inclusion, a special advertising supplement placed in two national publications on higher education, The Chronicle of Higher Education and Diverse: Issues In Higher Education.

Mark Travis Rivera attended Camp Pride in 2011. Jess McDonald attended in 2010 and was a Pride Leader last year.

From the Convergence piece, "Standing Up to Bullies" --

For the second straight school year, a Hispanic sophomore at William Paterson University, Mark Travis Rivera, who is openly gay, was placed with a roommate unwilling to share living quarters with him because of his sexual orientation. The roommates were reassigned.

“This person is saying ‘because of who you are I cannot share a space with you,’” said Rivera, 20. “You can’t help but take it personal.”

Rivera, who has majors in communications and women and gender studies, said he feels less safe when he leaves campus. He said a stranger at a local restaurant spat on him; Rivera believes it was because of his sexual orientation.

“It doesn’t get any more despicable than that,” said Rivera.

Jess McDonald, a senior at Elon University in central North Carolina, experienced a similar backlash when she kissed her same-sex partner in public. A disapproving passerby muttered “dyke.”

Elon recently hired a coordinator for a newly created Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Office, set to open in the fall. The private, liberal arts college has about 5,000 students. McDonald, president of the campus queer-straight alliance Spectrum, believes the center is a positive step that will help change the campus culture and environment.

“It’s still really hard for people just coming,” said McDonald. “You never know if your friends are going to accept you or not.”

Be sure to catch the full write-up, which includes discussion of the suicide of Rutgers student Tyler Clementi and the trial of his roommate Dharun Ravi, as well as comments from Campus Pride Executive Director Shane Windmeyer. Click here to read the article on page 50 of the PDF.

Campus Pride is excited to welcome spoken word and slam poetry artist Kit Yan as our official artist-in-residence for the 2012 Camp Pride Summer Leadership Camp, the annual summer leadership development program for LGBT college and university students and faculty held this year July 17-22, 2012 at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

Kit, who was featured in the HBO documentary "Asians Aloud,"tells stories through slam poetry from the lens of a queer and transgender Asian American from Hawaii who travels all over the world on tour. Through touching love poems, coming out storie, and comedic tales of his childhood he provides transformational impact.

This spring, Kit embarks on a 20+ campus tour with Sister Spit. Read more about the tour and see the full schedule. Kit also appears in the video "I AM: Trans People Speak," previewing a new project from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). Watch the trailer here.

Kit’s work has been taught at universities all over the world from Singapore to San Francisco State to Harvard. Kit is on Campus Pride's Top 25 LGBT college campus speakers and artists hot list and is dedicated to creating positive social change. He is a graduate of Babson College with a major in entrepreneurship studies.

In 2011, Kit was the headline talent at the Department of Justice's first-ever LGBT Pride event and received boundless praise. In 2010, Kit appeared in a U.S. Census public service announcement focusing on same-sex couples and people of color, and was the voice of OUTmedia and Campus Pride's "Be Queer, Buy Queer!" video campaign and contest for LGBTQQIA youth around the planet. Kit also spoke to over 200,000 from the stage of the 2009 National Equality March, performed on the 2009 San Francisco Pride main stage and earned a top three spot at the 2010 National Queer Slam.

Camp Pride, Campus Pride’s Summer Leadership Program, is a one-of-kind leadership experience that brings together over 60 LGBT and allied young people from across the country for five days of student leadership development, campus organizing techniques, conflict management, social justice advocacy, diversity education and more. The summer leadership program will be featured in the May 5, 2012, TV premiere of the documentary “Legalize Gay: The Civil Rights Movement of a Generation” on the national TV network Logo. Campus Pride is the nation’s leading non-profit organization for LGBT and allied college and university students.

Registration for the sixth annual Camp Pride, July 17-22, 2012, is now open. An early discounted rate of $815 is available through May 1. Scholarships for free registration are also available. The cost of registration includes educational curriculum, all program materials, accommodations for five nights and meals as well as entertainment and activities. A special “Advisor Bootcamp” track for LGBT and ally faculty advisors is also available. Students and advisors can register online or learn more about scholarship opportunities at www.campuspride.org/camppride/.

Kit's appearance at Camp Pride is made possible in part by a sponsorship from OUTmedia, a leading queer cultural activist organization and social enterprise. OUTmedia's mission is to increase the positive visibility of LGBTQQIA people and promote inclusive multiculturalism through the arts. OUTmedia has sponsored the Campus Pride Summer Leadership Camp for the past six years and has supported for the fifth year Campus Pride's National Voice & Action Leadership Award. Learn more at outmedia.org.

Click here to learn more about Camp Pride, apply for scholarships and register today!

Campus Pride is excited to announce that Kara Laricks, a designer currently competing on NBC’s "Fashion Star," will appear at Camp Pride, the annual summer leadership development program for LGBT college and university students and faculty. Laricks will join the campers for the five-day event July 17-22, 2012, at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

Laricks, an out lesbian, is one of several contestants on NBC's newest competition show, "Fashion Star." This week, her design for a plaid shift dress was purchased by Saks Fifth Avenue for $110,000.

A former fourth-grade schoolteacher, Laricks always told her students to be true to themselves. Finally, she took her own advice and pursued a career in fashion. She designs androgynous clothing for men and women, inspired by her love of menswear and an avant-garde Japanese design aesthetic. Best known for her hoodie scarves and collar-and-ties, Laricks puts a spin on what is deemed traditional women's fashion. She considers her partner Melissa to be her biggest supporter because she encouraged her to make fashion her full-time job.

Laricks is a graduate of The University of Kansas, where she served as a student senator in the school’s student government. Laricks was also a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

“Kara’s experience as a student leader during college, her profession as a school teacher and her talent and eye for design will serve as inspiration to the LGBT and ally student leaders at our Camp Pride,” said Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride co-founder and executive director.

Laricks will join other nationally-respected leaders and community members at Camp Pride, including national young adult leader and marriage equality advocate Zach Wahls, who will be presented an honorary Voice & Action National Leadership Award during the summer program.

Camp Pride, Campus Pride’s Summer Leadership Program, is a one-of-kind leadership experience that brings together over 60 LGBT and allied young people from across the country for five days of student leadership development, campus organizing techniques, conflict management, social justice advocacy, diversity education and more. The summer leadership program will be featured in May in the documentary “Legalize Gay: The Civil Rights Movement of a Generation” on the national TV network Logo. Campus Pride is the nation’s leading non-profit organization for LGBT and allied college and university students.

Registration for the sixth annual Camp Pride, July 17-22, 2012, is now open. An early discounted rate of $815 is available through May 1. Scholarships for free registration are also available. The cost of registration includes educational curriculum, all program materials, accommodations for five nights and meals as well as entertainment and activities. A special “Advisor Bootcamp” track for LGBT and ally faculty advisors is also available. Students and advisors can register online or learn more about scholarship opportunities at www.campuspride.org/camppride/.