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.

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/.

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/.

Wahls, thrust into spotlight after impassioned speech defending his two mothers, to be awarded honorary Voice & Action Award at Campus Pride’s Summer Leadership Camp

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
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. A special “Advisory 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/

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Iowa native Zach Wahls, whose speech on his state house’s floor on behalf of his mothers and marriage equality inspired millions, will speak as a guest keynote and receive an honorary Voice & Action National Leadership Award at Camp Pride (www.campuspride.org/camppride/), the national summer leadership program for young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight ally student leaders held July 17-22, 2012, at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University.

Wahls’ Jan. 31, 2011, speech in front of the Iowa House Judiciary Committee went viral on YouTube and other social media outlets in the days after he took a stand in his state’s debate on marriage. Soon after, TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres invited Wahls on her show to discuss his speech and his family’s story. Since then, Wahls has spent countless hours advocating for his family and other LGBT-led families and their fight to receive equal marriage rights across the U.S. His book, “My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family” (Gotham Books), is due to be released on April 26, 2012.

“Zach’s amazing conviction in standing up for the rights of his family has been an inspiration to LGBT young people, families and straight allies across this nation,” said Campus Pride Executive Director Shane Windmeyer. “At a time when the national debate on marriage equality for same-sex couples continues to be used as a political football, Zach’s simple message of love, honor and commitment reminds each of us what a family is really about and acts to empower young people across the nation to stand up for what they believe is right and true.”

The Voice & Action National Leadership Award will be presented to Wahls on the final evening of Camp Pride. Wahls will be joined at the camp by other national speakers and entertainers. Past honorary award winners have included Neil Giuliano, Donna Rose, Mara Keisling, Judy Shepard and Daniel Hernandez, Jr. The award is the only honor of its kind, focused on the work of undergraduate college students who are creating positive change for LGBT and ally people on their campuses and in their communities. Campus Pride honored three other students with the award this year, including University of California, Berkeley’s Marco Flores, New York University’s Tovah Leibowitz and Duke University’s Jacob Tobia.

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 “Advisory 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/.

Yes! It's true: Registration for Campus Pride's fifth annual Summer Leadership Camp is open online.

Camp Pride returns to Nashville, Tenn., on this anniversary year with brand new and exciting programming and features. As usual, the camp will be a place where LGBTQ and ally students learn to "Lead with Pride," but we're most excited about this year's first-ever Advisor Bootcamp.

The Advisor Bootcamp is a special, professional track during the camp, with new skill-building experiences for LGBTQ and ally organization/club advisors.

The five-day event will be held at Vanderbilt University, July 19-24, 2011.

Our Happy Camper Discount ends on April 16, so start registering today!

To register for camp or for more registration information (including scholarships), visit CampusPride.org/camppride/register.html. For more information about camp, its mission, what to bring, etc., visit CampusPride.org/camppride/.

Stay tuned! Come back to CampusPrideBlog.org in the coming days and weeks for our Queer It Up! Take Action Fridays. We'll include tips and suggestions on how you can fundraise for events on and off your campus, including how to fundraise for Camp registration.

Last fall, news broke of two concerning stories at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

In November, Belmont University student Robbie Maris, president of the nascent Bridge Builders student group, said school administrators had denied his and other students' requests to form the group. Instead, university administrators pointed to a school-sanctioned discussion group on sexuality that meets twice monthly. At the time, Maris said the university-run discussion group isn't enough.

Then, in December, a women's soccer coach was dismissed after she announced she was having a child with her same-sex partner. Though the school's athletics director, Mike Strickland, said coach Lisa Howe left on her own volition, students and others rose up in protest.

Their criticisms have made some progress.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that Belmont has added "sexual orientation" to its non-discrimination policy, though it remains unclear if the addition of the term will cover sexually-active LGB people.

From The AP:

At the time of Howe's departure, [Belmont President Bob] Fisher said that the university does not consider sexual orientation in admissions or hiring decisions. On Wednesday, he said the policy change simply affirms the practices already in place.

Asked whether his statements could be taken to mean that Howe was not pressured to leave because she came out to students, Fisher said he could not talk about any specific cases.

"This is a great victory for the values of inclusion, human dignity and respect," Howe said in a statement. "I am grateful to the Belmont board for recognizing that being gay and being Christian are not mutually exclusive. This is a landmark day."

Several reporters wanted to know whether Belmont was making a distinction between sexual orientation and sexual practice.

Belmont's student code of conduct lists sex outside of marriage as "sexual misconduct." Since gays and lesbians cannot marry in Tennessee, there is no way for them to be sexually active without violating the code.

Campus Pride's 2011 Summer Leadership Camp will be held in Nashville in July at the nearby Vanderbilt University. Learn more: www.campuspride.org/camppride/

Less than a month after news reports of Belmont University's denial of a gay-straight student organization on campus comes news of the school's women's soccer coach resigning amid pressure from school administrators.

Belmont University athletics director Mike Strickland said in a statement that coach Lisa Cox left on her own volition. But, The Tennessean reports (h/t The Advocate) that students were told a different story: That Cox was pressured into the resignation after sharing news that she and her partner were having a baby.

The paper reports:

Erica Carter, a senior on the team, said Howe told her and her roommate Ashley Hudak, a junior on the team, Tuesday that athletics department officials had given her the choice to resign or be terminated because she had told the team her partner was pregnant with a baby due in May.

"She said she went to the administration to get permission to talk to us about (the pregnancy) so that she could bring us to light on her becoming a mother," Carter said.

"She didn't want us to hear it from other sources. She has never talked about her personal life before. We always hear rumors, speculation and things. She wanted this to come directly from her."

In November, Belmont University student Robbie Maris, president of the nascent Bridge Builders student group, said school administrators had denied his and other students' requests to form the group. Instead, university administrators pointed to a school-sanctioned discussion group on sexuality that meets twice monthly. Maris has said the university-run discussion group isn't enough.

"I know a lot of the gay community at Belmont feels marginalized and feels like they don't have a place to meet on campus," Maris told Nashville's News Channel 5 at the time.

CAMP PRIDE is on it's way!

It's so exciting to be able to announce the dates, location and registration rates for the fifth annual Campus Pride Summer Leadership Camp, aptly called "CAMP PRIDE."

CAMP PRIDE will be held at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., from July 19-24, 2011.

It's a phenomenal event, and we encourage you to check it out whether you're a student or faculty member. Additionally, we're encouraging folks to sign up as camp faculty and Pride leaders before Jan. 4, 2011. Click here to learn more and apply.

P.S. -- Be sure to check out some bits about past "Queer Camp" from camper, Pride leader and Campus Pride blogger Ash Wickell.