By Jeffrey Hartinger:
Unity, the gay-straight alliance of Canisius College, will welcome Brian Sims to campus on April 7, 2011. Sims, currently a prominent lawyer and LGBT activist, became one of the most notable college football players to come out as homosexual during his 2000 season at Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania. He will visit the Jesuit institution for a presentation entitled “LGBT Athletes and Allies.”
When he came out to his fellow teammates, Sims was the football captain and regional All-American. In addition, Sims led his team to the best season ever in the history of his college. Through his positive experiences both on and off the field, Sims has turned his journey into motivation for students and athletes, gay and straight, in an effort to foster an accepting environment for diversity within athletics and the community.
Sims is a member of the National Campaign Board of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, President of the Equality Pennsylvania and an active member with Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia.
In his presentation, Sims will discuss many topics, touching upon how “allies” – individuals who are heterosexual supporters of those in the LGBT community – can help build a stronger sense of community and respect for their gay classmates and teammates.
Canisius College, which has a Division One athletics program, is one of 28 Jesuit Institutions of higher learning in the United States, which places emphasis on social acceptance, diversity, and educating students to be men and women for others, in addition to being leaders in the classroom, in the work environment, and in their communities.
Brian Sims
“LGBT Athletes & Allies”
Canisius College
April 7, 2011
Grupp Fireside Lounge (Second Floor of the Student Center)
7PM
The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:45PM.
If there are any questions or comments, please contact hartingj@canisius.edu in order to receive more information on this upcoming event.