University of Chicago Hosts an Evening with Terry Angel Mason 4/28

An Evening with Terry Angel Mason, gay writer and Civil Rights Activist, will be hosted at the the University of Chicago's OMSA/LGBTQ Student Life offices at 5710 S. Woodlawn on April 28, 2010.  Mr. Mason will be discussing his Pulitzer Prize-Nominated novel, Love Won't Let Me Be Silent. Mason, is returning to Chicago thanks to the collaborative efforts of Affinity Community Services, Teen Living Programs (TLP), UCAN, and the University of Chicago's Office of LGBTQ Life and Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA).

A discussion of "Love Won't Let Me Be Silent", a collection of writings, short stories, and poems that has been credited with opening a dialogue about sexuality and same-gender-loving relationships within the Black community, including the Black church, was hosted by Affinity's Youth Leadership Institute last fall. "Angel's discussion helped launch some of Affinity's ongoing efforts to develop work to bridge LGBTQ and faith communities," said Kim Hunt, executive director of Affinity Community Services.

Mason is a prolific writer who is known for his breakthrough book, "Love Won't Let Me Be Silent", that is becoming a testament for many lesbians, gays, bisexual, and transgender people struggling with their sexuality and the need to come out to their family and friends. What started out as a self-published nonfiction book has now become a literary phenomenon consistently earning him numerous literary nominations.

Affinity, TLP, and UCAN are 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations.  Affinity has a core constituency of African American lesbians, bisexual and transgender women and LGBTQ youth of color and is a social justice organization that focuses on health advocacy, leadership development, and community building. TLP delivers comprehensive, long-term solutions to youth without homes who strive for self-sufficiency and community connection. UCAN's mission is to build strong youth and families through compassionate healing, education, and empowerment.

The Office of LGBTQ Student Life provides programs, services and resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students in the College, graduate divisions, and professional schools at The University of Chicago. OMSA supports the academic success of students of color at the University of Chicago and works to build an inclusive campus community by providing programs that focus on enriching students' experiences and encouraging cross-cultural dialogue on campus.

The event is being hosted in an accessible space. Light refreshments will be served.  Books will be available for sale during this thought-provoking event. The public is invited. Contact Kim Hunt at 773-324-0377 or executivedirector@affinity95.org if you have questions. Terry Angel Mason can be reached at: http://terryangelmason.com/

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