FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Joanna Gerber
Director of Public Relations & Communications
Phone: 310.578.1080 x119
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
The event, located at A Different Light in West Hollywood, features lesbian actresses reading lesbian authors
CULVER CITY, CA – March 11, 2008 – The LGBT Specialization in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Los Angeles invites the public to Shades of Love, the first reading series celebrating the works of well-known-and-loved Lesbian authors. Performed by beloved Lesbian actresses, the reading-event will take place on May 14, 2008 at A Different Light Bookstore in West Hollywood from 7:30-9:30pm.
Popular and familiar faces from television and film, Gina Fields, Sandy Martin, and Beth Malone read excerpts from Leash by Jane DeLynn, Zumi: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde, and Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson.
Following the reading, a discussion on lesbian psychology, love and empowerment will be facilitated by LGBT specialization student and student therapist trainee Sheila Traviss, and Antioch University Los Angeles Associate Faculty member and psychotherapist Lauren Costine, Ph.D. Bobreta Franklin, MA, MFT Intern, and Adjunct Faculty at Pacifica Oaks College will analyze Audre Lorde’s book.
“The LGBT specialization, within the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program at Antioch, is the first such specialization in the country,” says Lauren Costine, Ph.D. “We are proud of the work it has done to train activist students with proud lesbian voices like Sheila and Bobreta how to work with the LGBT community, and to empower Lesbian heroism and love not just on our campus, but in the wider community.”
Antioch’s new Master’s level specialization in LGBT studies is the first such graduate program in the nation focusing specifically on LGBT counseling theory and practice. Launched in 2006, the program has already received strong reviews for its innovative curriculum, and generation’s awards from the Johnson Family Foundation (with the help of alumnus Paul Hokemeyer) and the Ladd Family Foundation (with the help of Jessie Jacobson). In addition, it has developed a rigorous teaching staff (The Founder’s Group) and an Advisory Board made up of national figures. The overall goal of the specialization is to strengthen the competency, clinical skills, and sensitivity of students to issues of LGBT-pride, diversity, dignity, self-respect, self-esteem, and cultural awareness.
“Events such as these follow in the footsteps of Antioch University’s long tradition of commitment to social justice,” added Dr. Constine. “We aim to bring awareness to how LGBT psychology can heal invisible - but life-threatening - problems facing many clients who do not receive affirmative psychotherapy/counseling.”
“One of our main purposes behind the Shades of Love event is to bring greater visibility to the Lesbian communities’ rich history and literary accomplishments in order to confront a destructively homophobic and misogynic tradition that historically devalues, ignores, and oppresses Lesbian women” stated event facilitator, Ms. Shelia Traviss.
The Shades of Love event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. A Different Light bookstore is located at 8853 Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood.
For more details on the event, please contact Sheila Traviss at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Additional information on Antioch University Los Angeles can be found online at www.antiochla.edu .
###
Click here to download the full text (PDF) of this release
310.578.1080