PLAN B: P.R.O.U.D. Week events pertinent to all students

"But Kevin, where is Mat?"

Mat and I decided to play "Survivor" this week. And in true "Survivor" fashion, the naked gay guy won. Okay, so I'm not naked, but you should still hear me out.

I'll try to explain a few things. First, Spectrum is Ball State's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight ally student organization. Second, P.R.O.U.D. Week (People Recognizing Our Unique Differences) is Spectrum's major showcase of events for the BSU and Muncie community. Finally, you should attend at least one of these events.

"But Kevin, I'm not gay. Why should I attend a 'gay' event?"

Good question. Let's take one of Spectrum's events as an example. One of Spectrum's keynote speakers is Shane Windmeyer, 8 p.m. Tuesday in Cardinal Hall. Shane is the co-editor of the book "Out on Fraternity Row" and alumnus of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

He'll speak about coming out to his fraternity, offer valuable insight on coming out in a typically heterosexual environment and give advice if someone were to come out to you.

"But Kevin, I don't have any gay friends."

That's okay too. Maybe you'll meet a new gay friend at the annual drag show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Ballroom. After seeing the number of single co-eds at last year's drag show, it truly amazes me that more straight guys didn't attend. Honestly, for every guy in attendance, there were at least six females. You do the math.

"But Kevin, I'm a girl."

Don't worry, that's okay too. Another of Spectrum's keynote speakers is Sabrina Sojourner, 8 p.m. Wednesday in Cardinal Hall. Sabrina is a former congresswoman, who was the first open lesbian to be elected into office. She is also one of only a few black women to be elected. As a national leader in diversity and multiculturalism education, Sabrina will bring many viewpoints to campus.

"But Kevin, I want to see a Playboy Playmate."

Perfect. Rebekka Armstrong, Playboy centerfold, will be speaking on living with HIV at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Cardinal Hall. Infected when she was a teen-ager, she'll educate students in a non-in-your-face sort of way about the dangers of HIV. Immediately following Rebekka is nationally touring comedian Eddie Sarfaty, Tuesday at 8 p.m. in Cardinal Hall. The only word that comes to mind for Eddie is hilarious.

"But Kevin, I don't have any money to attend the events."

Leave the wallet at home. All P.R.O.U.D. Week events are free and open to everyone. Since Spectrum is a recognized student organization on campus, they receive an amount of money from the university.

Plus, this year, they have worked with other organizations on campus to receive co-sponsorships. Groups like the Multicultural Center, Interfraternity Council, Asian-American Student Association and many others helped through financial support.

Final thought: A complete list of events is online at www.bsu.edu/spectrum.

"But Kevin, I don't have a computer."

Tough.