This sounds like it’ll be interesting. If you go, let me know how it is. There’s more information on their Facebook page.
Men Against Sexual Violence is proud to announce the first annual Male Ally Conference at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Male Ally Conference is a two day event that seeks to engage men in ending transphobia, homophobia and violence against women. The conference will take place April 25th & 26th 2009, at UIC’s Student Center East, The Illinois Rooms, 750 S. Halsted Chicago. Parking is available for a fee across the street at the Hasted Street Parking structure. The event is free and open to male-identified persons.
The conference features men from all communities leading workshops on race and masculinity, disability and masculinity, trans-masculinity, and unlearning homophobia. During these workshops men will have the opportunity to talk about what it means to “be a man” and how race, transgender identity, sexual orientation, and disability intersect to change this meaning from community to community. Men will also learn about what they can do in their everyday lives to stop a culture of violence. The second day of the conference takes theory to action with exercise to encourage coalition building and networking. During day two conference participants will also have the opportunity to share ideas for further action and education on our campus and in their home communities. “The conference is a unique opportunity for men to talk about something that ordinarily is a taboo subject,” said Stephen Adler, member of Men Against Sexual Violence (MASV) and primary coordinator of the conference. “The response of departments and other student organizations thus far confirms to us that men want to be part of the movement to end interpersonal violence.”
Byron Hurt one of the nation’s most widely-known male anti-sexism activists will give the keynote. Hurt is a former Northeastern University football quarterback and was also a founding member of the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) program. MVP is a leader in college-based rape and domestic violence prevention initiatives for college and professional athletics. Hurt is also the former Associate Director of the first gender violence prevention program in the United States Marine Corps. A long time activist, author and film maker Hurt challenges audiences to interrogate the damaging effects of patriarchy, racism, and sexism in American culture.
The conference is free and open to all male-identified persons. If you require an accommodation in order to participate, please contact the Office of Women’s Affairs at (312) 413-1025 two weeks prior to the event.
If you would like more information about how to get involved or how to attend, contact Stephen Adler at masvuic@gmail.com
Conference co-sponsors include: SAFC Student Activities Funding Committee, African-American Cultural Center, Chancellor’s Committee on the Status of Women, Gender & Sexuality Center, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Center for Research on Women & Gender, Interdisciplinary Center for Research on Violence, UIC Athletics, Special Assistant to the Provost for Diversity, College of Applied Health Sciences, Young People For The American Way, Honors College, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs, Asian American Resources Center, Office of Women’s Affairs, Campus Advocacy Network, Gender and Women’s Studies, Gender and Sexuality Center, Student Outreach Services, Feminist’s United, African American Academic Network, Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services, Disability Studies.