The topic of discussion is entitled “It’s Time For a Change!” and it is both the name and focus of a presentation being held tonight at 8 p.m. in room 305 of the Holmes Student Center.

Dr. David Deppe, D-Minn., Ph.D., will speak on the topic of lesbian, gay and bisexual mental health issues. Deppe is the program manager for Positive Lifestyles, an inpatient program at Charter Barclay Hospital that helps meet the mental health needs of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. The program is the only one of its kind in the Midwest and only one of a few nationwide.

Deppe has made it his professional commitment to promote social development and has carried out that goal as an administrator in a mental health care institution, administrator-teacher in institutions of higher learning and as a parish pastor.

Deppe will address problems that gays and lesbians must deal with when they are pressured into living hidden lives. These pressures may weigh heavily on a person’s mental health and include such things as negative attitudes, fear, anxiety, abuse and insecure relationships.

Planned for discussion are issues of major importance within the lesbian, gay and bisexual community such as: Self Acceptance and Affirmation, Self Care, Couple Relationships, Building New Relationships With Family and Friends, Claiming what is Rightfully Ours and Counting the Cost. Time will be allowed for the discussion of these topics with the hopes of moving toward a resolution to the problems.

This event is sponsored by the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Coalition. Brian Turkaly, president of the LGBC would like to stress the fact that this event is open to all students. Turkaly expressed hope that a discussion such as this one could provide an opportunity for education and understanding, and that heterosexual students wouldn’t be afraid to attend.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Coalition can call the office at 3-0584.