April includes events from a host of minority organizations on campus — the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community simply hopes it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

“Just like Black Heritage Month and Asian American Heritage Month, there are things that people don’t know about each other,” said Margie Cook, LGBT program coordinator. “There are a lot of stereotypes about gay people that exist, and LGBT Awareness Month is an effort to give people more accurate information.”

The main events include writer Julia Penelope’s speech at 2 p.m. today, Cook said.

“She will be talking about relationships between lesbian women and gay men,” she said. “She is the co-editor of a book called ‘Lesbian Culture,’ and she is known for being a controversial person.”

The Spring Reception also will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, featuring friends and allies of the LGBT community. Other highlights of the month will include speakers, lectures and a comedian.

LGBT Awareness Month first was recognized on NIU’s campus in the 1980s, Cook said.

“It began as an effort to educate the community about gay people and their lives and how their sexual orientation affects their lives,” she said. “There are two purposes of LGBT Awareness Month. One is for LGBT people to celebrate their identity, and the other is to try to educate others about the LGBT community.”

“She is committed to making NIU and DeKalb a better place,” he said.

Also performing will be speaker Tim Miller at 8:30 p.m. April 12, comedian Jason Stuart at 7 p.m. April 17, lecturer Kennette Crockett at 8 p.m.

April 19 and an end-of-the-year dinner at 6:30 p.m. April 27, Cook said.

“Tim Miller is internationally known, and he speaks about his own experiences as a gay man,” Cook said. “His shows are emotionally intense, and I highly recommend going to it.”

Miller, as well as Stuart, has visited NIU’s campus before.

“Jason is a gay comedian, but his shows are well-suited to everyone,” Cook said. “His humor is not exclusive to heterosexuals. People really loved him.”

Crockett will speak about how race and sexual orientation interact, Cook said.

“At the end-of-the-year dinner, we will recognize achievements, and we will announce the winner of our big annual award,” Cook said. “The winner of the award has to show their outstanding contribution to the LGBT community.”

Everyone is encouraged to attend these events, Cook said.

“I encourage people to take advantage of the incredible talent that these presenters have,” Cook said. “We always draw a mixed audience.”