As part of Gay Awareness Week, OU Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Friends will present its Queer Arts Fest in Oklahoma Memorial Union today.

The works of gay artists will be exhibited in Beaird Lounge from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Following the exhibition, an open-mic night will feature various forms of performance art including sketches, music and poetry readings.

Free Now, photography junior, is one of the students participating in the open-mic. In addition to performing a solo piece on rape, Now will recite his own poetry.

"I got involved because I think it's great to bring awareness to the gay community for its artistic values," he said. "Also, it's important for people to participate in events like these, because the more that people learn about different cultures, the more we realize how close we are as humans."

The event is being hosted to celebrate the impact of gay artists within the art community. GLBTF president and psychology senior Bret Gaither said he thinks that while the gay culture is "in style" in film and television, showcasing the talents of gays in all art forms is an important way to bring awareness.

"Art is one of the most intimate things a person can share," he said. "[Queer Arts Fest] is a way for people outside of the community to get to know homosexuals as something besides faceless beings."

Rachel Kraft, MIS senior and GLBTF treasurer for the upcoming school year, will perform the Xena yell and possibly a poem in the open-mic show.

"It's empowering," she said, "because I was silent about my orientation for a very long time, and now I have the opportunity to help others end their silence."

Kraft said her own experience and those of other members within the gay community are why they have had such an important impact on the arts.

"Many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals have endured personal hardship or discriminations because of their orientation," she said. "And I think it's common to use art to express those things. Queer artists have quite a bit to say right now."

In addition to Queer Arts Fest, GLBTF will present other events this week to promote gay awareness. All events are free and open to the public.
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