A nationally known author will speak on the importance of family during Gay Pride Week at West Virginia University Oct. 9-13.

Lesleea Newman, author of the critically acclaimed book Heather has Two Mommies, will speak at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, in the Mountainlairs Rhododendron Room.

“Newman is an excellent author who will discuss her portrayal of lesbian families as positive role models as well as other timely issues pertinent to the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities,”said Joshua Byrd, co-chair of WVUs Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Mountaineers.

BiGLM is a primary sponsor of Newmans talk as well as the weeks activities carrying the theme Family Matters.

“I am extremely excited about the focus of this years Gay Pride Week activities and especially Newmans talk,”said Jennifer McIntosh, WVU executive officer for Social Justice.

“Family comes in all shapes and sizes,”she said.”They are not necessarily people you are born to, rather they are those whom you love and who love you. I am certain that Newmans talk will reflect the beauty of love in many different arenas.”

Newman, from Brooklyn, N.Y., is the author and editor of more than 30 books including A Letter to Harvey Milk, Writing from the Heart, In Every Laugh a Tear, The Femme Mystique, Still Life with Buddy, Fat Chance and Out of the Closet and Nothing to Wear.

Newman has received many literary awards including poetry fellowships from the Massachusetts Artist Fellowship Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Highlights for Children Fiction Writing Award, the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement and two Pushcart Prize nominations.

She is a popular guest lecturer and has spoken on college campuses across the country. Her talk is free and open to the public.

Other activities being held in conjunction with Gay Pride Week include a Love Makes a Family photo display in the Mountainlair Vandalia Lounge throughout the week, a panel discussion on family at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, in the Mountainlair Rhododendron Room and diversity film night beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, in both the Mountainlair ballrooms and the Rhododendron Room.

Comedians David Christiansen and Chris Speyer, both recent guests on the Tonight Show, will appear at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, in Hatfields.

A banquet will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at the Chinese Gourmet on University Ave. WVU psychologist Rosemary Srebalus will be presented with the first Council on Sexual Orientations Advocacy Award. Cost is $10 for students; $15 for the general public.

Gay Pride Week activities are sponsored by the student organization BiGLM, the WVU Council on Sexual Orientation and the Presidents Office for Social Justice. For more information, call 304-293-8200 or 304-293-5496.