Riki Wilchins, executive director of the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GenderPAC), the national organization working to change and educate others about gender stereotypes, will be the keynote speaker for Pride Week at Indiana University South Bend.

Pride Week will have three events to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lifestyles and community activism.

Wilchins will speak on ending gender stereotypes and equality at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in Room 1001, Wiekamp Hall, IU South Bend.

GenderPAC was established in 1995 and it promotes understanding and ending all forms of discrimination.

In 2001, Time Magazine selected Wilchins as one of six community activists among their "100 Civic Innovators for the 21st Century." She is regular featured columnist on gender issues for "The Advocate."

The week will begin with a GenderYouth Workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in Room 223, of the Student Activities Center. A representative from GenderPac will be on hand to train youth and others to bring about change and to be vocal when faced with opposition.

Charlotte Pfeifer, director of student and community relations, said the workshop is geared for anyone interested in community activism.

A lunchtime table talk will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, April 11, in the Administration Building cafeteria. The topic will be “To Speak Out or Not to Speak Out: That is the Question.” Representatives from the campus, community and faculty will discuss the issues of being marginalized and the personal energy spent in coming to your own defense.

All three events are free and open to the public. The workshop organizers need an approximate number for materials so reservations are appreciated. Call (574) 520-5535 by April 5.