By Dawn Pauli, contributing writer

A panel discussion will raise awareness about the African-American lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.

The program, “Are Gay Rights Civil Rights?” is sponsored by Students, Administrators & Faculty for Equality (S.A.F.E.) On Campus, and is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Oakland Center’s Banquet Room B.

“The program models a similar discussion that took place in Detroit at the Museum of African-American History,” said Duane Hurt, student intern for S.A.F.E. On Campus and senior political science and women studies major. “We want to bring their experiences and voices to the forefront as they are often ignored or overlooked.”

The program will feature a panel including African-American activists from the community. Members of the audience can submit questions to the panel and a moderator will facilitate the event and screen the questions.

S.A.F.E. On Campus offers activities and programs to provide resources and information for anyone dealing with issues related to sexual orientation or gender identity. S.A.F.E. helps educate the university community on current issues facing the LGBTQ population.

For more information, visit the S.A.F.E. On Campus Web site.