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Bentley Meets Zach Wahls

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Kathryn Burgner Student Contributor, Bentley University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bentley chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

On Monday, April 2nd, 2012, the YouTube sensation and LGTBQ activist speaker, Zach Wahls visited Bentley for an evening talk and Q&A session, co-hosted by Bentley P.R.I.D.E and Bentley CAB. Her Campus Bentley attended the event and, like everyone else that attended, we left feeling inspired and ready to take action. Zach spoke eloquently and was easily relatable, as he is the same age as many of us.
 
Zach’s speech included his “normal” and positive history of growing up with two Lesbian moms, common questions that he is asked about being the child of Lesbian parents, and his view on the federal laws regarding Gay marriage (or just, marriage, as he explained). Zach also inspired us to take action in our own lives by talking about his upcoming projects and book release.

 
My favorite two quotes from Zach that he explained during the event were:
 
The classic Dumbledore line from Harry Potter, which he related to speaking up against offensive LGTB remarks – “it takes a lot of courage to stand up to your enemies, but it takes far more courage to stand up to your friends.”
 
AND
 
Zach explained his experiences with friends or friends’ family members asking, “So which of your moms is the man?” by comparing this question to someone walking into a Chinese restaurant and asking “Which chopstick is the fork?” Zach explained, “It’s a whole different set of utensils.”
 

Federal support and legalization of gay marriage is an ongoing issue, as Zach explained through his references to current political figures and debates. The 2012 election is already in full swing, so it’s important for all of us college students to learn about these issues and use our voice to vote this fall.
 
Overall, this event was inspiring and informative, and the Bentley community can’t thank PRIDE and CAB enough for putting on such a great event and bringing such an awesome individual to campus. Bravo!
 
*Pictured above:
Zach Wahls speaking at Bentley University
Her Campus Bentley staff members with Zach Wahls
Gender Studies coordinator, Traci Abbott, with Zach Wahls

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Kathryn Burgner

Bentley

Kathryn Burgner is a member of the class of 2013 at Bentley University and is majoring in Information Design & Corporate Communications, with minors in Marketing and Gender Studies. Kathryn is so excited to be a part of the Her Campus team and be the founder of Her Campus Bentley! Kathryn loves going to school near Boston, but she also loves her hometown of Dalton, MA, where she grew up in the Berkshires on a turkey farm. Kathryn loves singing, acting, dancing ballet, baking, & playing volleyball, and is interested in gender issues, fashion, and health & fitness. She is a founding member of the Masters of Bentley Acappella (MBAs) and enjoys being involved with the Women's Center at Bentley, Alpha Psi Omega Honorary Theatre Society, and Resident Assistance at Bentley. Kathryn aspires to work as an editor, social media professional, or marketing design professional in Boston, MA after her experiences at Bentley! Kathryn would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support towards all of her experiences and dreams.