Author, Sex Columnist and LGBT Activist Dan Savage to Speak at Webster University

ST. LOUIS, February 23, 2011 – Webster University hosts Dan Savage, author, “Savage Love” columnist and founder of the “It Gets Better” YouTube campaign, on Monday, March 21, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Rd. This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact the Multicultural Center at 314-246-7658.

“Savage Love” columnist Dan Savage may be known for his “nothing is taboo” discussions of sex and relationships, but in his “It Gets Better” project on YouTube, he addresses the epidemic suicide rate among gay teens. With more than half a million channel views in its first week, "It Gets Better" has gained immense popularity as an online community of hope and support for gay teens who struggle with social isolation, depression and bullying. Speaking out to college audiences in multimedia and interactive presentations, Savage creates a place for young people of all orientations to share their stories and show their support. Refreshingly honest, riveting and direct, Savage’s approach has unleashed the power of community and aims to save lives. Savage’s newest book, related to the campaign, “It Gets Better: Coming Out, Overcoming Bullying, and Creating a Life Worth Living,” will be released on March 22.

Savage is the author of “The Commitment: Love, Sex, Marriage, and My Family,” “Skipping Towards Gomorrah: The Seven Deadly Sins And The Pursuit Of Happiness In America,” “Savage Love: Straight Answers from America's Most Popular Sex Columnist,” and “The Kid: What Happened After My Boyfriend and I Decided to Go Get Pregnant.” The latter book tells how Savage and his boyfriend adopted their son from his willing mother and also is the inspiration for the upcoming musical from the producers of Avenue Q. Savage has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, 20/20, Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO and The Colbert Report on Comedy Central.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 21,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. The University’s core values include excellence in teaching, joining theory and practice, small class sizes, and educating students to be lifelong independent learners, fully prepared to participate in an increasingly international society.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

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