Assi Azar to speak at URI

KINGSTON – Israeli television star, Assi Azar, will appear at the University of Rhode Island on Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m. at an event co-sponsored by URI Hillel, the Gender and Sexuality Center and the Harrington School of Communication and Media. The program will take place at the Gender and Sexuality Center, 19 Upper College Rd., Kingston. It is one of several programs being held as part of URI’s annual LGBTQ Symposium.

Co-host of Israel’s versions of “Big Brother” and “American Idol” (The Rising Star), Assi Azar is one of the most popular, likable and influential entertainment personalities in Israel. He has used his celebrity and visibility to speak out for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community, and was selected by “Out” magazine as one of the world’s 100 most influential LGBTQ people in 2009.

Azar will screen and discuss his 45-minute documentary film “Mom and Dad: I Have Something to Tell You.” The film, which was aired nationally on Israeli television, tells the story of his and others’ coming out to their Israeli parents and the journey the parents undergo as a result.

In the discussion to follow the film, Azar will address what it is like to be gay in Israel in terms of laws and societal acceptance; the relationship between the LGBTQ communities and the religious communities in Israel; differences between Israeli and American society regarding gay issues; and gay rights in the Middle East.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Amy Olson at amyolson@uri.edu or 401-874-2740. This program is funded in part by the Hineinu Department of Hillel International.

For more information about URI’s LGBTQ Symposium taking place March 28-April 2, please contact Annie Kosar at anniem@uri.edu.