Penn's annual celebration of the lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual community will feature one of the nation's edgiest comedians.
Margaret Cho, known for comedy routines that touch on topics ranging from racism to her overbearing mother, will speak at Irvine Auditorium March 21.
The event is part of QPenn week, a celebration of gay culture on campus. This year, QPenn will take place from March 20 to 28 and features Cho's speech as one of its biggest events.
The theme of the week, "Diversifying the Q," is intended to highlight diversity within the community -- a prime reason for Cho's selection as speaker.
"When you think of 'gay,' you think of white male," QPenn co-Chairwoman and College senior Kathy Totoki said. "We chose Margaret Cho because she represents all the different elements."
Cho, who is Korean, doesn't pin down her sexual orientation in her routines, but she frequently alludes to LGBT issues.
Though Cho hasn't disclosed the subject of her planned performance to the QPenn organizers, Totoki said she requested that diversity be featured in Cho's signature rants.
"Cho has been an active participant in the LGBT community and adds a lot of energy," Totoki said.
QPenn recently received an increase in funding from the Undergraduate Assembly, which raised its budget from $3,300 to $6,000.
Last year's event featured speakers Barbara Gittings and Frank Kameny, who marched for gay rights in front of Independence Hall in the 1960s.
In general, planners are scheduling events intended to promote diversity and appeal to students of all sexual orientations.
University President Amy Gutmann is slated to speak at the kickoff rally, which will take place next Tuesday near College Green.
The Kinky Karnival -- a demonstration of various types of sexual play -- was one of the most popular events last year and is on the schedule again for next week.
"The whole event is about letting people explore their sexuality," QPenn co-Chairman and College senior Phil Cochetti said. "You'll learn how to do these things at home. ... You'll be able to pick up a rope and tie someone up."
World Cafe Live will again be the site of QPenn's annual QBall dance March 24. Over 450 people turned out for last year's dance, a number organizers hope to repeat this year.
Organizers are also planning a "Gay and Greek" event, which is intended to address the experiences of gay students in fraternities and sororities.
Planners say they are optimistic about student reaction and participation in the week of events.
"I think there's going to be a great student turnout," QPenn organizer and College junior Kellyn Goler said. "Margaret Cho is a big name, and the events have a lot of appeal."
