Barbara Smith, a Rockefeller Fellow at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at the City University of New York, will be the keynote speaker at the sixth annual Conference on Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Issues Friday, Feb. 19, at Wayne State University's McGregor Memorial Conference Center.

"Generations of Freedom: Acts of Courage in Our History, Professions and Personal Lives," begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and continental breakfast. Concurrent workshops offered in the morning include: Metro-Detroit area - History of the Gay Movement; People of Color: Acts of Courage; Starting, Running and Organizing an Artistic Organization; Networking and Resources; and Parents and Friends.

Concurrent sessions from 11 a.m. to noon include Coming Out: Our Personal Histories; People of Color: Personal Tales; performances by members of Sistafruit; Historical Research: Using the Web and Other Resources; and Acts of Courage - Faith Against the Mainstream.

Lunch is followed by Smith's presentation on African American lesbian and gay history. Smith's newest book is The Truth That Never Hurts; Writings on Race, Gender and Freedom. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including Ms., The Black Scholar, Gay Community News, The Guardian, The Village Voice and The Nation.

The event wraps up with the panel discussion "Acts of Courage in Our History, Professions and Personal Lives."

Workshop participants include representatives from the Triangle Foundation, Ladies of a Current Affair, Affirmations Lesbian Gay Community Center, P/FLAG-Detroit/Downriver, Men of Color, community activists and counselors.

Tickets cost $40 and include lunch. Students with valid identification may attend for $20. Reservations are required. To sign up, call WSU Community Affairs at (313) 577-2246.