DeLaria: actress, comedian, singer and spokesperson for acceptance and social justice

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion will host Lea DeLaria, a recurring actress on “Orange is the New Black,” comedian and jazz musician as the speaker for the Ninth Annual Pride Lecture at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Pride Lecture will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18 in the Atterbury Student Success Center, Pierson Auditorium, 5100 Holmes St., Kansas City, Mo.

“It is with pleasure that the Division of Diversity and Inclusion welcomes someone so accomplished to speak up for the LGBTQ community and acceptance of everyone,” said Susan Wilson, Ph.D., vice chancellor of the Division of Diversity and Inclusion. “We support ongoing discourse for an inclusive community that is open, respectful and supportive of LGBTQ students, faculty and staff.”

DeLaria was the first openly gay comic on television in America, which led to numerous roles in television and film including police lieutenants, PE teachers and the lesbian who inappropriately hits on straight women. Several of her TV credits are: “Awkward,” “Californication,” “The Oblongs,” “One Life to Live,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Will and Grace,” “Friends” and “Matlock.” Selected film credits are “First Wives Club,” Dear Dumb Diary” and “Edge of Seventeen.”

Since 2007, the Division’s Pride Lecture Series has brought LGBTQIA thought leaders from across the country and globe, including Dustin Lance Black, Laverne Cox and Ari Shapiro.

For more information, visit the Pride Lecture Series. To register, visit Division of Diversity Event Registration. Free parking is available in the Cherry Street Parking Garage, 50th & Cherry Streets, on levels five and six only.