May 13, 2009 - California State University, Bakersfield will host "Gender Matters," a research symposium, on Friday, May 15, from 1 - 6 p.m. in the Student Union multipurpose room.

This event focuses on faculty and student research and on subjects ranging from homophobia to gender variables in sports media. Students have prepared posters explaining their research and will be available to discuss their findings.

"This promises to be an exciting opportunity for CSUB and the community to see what our students and faculty are developing as far as understanding gender variables in many disciplines," said Anne Duran, co-chair of CSUB's Women and Gender Studies Committee.

Following the poster presentations, a student panel will examine selected pieces of literature from the perspective of gender.

At 4 p.m. a community resource panel will address questions about the ways local agencies address issues of gender. Agencies participating include the Kern County Probation Department, CSUB's Safe Zone project, the Bakersfield Domestic Violence Advisory Council, and CSUB's Affirmative Action committee.

Following the event, there will be a reception and entertainment by the band "Three Chord Whore."

The symposium is free and open to the public.