USF hosts former reality TV contestant in lecture series
The University Lecture Series (ULS) hopes the life of a former reality show contestant will make an impact and attract a diverse audience, said Cindy Greenwood, assistant director for the Office of Student Programs.
Isis King, a former contestant on “America’s Next Top Model,” will speak at 7 p.m. in the Marshall Student Center’s Oval Theatre at the fourth ULS event this year.
Greenwood said King, who is a transgendered woman, will attract those who not only remember her for her impact on pop culture but who are interested in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues, Greenwood said.
King will speak about her experience growing up a transgendered person, being homeless and spending time on “America’s Next Top Model,” Greenwood said.
“(It’s about) … Not feeling that who she was really matched the body that she was living in,” Greenwood said.”
King was the first transgendered contestant to compete on “America’s Next Top Model,” which is hosted by former model Tyra Banks.
It costs $3,000, which includes hotel accomodations and travel, for USF to have King speak, Greenwood said. It is funded by the Activity and Service fees students pay at registration, and they can attend all ULS events for free.
King’s lecture should last about 30 to 45 minutes, and a question-and-answer session will follow, Greenwood said.
So far, this year’s ULS speakers have included representatives from the satirical news source The Onion, columnist Dan Savage and former U.S ambassador and Iran expert John Limbert.
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