Save the dates of March 21st  to 24th in your calendar if you live in Lethbridge, or can make it to the area for the 2012 OUTspoken event.

Slated as the largest going on of its kind in the whole of southern Alberta, OUTspoken offers "an amazing four day workshop and lecture series" that wraps up with a fun evening of entertainment, dance and partying – Masquerave – at the University of Lethbridge Student Union Ballroom.

This year’s event offers a long list of impressive presenters and speakers – all at no cost and without need to register

"Almost every event has a new spin on it with vibrant new faces and prospective on the classes being offered," says Shalyn Martin, advertising coordinator and graphic designer, on behalf of the OUTspoken collective. "We are excited to hear the stories that will be shared at the Queer and Christian panel this year [Thursday 7 to 9 pm], along with our two new panel discussions: Trans Perspective [Saturday 1pm] and Parents’ Perspective [Saturday 3pm]."

Guests slated to speak at the event on a wide range of LGBTQ topics include: Whitehorse born Ivan Coyote, an award winning author of six collections of short stories, one novel, three CD’s, four short films and a renowned performer of music, poetry, and spoken word at writer’s festivals from Anchorage to Amsterdam; Ken Coolen, president of the Vancouver Pride Society and recent star of a documentary centered on his travels to various pride celebrations around the world; Kate Bornstein, an American author, playwright, performance artist, speaker and gender theorist who has published five books, including Hello Cruel World: 101 Alternatives to Suicide for Teens, Freaks and Other Outlaws (2006); Bre Woligroski, a Canadian queer, religious and feminist activist who has worked with the Student Christian Movement of Canada, World Student Christian Federation and served as a volunteer delegate for the United Nations 52nd Commission on the Status of Women; and Katie Toth, a freelance journalist for Xtra, Geez, and Rabble, whose queer and activist media has been published across the globe.

"The workshops, performances and keynotes that will take place during this year’s event will provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors," Martin says. "Education of this sort is crucial for making Alberta a safer place for all people, and OUTspoken is an important part of educating the public about specific issues surrounding the queer community."

The event kicks off Wednesday with speeches from the mayor of Lethbridge, members of the Lethbridge police, the U of L president’s office, and several other community supporters. Saturday concludes with keynote entertainer Kate Bornstein.

OUTspoken provides a prime opportunity for community members and allies to meet queer activists from across Alberta and North America, "which allows us to build a stronger, more united queer movement," Martin says.

This second annual event is made possible by the University of Lethbridge Student’s Union, Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group, ULSU PRIDE Centre, OUTreach Southern Alberta and the University of Lethbridge Campus Women’s Centre.

For more information and a schedule of events visit their website.