When the LGBT Student Union at San Diego City College began planning “The Naked Truth” conference for empowerment and diversity, little did the student organizers realize that the conference would land in the middle of an explosive, nationwide marriage debate. The conference, which takes place this Sat., Feb. 28, will feature a line-up of speakers that includes local professors and community activists.

“It’s open to the public and communities of pride,” Michelle Madrigal, the conference organizer told the Gay & Lesbian Times. “Our main focus has been the academic institutions, all of the [Junior Colleges], the local state colleges and universities such as UCSD and USD.”

This week, President Bush stated his support for a constitutional amendment to ban marriage for gays and lesbians, an announcement that will draw additional attention to the conference. Among the speakers at the conference is San Diego State University history professor Frank Nobilletti, who will speak on the Supreme Court’s Lawrence v Texas ruling, the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality and California’s own Prop. 22, all of which the President has referenced in his recent decision to endorse a Constitutional amendment.

“With all of this that’s been going on in the last two weeks, especially in the week of Valentine’s Day, a lot of people who are not straight are getting married,” Madrigal said. “We’d like that to continue and actually be legalized for equal rights. Just because individuals within various communities across the nation and abroad are not straight, it does not mean they don’t have the same marital rights. Love has no color, sexual orientation or gender.”

Other topics covered at the conference include HIV, domestic violence, homophobia, life in fraternities and sororities, artistic freedom, cultural bridging, immigration issues, disabled student issues and political empowerment.

Registration for the “Naked Truth Conference” will begin at 8:00 a.m. in the San Diego City College Cafeteria (Building D). The campus is located at 1313 12th Ave., San Diego CA, 92101. The conference is free. For more information call (619) 994-7052.