The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Alliance and the ISU greek community are both celebrating their respective organizations this week with Awareness Days and Greek Week.

In an effort to bring the two organizations together, the groups are sponsoring a program called “When the Gays Move into Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” at 8 tonight in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

The speakers, Joe Bertolino and Bil Leipold, know what it is like to bring these two groups together because they were both fraternity members during college, and they are both gay.

“When we asked them to speak, we kind of talked about the fact that this week is Awareness Days and Greek Week,” said Jeremy Hayes, an LGBTAA member.

Bertolino, associate dean of students of Barnard College of Columbia University, and Leipold, assistant director of residence life at Rutgers University, will give their presentation on the heterosexual privilege on campus and in society and addressing ways to change it, said Hayes, junior in management information systems.

“I think their main focus is going to be campus environments,” he said.

Brian Tenclinger, assistant dean of students for greek affairs, said Bertolino and Leipold try to make their presentations humorous to lighten the sensitive subject.

“The whole purpose is to be nonthreatening and funny,” he said. “What do you do when gays move into the perfect Mr. Roger’s neighborhood?”

The program will be an opportunity for people to learn more about both communities and have questions answered, Tenclinger said.

“Hopefully at the end of the night, they will have opened the door for further discussion,” he said.

The importance of the program is to realize there are people in the greek community who are gay, Tenclinger said.

“That’s one of the reasons we are partnering, because there are people in both communities,” he said. “It is an appropriate subject to bring to Iowa State.”

Tenclinger said the message will be powerful.

“They’re both dynamic speakers with a very powerful message,” he said.