May 10, 2016 Christ Chapel hosted probably one of its most expletive, but also one of its most engaging, high energy, and funny speakers; Lea DeLaria. Lea is commonly known for her role as “Big Boo” on the Netflix series Orange is the New Black, but is also a tremendously successful stand up comedian, broadway actress, and jazz performer.

The event Tuesday night was advertised as Lea DeLaria: A Man for All Seasons, and attendance was high with at least 100 people gathered to hear her speak.

The event went off without a hitch, but underneath the seamless effort was months of planning, coordination, and a few bumps along the road.

“This event has been in the works since the Spring of 2015 and it has been a lot of work.  Many emails back and forth between multiple people from DeLaria’s agency as well as between campus people.  Marketing, Campus Activities, Room reservations etc.  Not to mention finding all the money which was $12,000.  Luckily I came in with $7,500 but the other portion I needed to find and with roughly only 1 month to do so.  Lots of little hoops to jump through but with support from all the groups and people on campus everything got done,” Junior Gabe Grossheusch said.

Gabe was the event coordinator since fall of 2016. He was in charge of finding funds, making sure advertising and marketing went smoothly, as well as being in charge of Lea’s transportation and handling.

“I left the chapel feeling like I have the power to change the culture around me by constantly challenging the systems of power that exist both within my own mind as well as within the larger society”- Hayley Nemmer

All in all, over 26 groups were involved in making the event happen including; 10 student groups, 10 offices, and 6 academic departments.

The talk itself was highly engaging and full of energy. Lea weaved jokes in-and-out of stories of her own life as a member of the queer community, and engaged with issues she saw in the language that surround the queer community and it’s relation to itself and other straight communities.

In the question and answer she spoke about the role of comedy in social progress as well as the currently changing environment of the entertainment industry as it engages with social issues and the queer community as well. Many students left abuzz and conversation about the event and points Lea raised.

“Lea was incredibly engaging and energizing. I left the chapel feeling like I have the power to change the culture around me by constantly challenging the systems of power that exist both within my own mind as well as within the larger society. I also gained renewed appreciation for working toward social justice through humor,” Senior Hayley Nemmers said.

Some may have been shocked at first to hear such a brash and at time crude speaker in a place like the Chapel.

Lea made it clear early on that there would be “No Fucks Given!” about anyone’s race, gender, or other aspects of identity as she yelled to pump up the crowd and gain their attention. But what some may take to be rude and obnoxious speech, many found to be refreshing and real.

“What made her an effective speaker was the fact that she was real with the audience. We’re college students. We don’t want someone to go up on stage and spew a bunch of bull at us. We just want someone who is going to inspire us to be ourselves, and have fun doing it,” Senior Delaney Sweet said.