Writer, publishing entrepreneur to speak March 24

Ophira Edut, a publishing entrepreneur and well-known writer on women's issues, will visit NIU this month to deliver a free public lecture followed by a book signing.

Edut's lecture on the topic of body image - titled "Adios, Barbie: Loving Yourself Through Thick and Thin" - will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, in the Carl Sandburg Auditorium of the Holmes Student Center.

The author will discuss why body image is a multicultural women's health issue, sharing excerpts from her book, "Body Outlaws: Young Women Write About Body Image & Identity." The book brings together a collection of essays by young women exploring body image, culture and identity issues. No less than the Washington Post and Publishers Weekly have sung the praises of the anthology and its companion Web site, AdiosBarbie.com. Both are used nationwide as college curriculum.

Since 1995, Edut has been lecturing on body image, media, entrepreneurship and cultural identity. She spent the last decade as an independent publisher, writer, editor and Web developer. She and her twin sister, Tali, also are the official astrologers for Teen People magazine and the AOL Teen channel. In November 2003, Simon and Schuster will publish "Astrostyle," the twins' co-authored teen astrology guide.

Ophira Edut also has been a contributing editor at Ms. magazine and was the founding publisher of HUES (Hear Us Emerging Sisters), an award-winning national magazine for young women of all cultures and sizes. Her writing and artwork have been featured in several anthologies and magazines, including VIBE, Entertainment Weekly and Glamour. In 1997, the National Organization for Women honored Edut with a "Young Woman of Courage" award.

Her NIU lecture and book signing coincide with the university's celebration of Women's History Month. Co-sponsors of Edut's visit include the CAB Unity in Diversity Committee, NIU CARES, Unity In Diversity Steering Committee, University Resources for Latinos/Latina Assistance Program and the Women's Studies Program.

3-17-2003