WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gay rights activist George Takei will speak about LGBT issues at a National Press Club Speakers Luncheon, October 18. In his speech entitled, "Embracing Change," Mr. Takei will address the growing momentum for legalizing same-sex marriage in the U.S.

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Takei, who became famous playing Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu on the Star Trek TV series and in the franchise's films, has also become one of the most prominent LGBT and social justice activists in the country. He also boasts over 800,000 followers on Twitter and is the author of Oh Myyy! There Goes the Internet. He's also starring in the upcoming Broadway musical "Allegiance."

In a Washington Post editorial published on June 27, 2013, Takei wrote, "Whenever one group discriminates against another — keeping its members out of a club, a public facility or an institution — it often boils down to a visceral, negative response to something unfamiliar. I call this the 'ick.'

For more than 70 years, I've watched the ick infect American life in a variety of ways and concluded that it's little more than a function of unfamiliarity. Once upon a time, you never saw two men kissing — for that, you'd have to visit an adult video store."

The Press Club luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Remarks will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session, ending at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by going to the following link. The cost of luncheon admission is $21 for National Press Club members and $35 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased at time of reservation.

National Press Club Luncheons are webcast live on press.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #NPCLunch, or on Facebook (facebook.com/PressClubDC) and Twitter (@PressClubDC). Submit questions for speakers in advance and during the live event by sending them to @QNPCLunch on Twitter. Or email a question in advance, type TAKEI in the subject line and send to president@press.org before 10 a.m. on the day of event.

The Press Club is on the 13th floor, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. Credentialed press may cover this event with ID.

About the National Press Club

The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists with more than 3,300 members worldwide representing every major news organization. More than 250,000 people visit the Club each year to attend more than 2,000 events. The Club was founded in 1908 and is on the web at press.org.

For More Information Melinda Cooke: 202- 662-7516 or mcooke@press.org

SOURCE National Press Club

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