For O’Hara, theatre adds something particular to attempts to educate and encourage awareness. “I want to use theatre to create dialogue, to get people thinking, but I want to reach their hearts as well as their heads. If you can get the feeling of walking in someone else’s shoes, it gives you a different perspective than what you get from a textbook or a lecture. In a play we go into that world and allow ourselves to be part of the story. That’s the gift of theatre.”

“My intention is to keep opening us up to all the beautiful diversity we have. We shouldn’t close ourselves off to these stories, because there are so many amazing human experiences out there.”

As for HOMO EXPO she adds, “I think it’s going to be fun, and enlightening. It’s going to create more sensitivity and awareness. Those of us who think of ourselves as educated and liberal haven’t always addressed the issues in these plays. Here’s an opportunity to explore them-- and have a good time.”