GENDER TENSION, RACE DISCUSSED AT TRAINING EVENT.

Byline: Jennifer Hamm Staff Writer

GLENDALE - A training program aimed at combating racial and gender tensions will begin a weekend portion tonight at Camp Max Straus in Glendale.

Human Relations Awareness 2000 brings together a diverse group of students, teachers, nonprofit employees, business people and others to discuss their own prejudices based on race, gender and sexual orientation.

``For most, it's the first opportunity they've had to talk about these issues openly,'' said Daniel Loera, program director.

The weekend is part of a five-week program that also includes four evening sessions. The 95 participants have already spent two Thursday nights discussing cultural and racial identity.

This weekend they will dive into issues such as institutional oppression, sexual identity, homophobia and racism. The discussions can be confrontational, Loera said.

``It can seem really overwhelming to each other at times. Then it comes to hearing each other out,'' he said. ``It's a challenge.''

The program, sponsored by the National Conference for Community and Justice, will conclude at the end of the month after two more night meetings. The NCCJ runs a variety of workshops on race and gender for schools, professional organizations and companies.

Richard Johnson said he applied for the $200 program because it sounded interesting.

``The communication is so real,'' Johnson, 29, said. ``I want that real interaction with people.''

To attend future sessions, call [phone].