Beckman, an aspiring artist, actor and model, will talk about how he has battled drug and alcohol addiction while coping with the adversity he's faced living as an openly gay man.
"Chris got into drugs and alcohol when he started college," said Justin Fernandez, vice president of Allies, an education and support group for gay and lesbian students.
"I think his message of recovery is one that a lot of students can learn from."Since Real World Chicago aired in 2002, Beckman has become a role model for gay teens.
"If people can learn from my experiences and not make the same mistakes as me, that's great," Beckman said in a 2002 interview.
"I had religious issues about being gay. I was worried what my friends would think. I was miserable," he said. "It's good (for young people) to know that a lot of other people share the same struggles, too. They're not alone."
The Diversity forum also provides an opportunity for HACC students to interact with their peers from other nearby colleges. HACC Allies will be joined by advocates from Franklin & Marshall College, Millersville University, Lebanon Valley College and York College.
The free event is open to the public. It begins at 5 p.m. with a reception in the Main Building of the Lancaster Campus, Community Room 222. Beckman will speak at 6 p.m. with a question and answer period to follow.
Contact Warren Bair, coordinator of student activities, at 717-358-2850 or click on the email address below for information.