UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From immigration to same-sex marriage, Andrew Sullivan is never one to shy away from provocative opinions. At a time when political discourse seems to be at a low point, he presents a model of how to talk about controversial issues with conviction, humility and respect.

The McCourtney Institute for Democracy will host Sullivan for a lecture on “American Democracy in the Age of Trump” at 4 p.m. Oct. 2 in the Katz Building auditorium. The lecture is free and open to the public; no advance registration is required.

Sullivan is a contributing editor at New York magazine and frequently appears on "Real Time" with Bill Maher. He is the former editor of the New Republic and founder of The Daily Dish, one of the first major blogs covering U.S. politics. He’s also written for The Atlantic, The Daily Beast and numerous other media outlets.

The Washington Post called him “a media pioneer,” and The New York Times said, “Andrew Sullivan might deserve to be remembered as the most influential political writer of his generation.” 

A practicing Catholic and early advocate for same-sex marriage, Sullivan has challenged the church's position on gay life. He is an Oxford graduate and received his doctorate from Harvard University.

“Andrew Sullivan is a thoughtful, passionate writer and thinker. A gay married man and practicing Catholic, and a conservative who supported Obama and Clinton, Sullivan swims in controversy,” said McCourtney Institute for Democracy Managing Director Chris Beem. “But while he can give as good as he gets, he also frames his arguments with intelligence and intellectual responsibility.”

Sullivan’s visit to Penn State is co-sponsored by the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Humanities Institute, Center for Character, Conscience, and Public Purpose and School of International Affairs.

For more information, visit the McCourtney Institute for Democracy website.