The People Column

Former pro baseball player * Billy Bean * will be the special guest speaker at 8 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network's fashion and furniture show.

GLSEN By Design, at the Buena Vista Building in Miami's Design District, offers everything from leather and fabric samples to original artwork by * Romero Britto * and * Xavier Cortada *. The show will also feature designer furniture escorted down the runway by South Beach models, who will place the pieces in reserved spots to be part of a massive silent auction. Guests can sample and enjoy multiple food stations, bars and the hottest club music.

All proceeds go GLSEN, which brings together gay and straight teachers, parents, students and concerned citizens from all walks of life in order to end the destructive effects of discrimination and create a safe environment for students across Miami-Dade County.