These next few weeks in October are very significant for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) communities. October 11 is National Coming Out Day, and the week of October 14-20 is National Ally Week, a week that brings together gay and straight supporters of gay recognition and rights.

National Coming Out Day began in 1988. It was established to commemorate the anniversary of the National March on Washington on October 11 1987, which gathered together 500,000 supporters of the GLBT movement. The march garnered extensive political support for the GLBT community, as well as sympathy for the AIDS crisis that at the time was being largely ignored by most U.S. citizens.

This year National Coming Out Day is being managed by the Human Rights Campaign, and the theme is: “Talk About It”. The day itself is meant to be a support for individuals who are facing the difficult process of revealing their sexual orientation to friends and family who may be very unsupportive. It is also intended to be a celebration of living life openly and honestly.

National Ally Week was founded by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). The network works toward the vision of “a future in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.” Straight allies of the gay community can show their support in a tangible way during this week by signing the Ally Pledge Card or by wearing an “I’m An Ally” pin.

Here on the LSSU campus, the PRIDE organization will be setting up a table during Ally Week. If students wish to take a stand against GLBT discrimination there will be Ally Pledges available for them to sign, as well as diversity ribbons to wear during the week.

Be first to comment this article

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved