Students Celebrate National Coming Out Day
By Adam Zentarski
Western Staff Reporter
As I am currently reflecting upon this, I will openly admit right away that I am gay and am not ashamed or afraid one bit. I hope nobody else has to either because loving anyone your heart desires should not be a problem for anybody else; if it is, they do not truly care for you. People deserve to live openly without hatred, and as a Progressive, I see a very promising future.
The National Coming Out event took place in the afternoon on Oct. 10, where everyone as a community could still share some good laughs while addressing a serious issue. One speech that depressed me was that of Alison’s, who remarked about being excluded from playing volleyball because of being different from the rest.
While this is one of many acts of discrimination, this brought out just how the Declaration of Independence and Constitution have parted ways with America. Citizens have a right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” yet under despicable circumstances have largely been ignored.
The movie Prayers for Bobby gives a heartbreaking insight on what happens when some people such as relatives or even close friends are not accepting, but overall the key message will always be, “It Gets Better.”
LAMBDA Vice President Stephani Reed said it best in her reflection when she concluded in expressing, “I honestly won’t be happy until all my gay brothers and sisters can come out without fear and not met with hate, but open and loving arms.”
As the speakers were emphasizing throughout the discussion, we live in an evolving society where being gay will soon not be a condemning matter, or a matter at all.
I encourage everyone on campus, LGBT or straight, to come to the LAMBDA meetings at 12:30 p.m. by Java City because, there, everyone is rightfully welcomed and treated equally – no matter what – while having fun.
I also motivate all of you to be open about your sexual orientation because nobody should be judged based on who they were born as. Thankfully, oppression is not tolerated here on campus and if there are ever any cases of it, the Campus Security will be the first to hear about it.
One things for sure though: when you’re at Tri-C, you’re family!
