by Martha I. Fernandez
Managing Editor
A week dedicated to the courage of individuals who have come out of the closet was marred on Wednesday, when the rock painted in celebration of National Coming Out Day was vandalized.
The rock was painted by the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Student Union (GLBSU) in the company of Dr. Mel White, this semester’s Fasnacht lecturer, after Tuesday evening’s panel discussion.
On the rock, the group drew inverted triangles along with statements like “hate is not a family value” and “fear is not an option.”
On Wednesday morning, a derogatory epithet was spray painted on the rock. “It’s hate speech against us,” said Shannon Beets, sophomore and treasurer of the GLBSU.
Later that day, the group decided to repaint the rock with the words “here to stay” and the freedom flag.
“It should be a day of tolerance and they’re actively hating,” she said.
The group, however, did not let this occurrence hinder their week of celebration and homosexual awareness events.
Activities were planned to highlight National Coming Out Day, held on Wednesday. The day encouraged gays, lesbians and bisexuals to reveal their sexual orientation and end the stigma associated with homosexuality.
The week’s events commenced on Monday with a showing of “The Wedding Banquet,” a film that deals with one gay man’s struggle to reveal his sexual orientation to his parents.
The Fasnacht Lecture and discussion panel featuring Dr. Mel White were held on Tuesday. In his lecture, Dr. White emphasized that homosexuals do not need to sacrifice their Christian faith to come to terms with their sexuality.
Jamie Bigornia, junior and president of the GLBSU, said the week of activities and the fact that this year’s Fasnacht lecturer is gay is merely a coincidence. “It’s great timing, it highlights our events,” he said.
Although Wednesday was the date specifically dedicated to Coming Out Day, the GLBSU decided not to hold an activity and leave it as a day of personal reflection.
“We want to stay kind of low-key on that because it can be a real high emotion day,” said Beets.
Bigornia agrees with the decision to leave that day activity-free.
“For me, in a deeper sense, I think I am reassessing that I don’t have to prove myself to anybody.
“I don’t have to go to the seal and yell ‘Look here, I’m gay and I’m out,’” he said.
Yesterday, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), a support coalition for family and friends of homosexuals, was invited to hold a panel discussion in the new Art Building.
“It’s another way of showcasing that we’re out there,” said Bigornia. “I emphasize not the quantity, but the quality of the discussion.”
Later Thursday evening, Resident Assistant Karla Molina co-sponsored an open forum with Dr. Kim Martin, associate professor of behavioral science, at the Oaks. Among the items discussed were issues that may arise before and after coming out of the closet, AIDS and relationships.
“Things that society accepts really easily from heterosexual couples become excruciating judgment calls for lesbians and gays,” said Beets.
The week ends tomorrow when students travel to Occidental College in Los Angeles to partake in “Models of Pride,” a day full of lectures and seminars that will end with a dance. The event is open to campuses across the area.
“It’s a show of unity,” said Beets. “It’s about proving that we’re going to be here no matter what. Whether you attack us or alienate us we’re going to be here anyway.”
With more than 15 members, the GLBSU is an organization whose purpose is spreading homosexual awareness and support.
However, both Beets and Bigornia agree that most of the support thus far has been from faculty. More than 50 faculty members have expressed support for the newly-formed club.
“We’re surprised that at this University, faculty is more supportive than the student body,” said Bigornia. “I would expect more of my peers to understand where I’m coming from.”
“Even if we can’t make the campus care, which we will eventually, we care and that’s all that matters,” said Beets.
