GLBT community celebrates national Coming Out Day

Many students, along with thousands of other participants across the country, will celebrate National Gay Pride Week 2000 with a plethora of educational and awareness events this week.\nToday marks the beginning of the festivities with the 13th annual National Coming Out Day.\nThe Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered community is urging everyone to wear red today in support of their community.\n"It's held on this date to commemorate the first gay/lesbian march on Washington Oct. 11, 1987, as well as the inaugural presentation of the Names Project (AIDS quilt)," OUT president and senior Jason Jones said. "It's celebrated throughout the country in businesses, schools, universities, religious and civic organizations."\nMembers of the IU Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgendered community, along with those in the Bloomington community, said they are moving at full speed to spread awareness and compassion about the importance of the event. The celebration was kicked off Sunday with the painting of the two bridges on Jordan Avenue The rest of the week is scheduled to include parties, a music festival and informative meetings about GLBT issues.\n"This is one way of dealing with an issue that's problematic," Doug Bauder, GLBT Student Support Services coordinator, said. "We need more people to be honest about who they are to help the discrimination end. They need to realize there are people like preachers, coworkers, friends and parents dealing with the same fear as them."\nThere is an "OUT in Greek Life" workshop at 7:30 p.m. today in Ballantine Hall room 144 and an OUT meeting 7:45 p.m. Thursday in the Georgian Room of the Indiana Memorial Union, where the discussion will focus on "Sharing your pride." Coordinators are encouraging everyone to attend, as coming out stories will be shared.\n"Pride week and Coming Out Day is a time when members and non members of the GLBT community can come together and show unity," said OUT Publicity Director Sidney Bosley, a junior. "It allows those of us in the GLBT community to experience affirmation through meeting, talking and participating in events with others. It gives heterosexuals an opportunity to show their support by participating in programs and talking with gay friends/acquaintances about gay related issues."\nAt 8 p.m. Friday there will be a Safe Zone Party for all ages at the Latino Cultural Center. The party will involve movies, music and refreshments.\nEnding the week will be OUT's musical festival for women, Lesbopalooza, noon Saturday in the courtyard at Collins Living-Learning Center.\n"Coming out is more than a political statement, it is a process of coming to terms with the truth and realization of one's sexuality," Bauder said. "We should all take pride in ourselves and respect others everyday. \n"This is not a matter limited to the GLBT community alone. Straight people need to come out in a supportive role. It's as easy as speaking out and taking offense when negative issues about the GLBT community are presented. We can all spread awareness and compassion on this issue"