 "Photo:")
Last Tuesday in CFSU, a little rain did not diminish Advocate's celebration of "National Coming Out Day" in honor of GLBTQA Awareness Week.
Advocate, formerly known as the Rainbow Connection, is a Loyola group striving for equality and acceptance for all. The group hosted this awareness week to Loyola, with the acronym signifying "Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Ally," which serves as a gay/straight alliance.
Many misconceptions have surfaced about this event. The day recognizes coming out, but is not solely for homosexuals.
Senior Adam Cebulski, head of Advocate, reassured that this day not only allows homosexuals to come out, but it also makes way for straight people to openly support the gay community.
"This day allows people to come out in all different facets, whether gay or straight," Cebulski said.
Cebulski also emphasized that acceptance is highly stressed, not only for homosexuals, but for all types of people.
"We wanted to show people that there is more to it than what is on TV and 'Will and Grace,'" he said.
Another reason for the week-long celebration of "National Coming Out Day" was to "recognize that is it a process to support people regardless of their sexuality and to recognize the difficulty in coming out," senior Abigail Ries, a member of Advocate, said.
In addition to seeking acceptance and acknowledging the struggle in coming out, freshman Ryan Flood said Advocate's goal for the week was to "promote awareness and to create a safe environment."
Freshman Erik Steingraber felt that the group had done well in attaining this goal. "As an openly gay male, I feel welcome on campus," Steingraber said.
Since the weather didn't permit for the inflatable obstacle course and outdoor activities on Mertz Lawn, Advocate moved the celebration out of the rain and into to CFSU.
"There were lots of people outside even asking questions," freshman Peter Buckstaff said.
Buckstaff also elaborated on two different goals of Advocate: "There is first the social goal, which allows for a group of friends to lean on. The second is political." Buckstaff said that this aspect concentrates on domestic partnerships.
Pertaining to the political outlook, Advocate ventured to acquire benefits for employees and rallied against anti-gay flyers distributed on campus by H.O.M.E. (Heterosexuals Organized for a Moral Environment).
The events of GLBTQA week were also co-sponsored by the Unity and Diversity Fund, the Office of Student Diversity, the Office of Student Activities and Evoke.
Advocate hosted this kickoff as a light hearted and relaxed way to learn about the week's events. The organization handed out ribbons and equality bracelets at the celebration as symbols of acceptance.
National Coming Out Day takes root in the Oct. 11, 1987, Gay and Lesbian March in Washington, which aimed at bringing the issue of gay rights to the public front and informing the government on such rights. With the help of political activists and mass media attention, including Oprah and CNN, the United States honored "Coming Out Day" on a national level.
At Loyola, GLBTQA Awareness Week began with commemorating National Coming Out Day, but this was the first of many events. Rapid HIV testing was held on Monday, Oct. 16. Another day of HIV testing will be on Thursday, Oct. 19.
The week continues Wednesday, Oct. 18 with a double feature in the Crown Center auditorium. The "cult" movies shown include, "But I'm a Cheerleader" at 7 p.m. and "The Birdcage" at 9 p.m. In addition to free pizza, an open discussion about both films will close the night.
The week will conclude with food and a raffle on Friday, Oct. 20 in CFSU. Tickets for the raffle are available for $1. Prizes include iPods, clothing and gift certificates.
Adam Cebulski noted that Advocate has a strong bond and that the group has been "restructured so that the campus may be sent out to the community."
Advocate holds meetings on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in Hussey Lounge.
Additional information on Advocate may also be found via its Facebook group "Advocate," by visiting www.luc.edu/orgs/advocate, or contact Advocate via e-mail at advocate@luc.edu.
Be the first to comment on this article!