Attacking myths, developing understanding and finding common ground between heterosexuals and the gay community were goals set by participants in a Tuesday night panel.

Project Growth's panel discussion, "Sexual Orientations: What are your thoughts," asked participants to close their eyes and imagine how it feels to be a gay man or lesbian living in a homophobic society.

"Try to go on a date with someone without looking at them too long, or holding hands, or kissing, or expressing any kind of affection," said panelist Michael Buring.

Buring said open affection cannot be shown between gay couples because same-sex relationships are not accepted by society.

Heterosexual couples can openly express their feelings to each other and talk about their sexuality while gay men and lesbians cannot, said panelist Lisa Algood.

"Our partners might be different, but our feelings towards our partners are the same," said panelist Phil Fuentes.

Because of society's stigmas surrounding lesbian and gay couples, the process of "coming out" becomes even more important, said panelist Chris Goffredo. Lesbians and gay men must be able to deal with their sexuality in public to feel proud of their sexuality, he added.

Audience member Bert Else (senior-management) said, "I'm personally against homosexuality because I am a Christian, but I came here to learn why they are the way they are and put up my views."

Mich Wong-Chong (junior-pre-med) said these programs are important because they remove some of the fears surrounding the gay community.

Panelist Monica Rodriquez said more programs are needed on sexual orientation because people cannot understand the issue after attending just one program.

People arrived willing to try to understand sexual orientation better, making the panel a success, Goffredo said.