I am happy to announce Penn State Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Pride Week '94. The week is being kicked off by the annual Pride Rally at noon today on the steps of Schwab Auditorium.

But there are many events to come. Over 15 events have been planned for this week. Events have been coordinated by 24 Penn State organizations, offices and State College businesses. I encourage everyone to attend the events throughout the week.

Please note that every day throughout Pride Week, is a clothing day -- today is T-shirt day, tomorrow is hat day, etc. These common clothing items were purposely chosen, so that tomorrow, as your friends see you wearing a hat, they might think you are lesbian, gay, or bisexual.

This should make it clear to you, how it might feel to be a gay, lesbian or bisexual at Penn State. If this makes you nervous, you will probably be going out of your way to change what you would normally do. You would be hiding something that is integral to your everyday life, just as gay, lesbian or bisexual people are often forced.

I hope this helps you realize the necessity for educational programming related to sexual orientation, and I hope this realization will encourage you to participate in the events of Pride Week '94.