Standing on the steps of Schwab Auditorium among observers and supporters, quietly watching his gay, lesbian and bisexual friends speak about their lives openly and positively, Greg Korzydlo's face had pride and excitement written all over it and a smile from ear to ear.

An annual rally kicked off the Penn State Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Pride Week yesterday. Pride Week is held annually to recognize the self-assurance and fortune connected with being gay, lesbian or bisexual and out.

Because he was at Altoona Campus last year, this is the first time Korzydlo (junior-human development and family studies) was able to be at the rally.

The rally represents educating the community on gay, lesbian and bisexual issues, he said, adding that this is important to him.

Korzydlo, the new social/educational co-director of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance, said he was gay bashed in January. He said it happened one night as he was walking across campus, but he never thought it would.

"Why did someone do it to me?" Korzydlo asked, adding that maybe with education, others won't have to face this.

Pride Week is sponsored by 24 University groups, offices and downtown businesses. Films, speakers, discussions and workshops are being held until Monday. A different item of common clothing will also show gay, lesbian and bisexual pride every day of the week.

During the rally, eight people spoke about different aspects of gay, lesbian and bisexual lifestyles to increase awareness.

"We have survived" was the theme of Kim Kranich's speech.

"You can be whoever you want to be, love anyone you want to love," said Kranich, creator and host of WPSU-FM's musical and comedic radio program, the Purple Rabbit Show. "Being gay is the best gift ever given to me, and I wouldn't change it for the whole world."

But across from the rally, Gary Cattell, the Willard Preacher, spoke to people gathered around Willard Building and offered a different perspective on gay, lesbian and bisexual lives. He said homosexuality is abnormal and society shouldn't consider it good or normal.

Commenting on the people walking by who didn't acknowledge the rally, Korzydlo said he was glad they didn't shout derogatory comments but wished they would have stayed to be educated.

Newly re-elected LGBSA political co-director Holly Bemiss told people about her fear during past years' pride rallies. But she also expressed pride in the gay, lesbian and bisexual movement.

"Walk, learn and love with pride this week and every week of the year," she said.

During the rally, Ken Foster, director of the Center for the Performing Arts, received a pride award from LGBSA because of his commitment to bringing lesbian, gay and bisexual performers to campus.