Be proud

Pride Week marks advancements, looks toward future goals

Though only two words, "forging freedom" has meant a great deal to the University community. Many actions have been taken at the University toward the advancement of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people.

One of the most monumental actions toward forging freedom will take place at noon on Monday during the Pride Week rally.

At the rally, LGBSA will reveal a new name for its organization, which will be more inclusive of its supporters, such as allies and transgendered people. The organization members realized the current name made some people "uncomfortable," as Duane Gildea, LGBSA political co-director, said.

The name change to accommodate the large number of LGBSA supporters is one example of forging freedom. The fact that the week is in its 13th year also is to be commended -- LGBSA members are forging ahead, trying to make changes.

Some other examples of the community's advancement during the last few years are changes made in the University's nondiscrimination clause to include sexual orientation and the recent efforts of two organizations to be recognized by the University.

Lambda Delta Lambda, a sorority for lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and ally women, and Delta Lambda Phi, a gay fraternity, have been working to become officially recognized Greek organizations at the University.

Hopefully, the organizations will achieve their goals, and thus further the status of the LGBT community.

Though advancements have been made, the LGBT community is still striving toward some of its most important goals, said Steve McCann, social educational co-director for LGBSA.

Domestic partner benefits and getting a student center for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people at the University, similar to the Center for Women Students.

These goals can be realized with strong support from the University community, and the best way to do this is by attending some of the Pride Week events.

Here are just a few of the many of events that will take place next week:

• Q-Cinema will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday in Carnegie Cinema. It will show documentaries and student films.
  

• A rally will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Monday at the steps of Schwab Auditorium.
  

• Sapphire, a black bisexual performance artist, will perform at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the HUB Ballroom.
  

• The week will end with a semi-formal dance from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. April 4 in Findlay Commons.