In parts of California, they have gay marriage.

In parts of Oregon, they have no marriage, as one county refused to grant any marriage licenses because the local government felt it would be discriminatory otherwise.

Across the country, issues surrounding the rights of gays and lesbians are making the news.

It's more than Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. We are at a major crux in our country's history. Major decisions on how rights are granted are looming in the future. There is even talk of changing the U.S. Constitution.

Here at Penn State, it's Pride Week. The week of events kicked off Friday with a rally at Old Main.

On Monday, there were "Live Homosexual Acts" in the HUB-Robeson Center. It consisted of students doing typical things, such as studying or chatting with friends, except that the students happened to be gay. The goal of the event was to show that gay people are just that -- people.

Face it, folks. No matter what your beliefs or your side on the contentious issue of gay marriage are, you will run into gay people in your life. Your boss, your neighbor, your fellow fraternity member, your sibling or even one of your parents might be gay.

Pride Week offers a chance for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and their allies to come together, show support and educate the campus. This page has often been riddled with letters going back and forth about issues of what rights LGBT individuals should or should not have.

This week is an opportunity to learn beyond what you read about in the pages of newspapers.

At 6 tonight, there will be a Sankofa meeting with the Black Caucus in 330 HUB. At 7 p.m. tommorrow, Danny from MTV's The Real World will speak in HUB Heritage Hall.

On Saturday, the annual Unity Prom, where people can feel comfortable no matter whom they bring as a date, will be held.

Attend a Pride Week event. Listen to what is said. Your preconceptions may be proven completely wrong.

Or, you could become more steadfast in whatever you believe.

Either way, if you don't attend, you can't learn.