Today, Oct. 11, is National Coming Out Day. National Coming Out Day is not just a day for all gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals to express themselves. It is a time to reaffirm that, whether gay, straight, or none-of-the-above, we all support an environment where every American can live free from fear and self-oppression. The easiest way you can help your gay friends is by creating and accepting and welcoming environment, not just here at Penn State and in the State College community, but throughout the entire nation. This means choosing a leader who respects and supports gay Americans in their struggles for fairness and equality. President George W. Bush and the Republican Party have used the lives of gay Americans as a political wedge that they hope will divide the people of this country. They have pandered to homophobia and bigotry to score a few electoral points and have waged an unrelenting battle to make gay Americans permanent second-class citizens. John Kerry understands that the real threats to America are terrorism, poverty, and a lack of health care, not gay and lesbian Americans. Kerry respects gays and lesbians for who they are, hard-working Americans who just want a part of the American Dream. John Kerry, if elected, would actively work for an employment non-discrimination act, which would enable gays and lesbians to work in an environment free from discrimination and will support comprehensive hate-crimes legislation. As the only senator up for re-election in 1996 to vote against the "Defense of Marriage Act," Kerry has continually shown his willingness to stand with gay Americans in fighting discrimination. Whether this country continues on the path towards fairness and equality or regresses towards fear and bigotry is something each of us will be able to decide this November. When you go into the voting booth or mark your absentee ballot, think of your friends and loved ones who are gay. Think of what their lives would be like under four more years of Bush and I'm sure you'll have no trouble deciding who to vote for.