In response to Thursday's editorial "National Coming Out Day promotes equality needed every day on PSU campus," Oct. 13 I have a question: What exactly is the purpose of this day?

I think that every person on this campus is aware that there are homosexual, bisexual and transgender students living, studying and working all around them. What else is there to be aware of? Nothing. These people vote, go to class, hang out with friends, watch Penn State football and do everything else just like everyone else. They are normal people. Why do we need a day to celebrate being normal?

There is no "National Staying Straight Day," and I would probably complain if there were. The Constitution doesn't require that everyone tolerate each other, nor does it promise to protect people from being offended. As sad as it is that not every American tolerates his or her fellow citizens, keep in mind that Americans don't have to respect everyone nor tolerate everyone's lifestyle.

Staging a large demonstration only seems to antagonize people. I'd be willing to bet that if a homosexual person greeted a stranger at a gay pride rally, the stranger's reaction would be more negative than if the greeting came in any other setting. I think a more low-key campaign is in order; start with friends, then friends of friends and let the tolerance spread. I've seen this approach work. It worked for me, and I'm the most stubborn person I know.