I would like to thank Jim DeLancey for his statement that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students are normal people ("PSU already aware of presence of gays," Oct. 17).

Unfortunately there are many people who don't agree. While I think word-of-mouth and personal dialogue is the best way to convert opinions, talking to your friends and family about sexual orientation takes a lot of courage. Before coming out to loved ones, they have to know there are people who support them no matter what.

For many of those who spoke at National Coming Out Day, it is the first time they released the "secret" of their sexual orientation. It took a lot of bravery to stand up in front of everyone and to be honest about who you are. These students did this because they knew there were hundreds of people who support them. However, there were also hundreds passing by who did not support them, and if they could handle telling an entire campus, and the good and bad that comes with this, maybe they can tell their parents and friends, and maybe they can spread tolerance on a personal level.

The National Coming Out Day rally wasn't for the people who "disagree with the lifestyle." The rally provided support to those who needed it, and showed those who haven't come out that support is there when they are ready for it.