In response to the March 26 letter entitled "Student supports Portland," I would like to point out that thinking homosexuality is somehow "wrong" is referred to as being homophobic, and not as being "racist," as the author would have us believe. While he is entitled to his opinions, however misguided, all students at Penn State deserve and have the right to be accepted as their true selves and to feel safe in their surroundings, without feeling pressured to hide and conform.

Having supposed role models such as Portland only makes it easier for people to feel that discrimination or worse against the LGBT community, or any other minority, is acceptable. Such discrimination is not only morally wrong -- it is also blatantly contrary to the policies of this university.

Sexual orientation does not affect one's performance -- be it academically, athletically, militarily, or otherwise -- in society; rather, it is the blatant discrimination that does, and it has no place in a civilized society, especially not in the classrooms and arenas of a state-affiliated university. There will always be people who fight against equality, and I know I feel guilty for not having fought hard enough for it, as should much of the university. It is our responsibility to stand up and fight against discrimination wherever it may lie, so that real freedom and new potential might exist, without the fear of unjust retribution.