Last week, it was impossible for students to not realize that it was Gay Pride Week.

Throughout the entire week, students from the lesbian, gay, transgender and allied communities spread a message of tolerance on campus.

There were many other things besides a rainbow flag to remind students that it was Pride Week.

There was a rally, a drag show and HIV testing all to promote Pride Week.

And they did it all with the theme of 'Camp it UP,' which means to be more flamboyant or obnoxious.

Some complained about the LGBTA community's tactics in promoting the week's events.

Some derided the week's theme of 'Camp it UP' as promoting gay stereotypes and as taking away from the group's educational message. They said it did not further the gay community's argument and pushed them back instead of ahead.

Others simply opposed the actions of the LGBTA community on the basis that they do not condone homosexuality.

Regardless of whether or not people support the issue, it was very clear that the week generated discussion from both sides.

While students spoke at Old Main and Willard, students and community members with opposite views were present and made their ideas known. This dialogue is the best thing the LGBTA community can hope for because it keeps the discussion going.

This is a civil rights issue and it is something that can thrive only with discussion.

Years from now, it is possible that the struggles the gay community is facing will be compared to the struggles the black community in America faced for centuries.

And that community, like the gay community, was helped along by dialogue.

National political debates, small community debates and person-to-person debates moved along the civil rights battle for millions of African Americans.

And now, the gay community is depending on that discussion as well.

For years, the gay community has been at the forefront of discussion on HIV and AIDS. Many efforts to educate both the gay and straight communities have been spearheaded by members of the gay community who are concerned about the spread of this disease.

And this is something that really extends to the whole community. Everyone, especially on a college campus, should be paying attention to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

This awareness was generated by discussion in the gay community.

Now, the discussion about the lifestyle of the gay community could bring them civil rights.

Whether or not members of the Penn State community agree with Pride Week, they can at least acknowledge that 'Camp it UP' brought a lot of discussion and debate to University Park, which will ultimately lead to total acceptance of the community.