Diversifying the University encompasses more than improving race relations. Increasing awareness and becoming more open-minded to those of other sexual orientation also is critical.
To do so, Spectrum Alliance will celebrate National Coming Out Day with a table-sit on Friday.
Steven Scales, a mass communication senior, said he firmly believes race should not be the only factor considered in terms of increasing diversity.
“The importance of diversity in the LSU community is to prepare students for the variety of people they will encounter in the real world,” Scales said. “Just like race, people of different sexual orientation are a growing part of today’s society and are taking stronger roles in their communities and governments.”
Spectrum Alliance Co-chair Marisa Frye said the first National Coming Out Day was on Oct. 11, 1988.
The year prior, about half a million people marched in Washington, D.C., for gay and lesbian equality.
Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary founded National Coming Out Day to celebrate the first anniversary of the 1987 march.
Frye said the celebration is necessary for two reasons.
The first is to let people who are not out know there are those who are out and proud and that it is OK.
“There is strength in numbers,” Frye said. “When you know there are others in the same situation, you realize you are not dealing with struggle alone and feel better within yourself.”
The second reason is to increase awareness and knowledge of non-heterosexual orientations by making the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community more visible.
Ashley Broussard, a design freshman, said to dispel misconceptions about people of different orientations, students need to seek out and acquire more education concerning LGBT issues.
“Spectrum Alliance aims for acceptance, equality and inclusion for all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” she said.
Scales said National Coming Out Day is a positive step in furthering the education process, but students first must have a desire and an open mind and heart to learn about LGBT people.
“The opportunity for students to learn about LGBT is available,” he said. “Unfortunately some students are so stubborn and unwilling to change their biases that they will not have the gift of truly getting to know an amazing, inspiring individual who happens to be gay.”