The Orion Online

Issue date: 5/21/08 Section: Opinion

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Nobody likes hiding in the shadows. For the most part, people can be pretty vocal about who they are and what they represent, but there seems to be one group whose voice could be heard a bit louder: the gay community.

A myriad of clubs and organizations on campus are dedicated to the many interests and issues students feel passionate about. Being proud of who you are is important, and those within the gay community should voice their message wholeheartedly, for it seems people are still afraid of change.

In early May, a gay Louisiana teen was banned from her prom by the school's principal because she wanted to bring a female date, New Orleans' WDSU reported. The principal's decision was based on the safety of the student, claiming the couple could have ignited unwanted bullying, fights and even riots.

Last time I checked, we were in 2008, not 1948. Some schools have brought up the idea of having a "gay prom," where all gay couples will have a night just to themselves so they can feel more comfortable and less fearful of attending the regular event. Sounds nice, but the only word that comes to mind when I hear "gay prom" is segregation, and that concept is just a little dated - not to mention extremely unreasonable.

In college, things are a bit more liberal. Many students don't feel the need to stay closeted in a community where they will more than likely find accepting and understanding people.

Government doesn't always have a clear stance on these issues. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a gay marriage bill that was passed through legislation in 2006. However, a press release on his Web site said he "believes that gay couples are entitled to full protection under the law and should not be discriminated against based upon their relationship."

It's like the old saying goes: actions speak louder than words. It's obvious Californians are ready to take a stance on this issue, and it's the governor's turn to respond with more than just a few positive speeches.

In another incident, the administration at Washington Park High School in Milwaukee, Wis., told openly gay teen Uriel Gomez he couldn't run for prom queen after his class nominated him for the title, ABC reported.

However, he is eligible to run for prom king.

"If a guy can win Miss Legs and a girl can win Miss Physique, how is that different than me being nominated for prom queen?" Gomez said to ABC.

In this case, it was something the student body at Gomez's high school wanted. Does this mean he was going to show up to the prom dressed in a bright pink dress and sparkling tiara? In fact, Gomez was planning on going in a traditional suit, he said.

At Chico State, a club has been established to represent the gay community on campus: Pride/Safezone. This organization promotes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality and acceptance on campus. Its message is an important one, and it needs to be bolder. In the beginning of the school year, the Free Speech Area is bombarded with tables representing organizations and some groups are hidden behind bigger and more popular ones.

But if Pride/Safezone is representing pride, then it should show it. It shouldn't set up a measly table with one poster board. It needs to collect as many pride flags and other colorful paraphernalia and make itself stand out.

People won't hear a message unless it's forcefully put out there.

It seems students are the ones willing and ready to accept change, while administrators and legislators continue to hide behind dated traditions. One of the concepts continuously preached in my classes is the need for diversity, and it's something that shouldn't be saved exclusively for college. If acceptance is something our generation plans to carry with it as we get older, then we can't continue to pretend gay people don't exist.

Jacqueline Carambat can be reached at
jcarambat@theorion.com


Related links
Gay Teen Nominated For Racine Park High School Prom Queen
ACLU Denounces Gay Student's Prom Ban
California ban on same-sex marriage struck down

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