GLBT group comes out for day of acceptance

A stage on Marsh Plaza decorated with rainbow-colored balloons served as a platform for Boston University students to "come out" and take pride in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Community yesterday afternoon.

Spectrum, BU's GLBT group, celebrated National Coming Out Day by setting up a rally for students to exchange stories and also hear speeches from administrators, including Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore, who referenced "be you" T-shirts and said students can be their "own authentic selves."

"We want to stand up for people who want to be themselves," Elmore said.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the 1987 Gay and Lesbian March on Washington, D.C., when activists allied for human rights, BU celebrated in style, attracting students of different sexualities.

Spectrum President Emeri Burks, who said she is transgendered, said her main message for people uncomfortable with the GLBT community is that "we are all valuable people."

"It's who we are," the College of Arts and Sciences senior said.

Howard Thurman Center Director Katherine Kennedy said she was honored to be invited because she wanted to show her support for the GLBT community.

"It takes a lot of courage for students to come out," she said before her speech.

Kennedy said people should not pre-judge others, because everyone seeks acceptance.

"Someone's gender should not interfere with how we perceive them and interact with them," she said.

Educational Resource Center staff coordinator Michele Naughton said she attended to "let students know [that] staff is supportive of them."

Naughton said the rally was not publicized well, but since it was held in a public place, passersby stopped by during the two hours.

Several Spectrum members also shared their coming-out stories on the stage.

"I am a supporter to gay rights," said School of Education senior Kathleen McCord, who identifies as bisexual. She said her own father came out as well when she was 13.

Spectrum set up a table with pamphlets about safe sex and proper condom use as well as free condoms and lubricants for students.

"We'd love to see more students and faculty, queer and allied alike, coming out to show their support for LGBT . . . people on campus, whether that means being openly queer or speaking out against hate speech or showing up at Spectrum meetings and events," said interorganizational coordinator Katie Tyson.

Tyson said many students do not know of resources for GLBT individuals on campus, calling this lack of knowledge "unacceptable."