Wednesday evening the Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender Educational and Support Services Program (LGTESSP) held a “glowstick vigil” for people, gay and straight, to gather together in solidarity in the EMU Amphitheater. The vigil coincides both with recent suicides in the LGBTQ community and National Coming Out Week.
The vigil began with speakers who spread messages of hope, compassion and love. Speakers made passionate appeals for action towards change.
Maggie Minnich, a University junior, expressed sorrow at the news of the widely-publized suicide of Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi, but not surprise.
“I was appalled, I was saddened, but I was not shocked because this is not new.” Minnich said. “It’s time to wake up. People are dying.”
The University junior spread a message of comfort to those struggling with depression due to societal pressures regarding their sexuality.
“Your life is not only vital to you, it is vital to us,” she said.
Lexi Kendall, an organizer of the vigil and member of the LGTESSP, addressed the difficulty members of the LGBTQ community face when in the closet.
“We need to be aware of that silence and how hard it is,” Kendall said. In relation to recent suicides, she said, “these things are happening and it’s everyone’s responsibility.”
Kendall’s message of solidarity was echoed by students.
“This is an issue that not only affects the LGBT community, but students and the whole nation,” said University senior Jairo Castaneda.
After the planned speakers completed their speeches, the stage was opened up to anyone who wanted to speak, tell a story, or spread a message. The mood was lightened somewhat as straight allies, lesbians, gays and transgendered people came to the stage and told stories which ranged from humorous to helpful to tragic. The amphitheater was filled with laughter, applause and emotion over the next two hours as people shared their stories.
Numerous speakers expressed feelings of heartbreak and rejection from their peers and families, and emphasized the need for change. Some spoke as activists, some shared amusing anecdotes, and a few even came out for the first time.
Organizers also promoted the Chalking Campaign, a campaign where members of the LGBTQ community who are often faced with hatred from their communities are reminded that they are loved through chalk messages written on sidewalks and streets. The slogan of the program “You are Loved” was repeated by many throughout the night, reassuring those who had faced rejection that they are indeed loved.
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Glowstick vigil unites LGBTQ community and allies
Daily Emerald
October 13, 2010
Alex McDougall
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