I

On March 23, Penn State held its semiannual Pride Rally on the steps of Old Main in recognition of the LGBTQ student community. Students, faculty, local high school students, and community members all gathered together to support individuals who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Student speakers stood up at the top of the steps to share their stories and experiences of being LGBTQ throughout high school and how their support system was altered after arriving at Penn State. They praised the school’s acceptance and resources for LGBTQ individuals and how their lives were changed after being exposed to the sense of unity that the school offered. Many shared what “pride” meant to them and what the significance of having events such as the rally was in being proud and unashamed of who you are.

Some of the student speakers shared their coming out stories to the crowd, each being unique to the person. The support they received from their family and friends ranged from quite accepting to being kicked out and surviving homelessness. They discussed the harassment they faced in high school and the social alienation they have experienced throughout life. Most of them described their challenges easing once they come to Penn State where there was a large population of LGBTQ students. One of the speakers stated that approximately 16% of the students here were queer, which is an absolutely substantial amount, considering only about 4% of the American population is LGBTQ. A student who was thrown out into the streets after revealing their sexuality to their parents said that it was okay because they had made new family here at Penn State. This same individual was given an award at the rally for their significant contributions to the State College community. It was interesting because I had also talked to this person after the rally and they had said that they use the pronouns, “They, them, and their”. Personally, I think gender fluidity is awesome and I really respect that, but I feel that it can be very easy to offend someone if you lack awareness. It is always important to be cautious and try to have an understanding.

At the event, a man named Shane Bitney Crone got up and spoke. He starred in the documentary “Bridegroom” directed by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason that had won several awards including the best documentary at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2013. He briefly described to us his story which was the feature the documentary being shown on campus later that night.  He shared how he had been in a very committed relationship to a man named Tom Bridegroom until he tragically passed away in 2011, before gay marriage was legal. Crone had been denied access to his partner by the hospital and Bridegroom’s homophobic family would not allow him to attend the funeral. There was nothing that he could do due to his absent legal rights. Although it had been a devastating experience, Shane Bitney Crone said he had no hate or anger towards the family. He had received an overwhelming amount of support from people such as Neil Patrick Harris, George Takei, President Bill Clinton, and Oprah Winfrey- who debuted the documentary on her OWN channel. Crone had received messages from thousands of people who said that he gave them inspiration and hope for the future. Overall, it is imperative that LGBTQ have all of the same, equal rights as all citizens in America. While gay marriage is now legal, discrimination is still existent.

The energy at this rally was high-spirited and positive. This event allowed the students who are out and open to be prideful of who they are, but also allowed other students who are not out and open to know that it’s okay. For those in attendance who do not identify with LGBTQ and could not directly relate, it was eye-opening and an opportunity to be compassionate toward those who struggle with the response to their sexuality. There was a great flow of diversity and representation from all people of the spectrum. We had the chance to listen from not only gay individuals, but also transgender and asexual people who are sometimes less acknowledged by the public. The message of “pride” meant being whole-heartedly who you are regardless of what others may say and feel. There are always people out there who will love and accept you the way you are.  You are not alone.