As I was scrolling through my heap of school emails, there was an email from our university's president about our LGBT club on campus. What I read was disheartening, considering in my three years at the university I have not heard of any problems involving homophobia on campus except for a protester, however a lot of students fought back against him.
Someone had written a list of homophobic comments and posted it on the door of the club's office, a place where LGBT students can hang out and get support, but instead, it had been defaced with words of hate. As an LGBT student, it makes me sad that someone would actually take the time out of their day to write hateful things.
College is a hard enough time for students. You are learning how to balance classes, social life, family, alone time, mental health and the list goes on. You are figuring out what you want to do in life, and sometimes sexuality is a big part of your college growth too.
You look for support in your peers, your professors and campus staff. You look for clubs that can offer you answers, but when people actively seek that support out and criticize it, they make you feel insecure all over again as if you are not struggling enough with it, and now your only source of safety is being targeted too?
It is just disappointing to see that happen, but in the darkness, our LGBT students found a little bit of light. They arranged a "rainbow wash," which gathered outside the our main campus building. Music blared, gay flags were spread out on tables and students were give chalk to write inspiring messages on the sidewalk.
It turned into an act of resilience, as if to say to those haters, "We are still here, we are who we are, deal with it." You cannot apologize and change who you are, nor can you expect everyone you meet to accept that. But you can rise above, and keep on being the wonderful person you are, unapologetically. Smile, and wear that rainbow flag.
It was inspiring to see people come out to the event, to raise awareness, and show support. Following the incident was National Coming Out Day as well, and our campus arranged events for the holiday. It made me happy to see people actually showing up to these events, showing support and being proud. Being proud LGBT students, allies and faculty. Speakers talked about their experiences, and how even though there is hate out there, it cannot stop you from being yourself.
So take time out of your day to spread a little positivity, especially if you have any LGBT friends. They may need a little extra care and support every now and then. Do not be afraid to ask questions, get educated and just learn to respect others, even if they are different from you.
We are all here trying to make it in life, so why not just be a little nicer?