October is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month.
One month out of the year is dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history.
One month to focus on a community that is barely discussed in history books or in classrooms.
One month to put aside differences in beliefs, to stop your friend from uttering that homophobic slur, to attach a rainbow ribbon to your backpack.
But why localize the efforts of squelching homophobia to a single month?
While we recognize the need for a month to celebrate the history of a community that has greatly impacted our country, the energy and the beliefs of this movement should continue beyond 31 days.
In a political season where gay marriage, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and anti-bullying issues are almost on the ballot as much as the candidates are, there is no escaping how important the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans are. We must keep this month’s spirit alive.
Fairfield University sponsors a multitude of eye-opening events throughout the month, ranging from speakers to a film series, and it’s important for students to attend. We highly suggest you go to every last one of these educational events.
However, it’s not enough to just absorb all of this information. We must take what we learn from this month and apply it to our lives.
So stop your friend before they can say that something is “so gay.” Be open to hearing what others think and believe.
Make Fairfield University a welcoming environment for students who may be want to come out the other 11 months of the year.
And to the students of the LGBTQ community – we are behind you 100 percent, and we think that every day out of the 365 belongs to you.
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