Pride Week encompasses events from transgender workshops to homophobia in athletics.
“We really wanted to focus on issues that are underrepresented on campus,” said Sean Martin, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs commissioner. “We really want to focus on making LGBT issues visible.”
The 19th annual Pride Week, coordinated by the LGBT Affairs Commission of Student Senate with help from University Programming Council, the LGBT Center and others, commences tomorrow with a kick-off rally from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Athens County Courthouse, 8 E. Washington St.
This year’s theme, Out of the Classroom and into the Streets!, exemplifies the goal of increased visibility for LGBT and ally issues on campus, said Martin, a sophomore studying actuarial science.
“I want people to step out of the comfort zones and educate themselves. There is a lot we all can learn,” said Amelia Shaw, vice commissioner of LGBT affairs. “You don’t have to identify as LGBT to fight for LGBT issues.”
A common misconception is that Pride Week is only for those who identify as LGBT, but it’s really for all people who want to educate themselves, said Shaw, a sophomore studying sociology and women’s and gender studies.
Diverging from normal Pride Week events, this year the commission focused on hosting events on underrepresented topics such as transgender issues, racism in the LGBT community and homophobia in the African-American community alongside classic events such as the SpeakOUT! panel discussion and the Open Doors’ Casa Dance, Martin said.
“We’re trying to reach as many students as possible,” Martin said. “I really hope students understand the importance of Pride Week and the importance of bringing these issues to light on campus.”
The week coalesces with Thursday’s keynote speaker Brian Sims, who will speak about homophobia in athletics from his first-hand perspective as an athlete who identifies as gay. His speaking fee was $2,500 plus travel expenses, which is paid for by the Commission, Open Doors, the LGBT Center, University Program Council and others.
Shaw recommended the speaker after she saw him talk during the summer.
“I was blown away by how much he encompassed not only homophobia and athletics but his personal story and the importance of allies,” she said.
Overall, both commissioners hope the week reaches as many students as possible.
“I just hope people come even if they are scared or uncomfortable because we want them there and they do belong,” Shaw said.
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