“October is a month that usually conjures up images of changing leaves, windy days, the cracked smile of a jack-o-lantern and impending midterms. However, there is something else in October that a University of Akron student organization pans to celebrate: Gay History Month.”
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October is a month that usually conjures up images of changing leaves, windy days, the cracked smile of a jack-o-lantern and impending midterms.
However, there is something else in October that a University of Akron student organization pans to celebrate: Gay History Month.
This year the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Union is coordinating events for Gay History Month with the Akron Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
During October, the university will be hosting a conference and work with LGBTU, who will spread diversity and awareness, while focusing on the history of lesbian and gay experiences in the United States.
LGBTU has also grown in recent years at UA.
Our main goal is to lend support to those who need it, while promoting awareness, said LGBTU vice president Lauren Walter. We show our pride, not flamboyantly, but as regular people.
The group, which has been in existence for six years, is the second largest student organization at UA, according to Walter. There are usually 20 members in attendance at each meeting, and more join in on the extracurricular activities the organization holds, she said.
I believe it is because society is changing, and people are becoming more comfortable discussing their sexuality in a safe environment, she said.
One important event coming up for LGBTU is the Coming Out Day Meeting, which takes place Monday. The date of National Coming Out Day is Oct. 11.

Walter said everyone shares his or her coming-out story during this meeting.
We want to make everyone feel comfortable, especially if they are interested in coming out.
Walter said she was forced to leave home during high school due to her sexual orientation, but is now accepted by most of her family.
LGBTU offers a ton of support, no matter what your story is, Walter said.
Anyone can be involved with the LGBTU, regardless of their orientation, according to Walter.
We need as many allies as we can get, she said. We have a lot of fun but the point is to promote awareness and diversity, not to keep to our own.
We don’t judge – we are here to reach out to as many people as possible.
LGBTU meets every Tuesday night at 7 in the Student Union room 312, but they are not always about business.

In addition to meetings, the group also ventures downtown.

Directly after each meeting they go to the Barley House for fun. The group also takes part in numerous activities and philanthropic events. Upcoming events include the AIDS Walk in Cleveland, a picnic and a holiday craft show.

One of the student organization’s most important off-campus activities is its involvement with Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

It’s good for students, Walter said. It helps them to be strong, and to get the information they need in order to receive support.

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