• the217
• LGBT
• Sharing our differences

Even with the heavy storms and tornado warning that hit campus Friday, summer has undeniably hit campus with temperatures reaching 90 degrees or higher. As the second sessions of classes begin, my mind can often wander into lighter workdays and warmer weather.

But before I allow this month to come and go, students should know that on June 1, 2009, President Obama in a White House press release declared June "LGBT Pride" month. I like that it was a month of “pride” as many commemorative months on our calendar are awareness months or weeks or celebrating one’s history. Pride can emerge from the knowledge of awareness and one’s history and the accomplishments of a people should be regarded with pride amidst their past.

For our university, “The Day of Silence” in mid to late April is a large step for the LGBT community and their allies as well. Raising awareness and gaining support can only continue to add to an accepting campus community. The actions taken by this administration also shows promise for the LGBT community. However, for both the Obama administration and our campus, issues facing the LGBT community, or any other community, must be met with constant vigilance. Human rights issues should not be faced a few weeks a year. In light of this declaration to the nation, I decided to take a brief look at what the Obama administration has promised and the actions it is taking on behalf of its citizens.

I am well aware that there are many pressing matters on this country from the economy, the environment and our military abroad, among a number of other issues. In all of this, it is my hope that the LBGT community and the American public are always considered in every decision President Obama makes. He starts in government by appointing open members of the LGBT community into many government offices. But the LGBT community also calls for equality in marriages and benefits associated with such a union, both personally and professionally in the workplace. President Obama is working toward this. He is also working with both Democrats and Republicans to repeal the ban of service personnel who are openly gay or lesbian.

These actions have come with criticism from opposing sides as well as outcries for more effort from the LGBT community. One can only hope that progress continues to be made.

As I implored you to share in the unique human experience, now I ask you for this month, and every other, to also share in your differences. As progress began 40 years ago with the Stonewall Riots in New York, so too can a difference be made, however small. We must keep a watchful eye on the government and demand more where we may see fit if they ever fall short in the matter of human rights.