Although other floats in the Sesquicentennial Parade on Saturday chose simplicity in decoration, the PT Cruiser used by the Alliance of Lesbian, Bi, Gay, Transgender and Straight Ally Students donned flame decals, rainbow colored balloons and banners as a girl standing in the sunroof held a sign that read "Cheer for Queers."

As Lauren Beach, microbiology and social relations senior and chairwoman of the Alliance, walked beside the car, she saw the unconventional approach was working.

"People were cheering and we'd cheer back," she said. "We didn't have any problems with people being hateful or disrespectful. It was encouraging."

The group's involvement in the parade was in preparation of National Coming Out Day today.

The day was celebrated for the first time 18 years ago when members of the LGBT community gathered to march in Washington, D.C., united in celebration of their sexuality and to unveil the NAMES Project Quilt in remembrance of AIDS victims.

Many events took place on and off campus last week and more are planned to recognize the day, Beach said.

"The function of all of these is to have people be together and be a community," Beach said. "We want to be talking about marginalized communities within the queer community itself and outside of it. The events may be targeted to the LGBT community, but the overall goal is to increase the rights of all people and we can't without allies."

Brent Bilodeau, director of MSU's Office of LBGT Concerns, said the day sheds light on issues not usually expressed during other times.

"Homophobia, heterosexism and genderism are still real issues in this country and on this campus," Bilodeau said. "It gives visibility to the lives and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons to the broader community."

Although the name given to the day suggests members of the LGBT community would reveal their sexuality during this time, Mark Shields, director of the Coming Out Project for the Human Rights Campaign said it isn't only for this purpose.

"For people who are coming out for the first time it's a great day to take the first step," he said. "For those who have been out, it's a great time to start the conversation again. It's a life-long journey and Coming Out Day is a day to remember that."

Several factors play a role in the decision for an individual to come out to friends and family, said Janet Bokemeier, chairwoman and professor in the MSU Department of Sociology.

"It really is very individualistic," she said. "They have to weigh the social impacts against the values to them personally of making the commitment. It's an individual choice and individual impact."

Bill Voetberg, volunteer coordinator for the Network — a community center for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in West Michigan, said the day provides positive images of coming out to those who might not feel comfortable coming out on this day.

"I'd like to think that it helps encourage them when I say to people 'I'm an out gay man and the sky hasn't fallen,'" he said. "It hasn't been a difficult thing in my life. I think I can do more positive things in the community when I am open and honest."

Last month, members of the LBGT community on campus were angered when the 'coming out' phrase was used for 'Conservative Coming Out Day.'

"To use that was inappropriate because typically what you hear from conservatives is against the LGBT community," said Cameron Venier, psychology junior. "When people come out you can lose family or friends. I have friends who are afraid to come out because they will lose funds for college from their family.

"Coming out as conservative, you are less likely to endanger family ties unless you were to come from a very liberal family."

Political science and pre-law senior Luke Pelican participated in the Conservative Coming Out Day and said their goals were similar to those participating today.

"I would argue that our day was in no way a mockery or marginalization," Pelican said. "Conservatives came out showing pride that we are conservative. I don't see the case showing one group can come out and the other not. When any group is able to make public their identity, their values, principles, what they believe in ? I think that is a good thing."

Venier, who is also vice president of the Alliance, said although the day is celebrated nationally on one day, individuals should come out when they feel ready.

"It's great there is a single day, it shows solidarity in the community," Venier said. "It shows we all are going to take a step today and not be silent. By the same token, I think coming out when you are comfortable should happen not just on that day. It's a time of discovery."

Maggie Lillis can be reached at lillisma@msu.edu.