National Coming Out Days are being celebrated at MSU and throughout the country this week. The special time serves as a prominent reminder that we have a lot of work to do if we want to overcome hate.
Thankfully, the tide of change has begun to turn to the right direction.
The Alliance of Lesbian-Bi-Gay-Transgendered and Straight Ally Students is planning events today through Friday.
The LGBT and ally community began its week long celebration Sunday with and anti-hate crimes vigil at the rock on Farm Lane and an overnight vigil at the state Capitol in memory of Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student who was beaten to death four years ago because he was gay.
The 18-hour Capitol vigil symbolizes the time Shepard was left wounded and dying on a field post.
Today, alliance supporters will “Stand Out” at busy traffic areas sporting T-shirts with derogatory labels to promote hate awareness.
Weeks like these are needed and useful to promoting awareness that can further erode the walls of hate that have stood for so long.
Somehow, even after years of marches, rallies and growing support for these groups, there still is a segment of our society that believes it is fine to hate and discriminate against other people.
Through demonstrations and education, it can be shown that hatred, as well as discrimination, is unacceptable. Events such as the ones taking place during the week for National Coming Out Days remind us how wrong part of our society actually is. People should be able to unite and exemplify the right not to hate, and equal rights for everyone.
The establishment of stronger hate-crime laws to protect their rights should be on everyone’s mind.
The Legislature has failed to see the need for such protection.
In 2001, three bills were introduced in the state House addressing discrimination or assault based on sexual orientation.
All three have failed to leave committee or move on to the state Senate.
There needs to be strengthened legislation in place to ensure the rights, protection and safety of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or any other aspect of their being.
No person deserves to be shoved outside of the realm of protection against hate.
