The opening discussion in the Gay/Straight Alliance meeting, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, began with a very interesting question.

Is it always a good idea to come out? Or is not always a good idea?

The class was divided on this issue, but this and many related discussions represent one of the strongest reasons for people to join the club.

“The reason I joined was because of my friend. That, and it’s cool to have people you can relate to,” Jesse Pedraza, a member of the GSA, said.

Pedraza, who joined the club two weeks prior to the meeting, had already attended three club meetings because of his friend’s persuasion.

“Word of mouth is usually how we get people to join,” Brittany Henderson, a member of GSA, said. “That is how I got Jesse to join, and it’s a lot of fun, mostly related with networking.”

The GSA officially started in 2000 to give a place for socializing and networking for homosexuality or otherwise. Angela Simon, the club director, is currently sponsoring it.

“What the club is about is it’s a blend of socializing and education. Our goals are to educate everyone in this club and everyone outside of it about what this club is really about.” Simon said.

The GSA works like any other club and that is getting as many people who want to join through club rush, posters and even e-mails to friends.

“Its always about education. We want everyone in our club to feel comfortable,” Simon said. “This Saturday, we’re encouraging all gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender people to come out and express who they are.”

This Saturday is National Coming Out Day all across America. But not only is it celebrated in the states but in other countries as well.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, on October 11, 1987, half a million people participated in the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. As a result of this demonstration, a series of organizations were founded due to its success.

Also, as a result, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender activists started the idea of a national day to celebrate coming out and chose the second day of the march, October 11, to be the anniversary.

“What we do to honor this day is have discussions on campus. We also pass out literature at our booth, and we also encourage our members to come out.” Simon said.

As the meeting drew to a close, the subject enlightened everyone in the room. Everyone was invited to share their stories on when and how they came out and why it was important, or not important to do so.

Both sides of the room seemed to agree to discretion in a timely fashion, and what everyone implied was that coming out is really just a way of accepting whom you are.

“It’s cool to know you have people you can trust and relate to, straight or gay.” Pedraza said.

With increased awareness to homosexuality, there may be more acceptances to the lifestyle that so many individuals share.

“It’s really about being accepted because of who you are, not what you’re trying to hide.” Henderson said.