Spring Break
Group promotes 'Unity' despite opposition
Eddie Rybarski
Issue date: 4/16/07 Section: News
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As the 20th Annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Awareness Week began last Monday, Unity met opposition from a religious group, which protested and picketed outside of the University Union from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"They stated that we all were going to die from AIDS," said Jimmy Peterson, president of Unity. "Many walked by and were obviously disgusted by their presence and would yell out against them."
Unity members rallied to counter the religious group's opinions. Signs stating "Hate is not a WIU value" and "Unity HATE FREE ZONE" were waved in front of the protesters.
"We didn't want to confront them necessarily as much as provide the voice of opposition for those passing by," Peterson said. "We provided the constant presence in opposition to their hatred."
Although it encountered some opposition to the efforts, Peterson said Unity still achieved its goals at the end of the week.
"Overall, if it helped to bring awareness to even one person, it was worth it," Peterson said. "Ignorance breeds hatred. Everyone, regardless of sexuality, color, creed should realize this and stand strong against it."
The Fifth Annual Drag Show in the Union Grand Ballroom highlighted the awareness week as a popular event. Drag Queens and Drag Kings sashayed down a runway, dancing and blowing kisses as a fundraiser for the group.
"It's actually a very good show and something that is not typical in Macomb," Peterson said. "It's just an opportunity to celebrate life in a fun way where there is no fear or judgment involved."
Educational events continued through the rest of the week, beginning with a campus climate presentation titled "What It's Like to Be Gay in Macomb" on Monday. Tuesday, Safe Space facilitators Christy Heaton and Ben Parks led a discussion with Unity allies titled "How Straight Allies Can Support Their LGBT Friends." Additionally, a social was held at the University Union Bowling Alley from 9 to 10 p.m.
Wednesday, Jessica White, assistant professor of anthropology at Western, presented the intersex presentation "Who am I? Who are you? Gender, Sex and the Human Biological Continuum." Thursday, Unity member Ken Pedersen led a discussion entitled "LGBT People in the Cinema." A general assembly followed by a meet and greet was also held in the Union Capitol Rooms in addition to a presentation by Alliance of Empowerment entitled "Heteroflexible II: Exploring Sexual Identities."
Friday, another discussion was held entitled "LGBT People of Color" and led by Unity graduate adviser Danielle Nied.
A final discussion was held Saturday titled "Living with HIV/AIDS." The week wrapped up the showing of the film "And the Band Played On" in the Union Sandburg Theatre.
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