October is a special month for a lot of people, Halloween, the crisp fall colors. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, it marks an important event in history. For many, 26 years seems like a lifetime; though it was not that long ago that the community first celebrated LGBTQ+ History month. Founded by Rodney Wilson who known for being the first openly gay teacher in Missouri at the time, LGBTQ+ history is beginning to gain traction where it could not before. October 11 is National Coming Out Day, following the second march for LGBTQ+ rights. According to an article published on Wikipedia, not every country participates in the celebration: “In the United States, Canada, and Australia, it is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on 11 October and to commemorate the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBTQ+ rights. In Hungary and the United Kingdom, it is observed during February; in the UK this coincides with a major celebration of the 2003 abolition of Section 28. In Berlin, it is known as Queer History Month and is celebrated in June.” While it is celebrated at different times, the message is still the same: the history that this community has lived through and continues to live though should be taught.
Twenty-six years and still we are facing many of the same issues. In a study done by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) many students do not feel safe in their schools. In the 2019 survey, more than 50% of students between the ages of 13 and 21, who identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community, reported feeling unsafe in their schools. More than 95% have reported hearing derogatory terms. Nearly 60% reported that the experienced some sort of discrimination from school policies, some of which included according to the study using bathrooms or locker rooms that aligned with gender identity, being unable to form a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club, and not being admitted into extra curriculars because of identity. When students do not feel safe, it creates a toxic learning environment.
La Crosse is rich in its history and its resources. One of such resources is the LGBTQ+ community center downtown. The Center, or 7 Rivers LGBTQ+ is a great resource for allies and for students with questions. UW-L also has a Pride Center with the mission of helping anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of this community. Closer to home, Viterbo has its very own Pride Club.
Take pride in who you are as a person regardless of sexual orientation, or identity. Viterbo has many core values; hospitality is one of them. Remember to be kind to your fellow students, and show hospitality in your everyday lives. Make everyone feel welcomed on campus. You are the future, so let’s work together to eradicate hate and treat everyone as equals.
