LGBT History Awareness Month

            Aside from the tricks and treats that October has to offer, it also holds a great deal of historical significance within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community. In fact,  October. marks LGBT History Awareness month.

             Public Information Officer of the Texas A&M International University Gay Straight Alliance Club, Joe Michael Flores, explained. "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender History Month honors the struggles gay men and women have endured while attempting to gain equal civil rights in the United States."

Issues such as homophobia, harassment, and discrimination are addressed. These are very important within the LGBT community both on and off campus.

The TAMIU GSA, which is dedicated to promoting equality, camaraderie, and awareness on campus, will hold an informational fair October 11, 2010, the same day as the National Coming Out Day, from 11:00am-1:00pm on the TAMIU Green. J

Flores added, "This event is meant to provide students with information about their gay, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender peers and ways in which they can actively support this otherwise seemingly invisible minority group."

When asked about future plans for the GSA, Flores stated, "The GSA is in the process of forming support groups that will be open to the public and offer students the support and openness they need to discuss their experiences about coming out, acceptance, and harassment. The support group will be led by peers and offer non-professional help to students seeking emotional outlets for the struggles he/she may be responding to."