This past week was Binghamton University’s second annual LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Pride Week, which is aimed at bringing advocacy and education of LGBT issues to students.
Jen Hapgood, the chairperson of Pride Week and assistant director of Apartment Communities and Conferences, emphasized the importance of this event.
‘This is our second year doing Pride Week and we really want just simple acceptance in the Binghamton community about LGBT,’ Hapgood said.
The Loud and Proud Pride March, which kicked off Pride Week on Monday, Oct. 11, was a way for students to show their pride and support. It acted as a way to bring together LGBT students and their allies.
After the march, Professor Thomas Glave of the English department gave a lecture titled ‘What Does a Black Homo Professor Have to Teach Binghamton Students?’
Glave has written several books on LGBT issues. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at the City University of New York (CUNY) and has recently taught courses including ‘Literature, Race, and Film: History, Politics, Place and Identity’ and ‘Sexuality and Gender in Contemporary Caribbean Literature.’
Glave is also the founder of J-FLAG, the Jamaican Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays. The group is the first national group in Jamaica’s history to work toward the advancement of LGBT people.
‘He was someone on our campus, writing about the issues, and is someone students can relate to,’ Hapgood said.
The second annual ‘Boxes, Bridges and Walls’ event was held Tuesday, Oct. 12. The interactive event displayed the oppression that society faces every day, including sexism, racism, classism, size-ism, able-ism, heterosexism and anti-Semitism.
‘We wanted to grab an audience,’ Hapgood said. ‘People facing discrimination for being LGBT may also face other prejudices and we wanted people to relate to what others feel.’
Thursday offered Safe Zone Training to BU students. Safe Zone gives support to LGBT students by advocating for LGBT rights and being a resource that any student can use to discuss LGBT issues, including anything from identifying with LGBT to equal marital rights. Safe Zone allies must undergo a training session in order to be considered Safe Zone Certified.
‘There are 150 students and staff members who are Safe Zone trained across Binghamton’s campus,’ Hapgood said. ‘They have stickers on their doors or display a button, letting people know they are an ally and can help provide a safe and welcome environment.’
That night, musical lovers gathered for a showing of ‘Rent.’ Students dressed up as their favorite characters and sang along to the film, which focuses on acceptance within the LGBT community.
On Friday, students had fun at a carnival which, due to inclement weather, was held in the Mandela Room in the Old University Union. The carnival included food, music and performances by several a cappella groups on campus. Information about LGBT issues and ally information was also available.
Late Nite Binghamton hosted Guy Branum, a comedian and writer from the E! Network show ‘Chelsea Lately,’ known as the show’s ‘resident gay.’ Branum has also recently been named one of TV’s Top Gay Characters, according to www.TVSquad.com.
‘The room was packed! We worked with Late Nite Binghamton and really wanted not only good entertainment but someone representing LGBT to close out the week,’ Hapgood said.
Jillian Gruber, a Late Nite Binghamton staff member, further emphasized Branum’s appeal.
‘He was picked because he is familiar with LGBT and he’s funny,’ she said. ‘He made everyone feel very comfortable, there were so many people there, and it was overall a great show.’
At the conclusion of LGBT Pride Week, Hapgood emphasized the importance of continuing acceptance of LGBT on Binghamton’s campus.
‘The week went super well,’ Hapgood said. ‘All the events were well-talked about and well-attended. We simply want acceptance. In the last month we have seen an increase in violence against LGBT and we want to let people know it is OK to be LGBT.’