Vigil concludes Coming Out Days

Surrounded by glowing candles, a College freshman mounted the steps in front of the peace sign on College Green, and turned to face the small gathering of University community members. "Well Penn, I'm a freshman and I'm gay," he said. "And you don't realize how hard it is for me to say that." Sharing his experience with the University community had a two-fold purpose for the freshman who came out "publicly" less than a year ago. While instilling self-confidence, the testimony also supported those who were not comfortable talking about their homosexuality. Last Thursday, the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Alliance held a candlelight vigil on College Green to commemorate National Coming Out Day. LGBA members said the candles stood for everyone who has aided in the gay and lesbian movement -- from people who "wore a button to those who died for sexuality." An open microphone was available for any person who wished to speak and a group of approximately 30 people gathered to take advantage of the opportunity. College senior Maria Gonzalez and Engineering junior Dan Weiner, who co-chair the LGBA, led the proceedings, which lasted an hour. "As we have said over and over again, it's difficult and a challenge and we're brave and strong and we should be proud and hold our heads up because we are now stronger," Gonzalez said about the struggle of homosexuals and bisexuals at the University. "I can remember my freshman year when there were people saying the very same thing about our community -- but they were fewer in number, especially as undergraduates." Gonzalez, Weiner and the other LGBA students expressed gratitude for many of their advisors, including Women's Center Director Elena DiLapi and Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Center Director Bob Schoenberg. DiLapi was the only University official to speak during the vigil. She read an excerpt from her favorite novel and shared her views on homosexuality. "These people who gathered here tonight are the diligent few -- the young and new and committed," DiLapi said. "I think that together we are really changing the face of this organization." Students also shared humorous experiences they have had while dealing with difficult situations. One University freshman shared an anecdote with the group about his transition to Penn. "I'm from a small town in Wisconsin, so the move to Philadelphia is a big shift for me," he said. "My friends used to joke that I was moving to Philly because it is the 'city of brotherly love'." College senior Vanessa Eisemann said although the campus is becoming more educated about lesbians, she feels many people misunderstand her life. "It's not just a phase," Eisemann said. "I have heard so many people say that I am doing it because it's cool now, but that is just not true." The LGBA held a dance last Friday night and capped off last week's National Coming Out Days with a Saturday bus trip to view the AIDS Quilt in Washington, D.C.

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