B-GLAD kicks off with photo exhibit

A photo and text exhibit entitled "Love Makes a Family" adorned the walls of Houston Hall's Bowl Room last night, as members of the University community celebrated the official beginning of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered Awareness Days. As soft piano music echoed through the room, contributing to the party's jubilant atmosphere, celebrants greeted one another with hugs and smiles. Arriving at the event with a rainbow sticker -- a sign of gay pride --on her hat, Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said "the 'Love Makes a Family' theme applies beautifully -- not just to the exhibit -- but also to one of the most basic tenets of the University." "We are most strong when we both respect all people and value both our commonalities and our differences," she added. The photography exhibit -- which continues through March 26 -- "forces us to open our eyes beyond stereotypical images," Program Coordinator Heather Starr said. Both members and supporters of Penn's gay community attended the event. Engineering senior Mike LaMonaca said he is looking forward to participating in B-GLAD throughout the next two weeks, adding that while he is heterosexual, he "actively supports gay efforts." LaMonaca's friend, College sophomore Dan Sloane -- an active participant in B-GLAD and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Alliance -- said sexual orientation does not faze a friendship. "Mike's my friend, just like any other friend," Sloane said. "Sexual orientation doesn't play a role in friendships." Several faculty and staff also attended the event, including Wharton's new administrative assistant, Ron Smith, who said he came to the event to "check out and support the gay community and students." Amelia Smith, a customer service representative at the School of Medicine, said, "since [the gay community] isn't well represented here, I think it's important for the staff to show support." And University President Judith Rodin viewed the photographs, read the textual accompaniments and mingled with students. "I think all aspects of our community deserve support, particularly when they are so supportive of one another," Rodin said. "And what we're all about here is respecting each other across our differences," she added. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Center Director Bob Schoenberg said he was "delighted that such a diverse crowd came to the party to view the photos and socialize and be proud."

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