Students bond at B-GLAD rally

Locust Walk was a little louder than usual yesterday, as a microphone in front of College Green's peace sign became the site of the annual Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered Awareness Days rally. As students gathered at the rally, voices echoed throughout the heart of campus exalting the spirit of the gay community. "Can you hear me, dear ol' Penn because I have something to say -- I'm here, I'm queer, I'm gay," proclaimed College sophomore Dan Sloane. And College senior Joe Cruz added, "I just want to let everyone know -- everyone within the sound of my voice -- that I, Joe Cruz, am gay." With supporters sitting arm-in-arm and embracing each speaker who stepped away from the microphone, the rally served as an example of livelihood and sustenance -- an inspiration for those who may still be in the closet, or those who are simply seeking a supportive community. Speakers discussed the notion of paranoia while "in the closet." "It's amazing how terrified you are that anyone will think you're gay if you're really in the closet, and you might even make homophobic remarks," Engineering junior Dan Weiner said. He added, however, that "two years ago I never would have thought I'd be speaking in the middle of College Green about being a gay man." Christian Association Associate Minister Andrew Barasda praised the University's gay community for its welcoming disposition. "I am a gay man, but I wish when I was coming out 25 years ago, there would have been [a supportive] community like this," he said. "I shall never, under any respect, go back into the closet," Barasda added. "The amazing miracle that has happened over the years is that I have come to love myself just the way I am." And Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Center Director Bob Schoenberg said that on other college campuses, fear and apathy preclude a prominent gay community. He added that several universities do not have rules barring discrimination over sexual orientation, a policy which Penn has had since 1979. "We must counter homophobia wherever it occurs," Schoenberg said. "Let's work together to appreciate what we've achieved, to accomplish even more and to be proud," he added. College senior Vanessa Eisemann sang a moving rendition of "Everyone is Good," while supporters and ralliers listened in silence. Speakers -- including program coordinator Heather Starr -- listened to Eisemann's message and then preached it to the crowd. "To make our voices not feeble but strong and loud and confident is amazing," Starr said "Keep speaking out and being proud and being glad," she added.

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