Through the week of April 13-17, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) celebrated Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Alliance (GLBTA) Awareness Week, which raised awareness about the GLBT community through campus activities and presentations.
On Monday April 13, there was presentation held in Alumni Hall where NEIU graduate Edith Bucio spoke about the Pilsen Dyke March and how the march is about changing the word “dyke” from a negative to a positive connotation. Also on Monday they had info tables set up for GLBTA week in Village Square for students who wanted to visit and ask questions.
On April 16, the GLBTA club had a meeting where they talked about issues such as the pros and cons of being gay, and their thoughts on Vermont and Iowa passing the gay marriage bill. Another issue that was brought up was the banning of bachelorette parties in gay bars. Many members said that it should be not be allowed because women are celebrating marriage and it is something that gays and lesbians do not have the right to do yet in many states. On April 17, GLBTA week was celebrated by having an ice cream social.
President of the GLBTA club, Heather Dean says she thinks National Awareness Week is important because it acknowledges and shows support to GLBTA students on campus. Other members mentioned how it opens up students’ minds about the aspects of the gay community. Members felt that they received a good faculty response in response to GLBTA week. Other campuses are also celebrating National Awareness Week around this time because they center it around the day of silence.