ETSU’s LGBTies organization presented a program called “Gay History 101.” The lecture, held on Oct. 27, was intended to enlighten all members of the ETSU community on the subject of gay history, its progress thus far, and the challenges it faces today. The time line of this presentation began in the early 1900s, giving credit to Emma Goldman as one of the first outspoken advocates of gay rights. The time line reached all the way to 2009, as members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community hold their breath and cross their fingers awaiting the fulfillment of President Barack Obama’s promise to do away with the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, enacted in 1993.

The program further enlightened students on the purpose and meaning of different symbols and signs affiliated with the LGBT community, such as the rainbow flag and the nautical star.

LGBTies president Evan Baker composed and presented the Gay History 101 slide show. He noted the significance of programs such as “Gay History 101” to ETSU’s campus.

“Minorities aren’t having their history taught in college history classes,” Baker said. “This is a chance to say where we’ve come from and how we’ve grown as a community. It’s empowering for groups to know their individual history.”

While the LGBT community has seen some progress, they are still presented with drawbacks.

“Members of the gay community see slanted representations of gay people even within gay organizations and media,” LGBTies member Christopher Woodside explained.

The Gay History 101 lecture was open to all students – not just those who identify themselves as LGBT – as are all other events and programs held by LGBTies.

“We love allies. Anyone who is open-minded is always welcome to come,” Baker said.

Evan Baker’s vision for the ETSU’s LGBTies organization is to see it become a place where people feel comfortable,

“We want people to know that we’re here fulfilling education on LGBT and creating unity,” he said.

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