University presents film on gay pride

Photo by USVIZION, courtesy of Creative Commons

Written by Carla Trivino/Staff Writer

Edwin Serrano, a graduate assistant for the Multicultural Programs and Services at the Biscayne Bay Campus, said that people around the world are persecuted for being gay.

As part of FIU Pride Month 2015, the University will host a screening of the award-winning documentary “Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride” to understand the relevance of gay pride in different countries.

The event continues the University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Ally Program 3D Series where students and faculty discuss issues in the gay community.

“We want people to think about equality, this will be neat because we’re watching a documentary,” Serrano said.

The film leads to the Miami Pride Parade & Festivities at South Beach Sunday, April 12.

“We have over 300 students marching for us that Sunday,” Serrano said.

According to the Miami & Beaches website, more than 80,000 people have attended the South Beach event.

According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, the film presents over 70 countries where homosexuality is illegal. It also says that countries like Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Iran, LGBTQA communities are punished with a death penalty.

“In Russia, gay clubs have ultimate security for shoot outs,” said Rolando Cobo, a junior pre-pharmacy major student.

In 2012, Moscow courts enacted a hundred-year ban on gay pride parades.

“I love parades. I won’t feel uncomfortable for being myself. I can kiss who I want to and no one will look at me weird,” Cobo said.

The film argues that the gay pride parades in the United States have become popular and is even commercialized by attracting tourists and entertainment.

Ken Coolen, the president for the Pride Society in Vancouver, Canada, reveals how marchers are arrested and often beaten by police in countries like Sri Lanka and Poland. Coolen says pride is a vehicle to promote human rights around the world.

Student like Laidelyn Mendoza, a senior biology major, said it is important to recognize diversity in society.

“It is good to show people how diverse our society is. I believe that variety and respect is a good mixture in need in today’s society,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza also said that she enjoys watching gay-themed movies from time to time.

“Personally, I’d like to know a little bit about everything. I have watched great gay movies that of course as hetersexual stories, have love stories in. They are respectful to all sexual orientations,” she said.

Lunch and screening will be held on Thursday, April 9 at BBC from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wolfe University Center in room 155. The film will also be presented Wednesday, April 8 at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus. It will take place in the Graham Center room 314 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

“We bring students together. Gay, straight, whatever,” Serrano said.

Serrano said he wants people to begin thinking about equality, which is what the films tries to do.

“We’re not just here to party and have fun, but to celebrate the accomplishments,” Serrano said.

carla.trivino@fiusm.com