BBC celebrates Pride Week with color

Video by Krystal Pugh

Image by Purple Sherbet Photography, courtesy of Creative Commons

Written by Krystal Pugh/Staff Writer

Edwin Serrano, a graduate assistant for the Office of Multicultural Programs and Services at the Biscayne Bay Campus, said April is the month to express who one truly is.

As part of FIU Pride Month 2015, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Ally Initiatives program will celebrate this freedom Monday, April 20.

“I want people to know it’s April and it’s pride month — we are expressing who we truly are,” said Serrano. “We want [students] to feel important and valued for who they are,” he said.

With barbeque, photo booths and games, students are encouraged to come and learn about the LGBTQA community.

Serrano said graduate assistants at MPAS have worked hard and diligently to coordinate the pride week events to keep students informed about LGBTQA issues.

At the BBC, FIU Pride Month kicked-off Thursday, April 9 with the LGBTQA Initiatives 3D Series. Through a screening of the award-winning film, “Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride,”  students understood the relevance of gay pride in different countries.

On Thursday, April 16, students were invited to peacefully protest against LGBTQA bullying and harassment at the BBC’s Day of Silence. During eight hours students remained in silence, representing the community’s fear of revealing their sexual identity.

“I know some [students] feel trapped and hide who they are,” said Joanne Pike, a freshman undecided major. “I feel like at the end of the day, we are all humans no matter what,” Pike said.

The LGBTQA Initiatives strives to reduce homophobia through education, advocacy, support and awareness.

Serrano said students should embrace their individuality and diversity. They should celebrate who they are and be comfortable doing it.

Serrano also said that Monday’s event will have a large assortment of rainbow-colored balloons to represent student diversity. The LGBTQA community also identifies itself with the different colors.

“[We will] see again the excitement and all the colors, the rainbow balloons, a lot of pride and connections with students. It’s a great time!,” Serrano said.

Students like John Blackwell, a freshman biology major, agree that the University has done well to expose LGBTQA issues.

“I think the LGBT community should be represented in all forms and types like everything [and] anyone else,” said Blackwell.

The final event will take place at the BBC Panther Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and opened to the public.

krystal.pugh@fiusm.com