Bi-sexuality Day on WSU campus

            Washington State University’s gay straight alliance club will celebrate the first ever bi sexual day on campus this month.

            The university-funded club wants to spread awareness about the common misconceptions about and struggles of a bi-sexual person.

Jes Dimas vice president of Cougar Pride said bi-sexuality is not often considered a real sexual orientation because no one believes a person could have feelings for both sexes.   Dimas said the day of awareness will educate the public about the realities of bi-sexuality as a sexual orientation.

            The club will host demonstrations to help spread awareness and understanding about bisexuality.  Dimas suggested an activity for the event where volunteers would be asked to do a role reversal exercise to try to help others understand what it may be like to be questioned about something as personal as sexual orientation.

            “I never realized this was an issue," university student Nate Arenchild said.  "I always felt bisexuality was more a middle point than a permanent sexual orientation.” 
            Arenchild said the day of awareness could be a beneficial way to help people better understand the role of bi-sexuality in american culture.  Arenchild said he thinks everyone has the right to express him or herself, and if the bi-sexual community wants to express how they want to be treated then the rest of the community should respect it.

            Club president Kelly O’Brien said she is excited about the event, it will be a great step towards raising awareness for desire of equality is in the GBL (Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian) community.  O’Brien said planning for the event is not finished and is looking for ideas from club members.

            Cougar Pride met last week to discuss possible activities and demonstrations that could be performed at the event to raise understanding and awareness.

            One main concern about bi-sexuality day is the safety of the people participating in the event.  Past instances of assault on homosexual students on campus have raised concern for the liability of the event.

            Cougar Pride’s club members are working with the university to help both raise attendance of the club and make the university a safer place, organizers said.  They discussed multiple sources of media available for their club to promote campus awareness and safety. 

O’Brien said the advertising around campus will hopefully inform people of the benefits of a gay alliance club.

O’Brien said the club can serve as a great tool to communicate with political figures around the state of Washington to promote safety and awareness on the WSU campus and other campuses around the nation.  She said the GBL community desires equality in areas such as gender-neutral housing options and more gender-neutral bathroom options on and around campus.  O’Brien added being more politically involved could help turn these aspirations into a reality.

O’Brien said this will be a great jumping off point for a greater general understanding of the GBL community and will enhance the safety of all WSU students on campus.

Sources:

Kelly O’Brien

            Email: glbta.aswsu@wsu.edu

Jes Dimas

            Email: glbta.aswsu@wsu.edu

Nate Arenchild

            Email: narenchild@pacbell.net

            Phone: 916-221-2093

Outline

I. Bi-sexual day on WSU campus.

            Explanation.

            Club vice president reaction to event.

II. Student reaction

III. Club president’s desired accomplishments from event.

            Plans and objectives.

IV. Overall concern of campus safety and its relationship to bisexual day.

V. Other aspirations for club accomplishments above and beyond be-sexual day.