Lesslie Hitchcock, News Editor

An informal panel discussion designed to inform Appalachian State University students about life as a homosexual on campus was held last Thursday in the Plemmons Student Union.

A panel of six gay, lesbian and bisexual students volunteered information about their lives and lifestyles to approximately 50 students and faculty.

The group began by delving into their pasts to talk about when they first “came out” and how their families reacted to their decisions.

Megan Allee, a bisexual sophomore, said that coming out was easier because of her older sister’s experience coming out as a lesbian before her.

President of Bisexuals, Gays, Lesbians and Allies Advocating Diversity (B-GLAAD) Martha Palmer said that she was not emotionally prepared for her coming out seven years ago.

Don Melville, a 25-year-old junior, came out at 19 years old, and his family turned their backs on him and his lesbian twin sister.

A bisexual senior, Ruth Gierisch, said that her parents do not agree with her decision because of an extreme age difference between them.

Freshman Eric Thomas,22, said that he had no negative feedback from his family when he came out.  Thomas said that his mother even tries to find a boyfriend for him.

James McClure, 22, said that his parents accepted his coming out, but his brother is still having a difficult time with it.

To encourage audience participation, index cards were circulated at the beginning of the discussion to write questions on for the panel to answer.

Questions from the audience ranged from curiosity about coming out, to church support, homophobia on campus and whether the members of the panel could be born again straight.

The panel took turns answering questions based on their experience with the varied topics.

On the topic of coming out, the panel came to the consensus that it is safer for females to come out than for men because of the masculinity complex men are forced to handle.

According to Allee, it is easier to come out to old friends more than new ones.

“With old friends, there is more support to build upon,” Allee said.

Melville discussed the church’s support of his decision.

“I felt comfortable being gay and being a Christian,” said Melville.

“When my family turned their backs on me, the church took me in and got me back on my feet,” Melville said.

“I just try to remember ‘Judge not lest thou be judged,’” he said.

When asked if they could be born again straight, the panel greeted the topic with mixed opinions.

“I would, because my life would turn a complete 180 degrees if I was straight,” said Thomas.

Gierisch spoke from the bisexual point of view on being straight. “I would be either gay or straight, because bisexuals receive a lot of animosity for straddling the fence,” she said.

“I wouldn’t change,” said McClure.  “Being black and gay, it has helped me to learn compassion and to find myself,” he said.

Addressing homophobia on campus, the panel did not reach a total agreement.

“Even though there is a lot of homophobia, the support I received on campus has been invisible support,” said Palmer.

“What I find most frustrating about this campus is that people cry out for diversity, but when it comes they take arms against it,” said Thomas.

Facilitator of the discussion and staff member in the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, Lee Williams is pleased with the discussion.

“There seemed to be genuine interest in learning from the audience,” said Williams.

“People don’t realize how much courage it took to do this,” she said.

Another panel discussion will be held on Thursday, Feb. 19, and will begin at 7 p.m. in the Multicultural Center in the Plemmons Student Union.

Audience members will hear from two gay couples who have been “out there” for years.

Refreshments will be served.

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