Acc gay-Straight Alliance honors gay History

Austin Community College's Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) organization paid homage to the struggles and victories of the gay rights movement throughout the years by contributing to the Tunnel of Oppression and Hall of Hope in honor of Gay History Month Nov. 12.

The Tunnel of Oppression is a campus grassroots diversity program that originated in 1993 at the Western Illinois University. It was designed to introduce participants to the concepts of oppression, privilege and power "The tunnel has been done by different colleges nationwide," GSA President Megan Rue said. "We had the idea to do a queer theme, to help inform queer people of their past and what their brothers and sisters have experienced throughout history.".

The event also showcased art created by local artists, including Christi Johnson of Imagery Design Studios, who was also at the event, providing models with artistic airbrushing.

Also in attendance were groups such as Get Equal, a national group dedicated to providing full and equal rights to lesbian, gay, bisexual,

transgendered and queer (LGBTQ) people, and CARE Programs, providing safe-sex education.

CARE representative Ryan Broussard said he is a frequent volunteer at The Q Austin. Events like the Tunnel of Oppression are also a great way to network and provide community support, Broussard said.

AIDs Services of Austin was also on-site to provide free HIV testing to anyone who was interested.

November is Gay History Month, which aims to educate people about the struggle for equal protection and benefits for the LGBTQ community, from The Stonewall Riots of 1969 to recent victories including the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell and the many state judiciaries and legislatures that are providing equal marriage rights for their citizens.

While the tide seems to be turning for equality, many gay people still face hardships both legally and personally. Last year saw a series of suicides by gay youth who had experienced constant bullying and harassing at their schools, including Seth Walsh, who was only 13 years old.

Programs such as GSA and The Q hope to provide better understanding of these struggles, according to DC McLean, social chair of GSA.

"[Events like these] are a good way to just learn more about the issues," McLean said. "The focus is not only to showcase art, but to get informed. I believe this is a good place to do it, it was a great event, I had a lot of fun. And also dressing up in drag!"