I read Steve Vigliotti's response to the "Out Loud and Proud" event and was saddened. UB does not endorse sexuality anymore than it endorses any ethnic groups. What it endorses is tolerance, and it appears that there is still a great need for those efforts.
As a heterosexual, I found many of Vigliotti's comments to be inaccurate. Clearly he hasn't watched much TV, read any magazines or walked around campus if he feels that most heterosexuals keep their sexuality behind closed doors. Heterosexuality is constantly flaunted without a second thought, or protest. Women can often wear men's clothes without being noticed or dismissed as "comical," yet Vigliotti condemns men for wearing the clothes of women and claims solidarity with conservatives in that view. If a political sector is having that much of a problem with the style of fabric one uses to cover nudity, then they certainly have too much time on their hands and a lack of important issues to worry about.
The "Out Loud and Proud" event did not infringe on his lifestyle at all. They certainly weren't trying to "shove their lifestyle" on anyone. Just because you see a man wearing a dress doesn't mean you must follow suit. That is like saying the International Fiesta forced other cultures on the students of UB. It is absolutely ludicrous. The pride that the LGBTA hold for themselves is pride for who they are. It is not unlike the pride I see many of my Latino peers or other ethnic groups have. It is incomparable to an accomplishment, as one's sexual orientation isn't a choice or something that is worked for. It is a part of who they are.
I'm glad you have a "level of security", Mr. Vigliotti; however, that security is a function of being in a majority that isn't condemned by a religion, laws, or fellow people. As learned in abnormal psychology, what is "normal" in regards to sexuality is largely unknown by scientific standards but widely assumed in society. They are not practicing "social rebellion", but trying to raise awareness that they will not allow their differences to be stigmatized and that they won't take a back seat to the rest of society. I don't believe that is unreasonable.
I think it is wonderful that UB, as a university, embraces all of the students enrolled. In turn, I wish all the students could be as open-minded to the variation of their peers on this campus.
