UW-RF to hold vigil

In observation of Coming Out Week, the UW-River Falls Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) will be holding a candlelight vigil on the Student Center lawn at 6:00 p.m. on Oct. 11, the day nationally recognized as Coming Out Day.

With the marriage amendment vote on the horizon, some GSA members said they are hopeful that the vigil will be a bigger success than in the past.

“I am hoping that the ban on gay marriage amendment will bring more people to attend the vigil,” junior GSA member Debbie Constantine said. “The most important thing is to let students know what the vigil is and what it is about.”

About 20 people attended last year’s vigil, the same turnout is expected this year, GSA Co-chair Lacey Felmlee said.

“I went to the vigil last year and it was really moving,” Constantine said. “It was a fairly small group and was not a long event, but it brought everyone closer.”

Those who participate in the annual Coming Out Day vigil lend support to peers via prayer.

“[Last year] we prayed for those who have been discriminated and those who have been hurt or killed as a result of hate,” Constantine said. “We shared stories and most importantly, gave support to each other.”

Freshman Beth Van Kampen is a member of GSA who said she wants people to come to the vigil to get a better idea of what the organization stands for and what members are trying to accomplish.

“I hope the vigil will give people a view of what goes on in GSA,” she said. “We are caring people who just want to spread the word and try to get more people involved.”

Those who have attended Coming Out Day vigils in the past understand the significance of the event and the importance of supporting those who are discriminated against.

“I am planning on going to the vigil this year because fighting hate and discrimination is important to me and I will do everything I can to offer my support,” Constantine said.

Junior GSA member Amanda Prochazka has attended two vigils in the past and said she enjoys participating in the events. She said she is hopeful that people will come to the vigil and speak their minds about the proposed marriage amendment.

“I hope that our supporters will be there to help protest the amendment,” Prochazka said. “There are many people who support us, but who are bashful to be grouped or seen with GLBT [Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender] people.”

With the election quickly approaching, Van Kampen said she anticipates that the marriage amendment will have a positive influence on this year’s vigil.

“I hope that the marriage amendment will make people more interested in coming to the vigil to talk about the importance of the issue,” she said.

Every year, Coming Out Day is themed, with this year’s theme being “Talk About It.” On this day, GLBT people are encouraged to share their stories about coming out and help others become more open and honest about their sexuality.

“The vigil is usually very quiet, somber and reflective,” Felmlee said. “It gives participants a chance to reflect upon the past and look forward to the future.”

Coming Out Day is part of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Coming Out Project, which, according to the HRC Web site is “an on-going campaign to empower gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied Americans to live openly and honestly about their lives.”