October is a month full of great things, like Halloween parties, festivals, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating. But it's also a time to reflect on important causes, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge some that I’ve participated in this month.
So far, we’ve had the Gathering on the Mound at the University of Alabama, Spirit Day, and today, the "It Gets Better" video shoot on the steps of Gorgas Hall—all events I’m proud to have taken part in.
The Gathering on the Mound was organized by the Spectrum group at UA and provided members of the GLBT community a chance to share their coming-out stories. It was a powerful reminder that it’s okay to be who you are, and that things truly do get better. I’m grateful for the strength I gained by sharing my own story as an openly out member of the GLBT community.
Spirit Day was a nationwide event where participants wore purple to raise awareness about the teen suicide epidemic caused by bullying. It was also a day to remember young gay teens who lost their lives far too soon. It was amazing to see so many people come together in support of this cause.
That same night, Spectrum hosted the Are You Gay/Straight Panel, which aimed to break down stereotypes. A diverse panel of gay, bi, and straight people answered questions from the audience, and at the end, the audience guessed the sexual orientations of the panelists. I had the opportunity to surprise the crowd by sharing that I am bisexual, with a preference for men but also enjoying time with women.
Today, I’m excited to take part in the "It Gets Better" video shoot at Gorgas Hall. This video will be added to the Trevor Project’s "It Gets Better" website, offering hope to teens and young adults struggling with their identities. We want them to know that no matter what they’re going through, it does get better—and there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand.
Lastly, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remember the friends, family, and loved ones we’ve lost to this disease. I encourage everyone to support the fight for a cure. On October 29th, join the Pinking Out Movement by wearing pink to show your support. If you don't have pink, you can still help raise awareness—change your profile picture, spread the word, or do whatever you can to show that we’re in this fight together.
Let’s make this October a wonderful pink and purple month! God bless you all.
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