Sections

Gays, lesbians celebrate Valentine's Day with Kiss-in

Gays, lesbians and bisexuals celebrated the holiday of love with the third annual Queer Kiss-in on the Diag yesterday.

The event, sponsored by the Queer Unity Project, began at noon with student speeches on the steps of the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library.

Students spoke in support of the gay movement and encouraged other gays not to be afraid to show affection in public. The group also passed out condoms to the crowd as a part of National Condom Week.

Following the speeches, students kissed their Valentines, proving that Feb. 14 is not only for heterosexuals. Students carried signs with slogans like, "Kiss Me, I'm Gay" and "Love Knows No Gender."

Queer Kiss-in co-coordinator Sally Green, a first-year Rackham student, said the event showed that homosexual displays of affection are often unaccepted in society.

"It is a visibility event to make people realize that gays, lesbians and bisexuals still don't have equal rights in society. It is both a political event and a fun event," Green said.

Participant Erika Banks, a sophomore in the School of Music, said she was happy with the large turnout.

"A lot of heterosexuals are listening, which is good. We want to talk to the people that don't know and maybe they will be the ones to change things," Banks said.

Students in the Diag had mixed reactions to the Kiss-in, but most voiced support.

"While I don't necessarily agree with them, it is something people have to become aware of and learn to accept," said Stephanie Ongena, an Engineering first-year student.

"I respect them for having the courage to come out here and show to everyone that Valentine's Day isn't just for heterosexuals," said Shana Sussman, an LSA sophomore.

The organization also led a panel discussion in the Michigan Union following the Kiss-in. The discussion was a social commentary on society and the norms of public displays of affection, Green said.

"I'm here because I think it's upsetting that non-heterosexuals are denied the acceptability to show public displays of affection," said Neela Gheshal, an RC first-year student.

The discussion began with a clip from a recent Oprah Winfrey show that discussed the negative reactions homosexuals often receive when they are seen publicly displaying affection.