Eastern Michigan University’s LGBT Resource Center held its annual LGBT flag display Friday on the Pray-Harrold lawn.
The display was part of the resource center’s OUTober month, a month dedicated to LGBT-related events.
“I think this flag display is for our students to come out and basically be able to create community together in making this flag,” said Mary Larkin, program coordinator of the LGBT Resource Center.
Students created the flag by using smaller individually colored flags to go in rows in the ground.
“We're making a huge flag here and I hope everyone sees it and thinks 'that is the coolest,’” freshman Alexandria Fedore said.
For freshman Riley Swimmer, the flag display, and OUTober itself, provides a way for students to represent who they are.
“This is a chance for everyone to get in touch with who they are,” Swimmer said. “Also to be comfortable with who they are because we have all these people to support them. That’s what this is all about.”
For senior Takayla King, the flag represents a real presence for the LGBT community and its allies.
“This flag represents the LGBT community, the community that is present here at Eastern,” King said. “I hope that students see that we are here to represent our community. We want them to respect that we are here.”
Larkin said her favorite thing about the event is seeing the student reactions.
“On the Monday after we do this, I always go stand in the stairwell in Pray-Harrold where students can see the flag and I will watch and listen to what people say,” Larkin said. “I do this to get a feel for the campus environment because I think this flag means a lot to students who don't feel comfortable being out on campus.”
For students who do not know what the community is about, Swimmer said it is all about acceptance.
“Hopefully student see the flag and feel more open minded, and may be friendlier towards the LGBT students. Get to know us before you judge,” Swimmer said.
