'Come out' as an ally

Wednesday was the 19th annual National Coming Out Day, a celebration to empower gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people to live openly, honestly and proudly. Since Oct. 11, 1987, when half a million people joined the second major March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, the official National Coming Out Day has spread and grown around the country.\nThe theme of this year's National Coming Out Day was "Talk About It." I'm always more than happy to tell my story of coming out, share my experiences as a gay man or talk about issues of sex, politics, and religion and homosexuality; but rather than regale readers with my favorite, fabulous gay anecdotes, today I want the attention of the approximately 80 percent to 90 percent of the IU community that identifies as straight (in my estimation). National Coming Out Day must be about you, too -- "come out" as a straight ally and "Talk About It."\nWhat does it mean to come out as an ally? What difference can a straight person make on National Coming Out Day (and every other day of the year)?\nYou could advocate for everyone to be able to enjoy the rights you have. For example, both Charlize Theron and Brad Pitt have vowed they will not marry their respective partners until all couples, gay or straight, can legally marry in this country. Their stands alone might not change society, but they are taking brave steps to signal concern and support for the queer community.\nDon't want to give up your dream wedding? Instead, you could advocate for domestic partner benefits at your first job if you end up with a company that doesn't offer those perks.\nWhat else can allies do? Speak up every time you encounter homophobia or heterosexism. For example, if your organization is planning a couples' dinner or dance, make sure the advertising doesn't feature ONLY straight couples or be sure it is clear that same-sex couples are welcome and would experience a safe environment.\nNext time you hear someone in your residence hall or class joking about "fags" or talking disparagingly about someone's sexuality, don't just awkwardly pretend you didn't hear or half-heartedly chuckle and hope the moment passes soon. Speak out against such ignorance.\nThere's no question that we can "Talk About It" more today than when I came out more than 10 years ago, but we certainly have more steps to take to ensure no one is oppressed and/or marginalized because of his or her sexual orientation. And we'll never get there without straight allies advocating forcefully for acceptance, inclusion and equal rights. Sometimes the message is more powerful and meaningful when it comes from someone who doesn't have quite the same stake in the issue.\nSo don't worry if you missed the official National Coming Out Day on Wednesday because you thought it was just for the GLBT community. You have plenty more days to come out as an ally and start talking.