New LGBT shirts include everyone

David Greene, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) coordinator, wants people to remember that diversity isn't just about what you can see.

"Sometimes things we can't see, like sexual orientation, need to be talked about," Greene said.

The 4th annual LGBT barbecue was held last Thursday evening at Oak Street Hall. 350 students of all sexual orientations attended the event to socialize, eat some food and get a free t-shirt.

Greene thinks that this annual barbeque is a very important event for students because of the message it gets across.

These events are about "building community, not just about being gay," he explained. "It lets people know we're more than a label, we are future doctors, lawyers, and educators."

Last year's t-shirts said, "Gay? Fine by me." This year the shirts say, "I am more than a label," and then "lesbian," "gay," "bisexual" and "straight" are all listed below it and crossed out.

Greene liked this year's shirts including "straight."

"It's more inclusive and anybody can wear the shirt, not just gay people," he said.

Chai Jindasurat, a senior and head of the LGBT Housing Liaison, said the annual barbeque is the LGBT's way to kick off to the school year and get some publicity.

"It doesn't matter if someone is a different sexual orientation, we're all still people," Jindasurat said.

He explained how a lot of times people get prejudged; the barbeque is a "meaningful social event because the shirts make a very strong statement."

At one time, lesbians and gays were only allowed to enroll in college courses, but they were not allowed to meet on college campuses. UMKC was among one of the first campuses to allow lesbians and gays meeting on campus after a Supreme Court hearing in 1976 ruled that they had the right to meet on campus if they wanted to.

"I thought the barbeque was great!" Jessica Farmer, a junior, exclaimed as the barbeque was winding down.

"I'm really happy about how many people came and it got me excited about the year to come," she said.

Farmer's only complaint was there was all meat served at the barbeque and no vegan options.

"Luckily my friend brought me some vegan pizza and I got to be around good company and get a free shirt, so I'm happy," she said.

There are still plenty of shirts available for students in room G7 in the LGBT office in the University Center.

hdavenport@unews.com