The culmination of that support and validation happens annually during Pride Week, which ends tomorrow. It is about getting together as a community, being out and about and being proud of who you are. . . . Today, Rankin said, with all the groups and events available to the community, it is easier to be out at the University than it was when she first arrived 16 years ago. However, she said there is still both subtle and overt discrimination that is not unique to the University. Penn State is a microcosm of society.
Discrimination can be as subtle as assuming everyone in the classroom is heterosexual.
They assume you're straight unless you have 'gay' written on your forehead. Greco said it is also considered OK to assume someone is straight in a social situation. But for him it is not acceptable to approach someone he is interested in. Minniefield said assumptions can become harmful stereotypes. Many heterosexual people seem to be caught up in the sex act when they think of lesbian, gay and bisexual community, she said.