The Cyclone Nation has a lot to be proud of — athletics, a beautiful campus, outstanding faculty and degree programs and, last but not least, a student body of over 26,000 unique individuals.

Monday, the ISU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Ally Alliance, Ames PFLAG and the LGBT student services will begin a celebration of the members of the LGBT community at Iowa State with Pride Week, a week to show the dignity and pride of ISU LGBTQA students.

During the week events are showcased to create community and pride among students and community members, said Brad Freihoefer, program coordinator of the LGBT Student Services.

“Our Pride Week is to embrace who we are, to take a look at our gender and sexuality and be proud of it,” Freihoefer said. “It’s a positive and supportive week, and it really gets people motivated to embrace themselves. It’s a week we get to emphasize pride a little more than usual.”

The week consists of events that range from education to entertainment and each serves a distinct purpose.

“The highlight will definitely be the drag show and the rally Friday in front of Parks [Library],” said Veronica Olson, member of the LGBTAA, and senior in philosophy. “The drag show is just fun and a good time, it’s also our biggest fundraiser, where as the demonstration is very thoughtful and meant to be an eye-opening experience.”

The demonstration that will take place Friday is meant to try and reverse some of the negative stereotypes about members of the LGBT community and shed a positive light on the group.

“The daily homophobia and stresses inflicted on members of the LGBT community are lifted during Pride Week,” Freihoefer said. “The weight they have to combat with is just temporarily gone, and they can just be proud.”

The week is important for all students, said Randy Chanthavong, senior in political science and public relations officer for the LGBTAA.

“We call it Pride Week for a reason: To be proud of who you are, no matter what sexuality you are,” Chanthavong said. “We want to show who we are to the campus, that we exist, even for allies, to just show support.”

“It’s a long [planning] process. We try and make it as all-inclusive as possible, to provide a space for everyone,” said Amy Boitnott, senior in psychology and president of the LGBTAA.

Boitnott said Pride Week for her is not just about being proud of her sexuality, but allowing relief for many LGBTAA members who have had a rough year.

“Some people go through a lot of crap, and something like this allows them to feel safe, and to be with like-minded people in celebration for a week is very relieving. It’s about building people back up,” Boitnott said.