Ways to make Iowa State a more welcoming place for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community was the focus of the President’s Forum on Diversity.

The forum, held at the Memorial Union on Tuesday, included a five-member panel and small-group discussions. Panel members shared their personal experiences and thoughts before answering questions. Panelists were Justin Hope, sophomore in early childhood education; LaTia McPherson, senior in psychology; Sharon Bird, associate professor of sociology; Victor Raymond, graduate student in sociology; and Robyn Johnson, graduate student in educational leadership and policy studies.

Hope said awareness is needed in the whole ISU community. Many students spend their time at Iowa State without encountering LGBT issues, he said. When so many students don’t understand, Hope said, it’s not surprising some LGBT students don’t feel safe or accepted.

“It’s no wonder prejudice still thrives,” he said.

Talking about the issues, even when people are uncomfortable doing so, is the best way to cultivate change, panelists agreed.

“Discrimination is not what we need to be afraid of,” Raymond said. “It’s the silence.”

Panelists encouraged members of the LGBT community and their allies to educate others to foster understanding.

“We have a high need for educational outreach for the entire campus community,” said R. Ellen Semran, LGBT Student Services coordinator.

Many people embrace the idea of diversity, but don’t possess the tools to deal with it, Bird said. When LGBT issues come up, many people don’t know what to say so they avoid talking about them.

Those people in visible positions at the university, such as residence hall staff members and campus tour guides, should have training on LGBT issues, so they know how to answer people’s questions, Hope said.

Hope and Bird spoke about the importance of having safe zones on campus. Safe-zone stickers let LGBT students know it’s safe to talk, Bird said.

People need to know the sticker makes a difference to LGBT students, even if no one says anything, Bird said.

The need for a full-time staff member in the LGBTSS office was stressed during the forum.

A part-time graduate assistant and two undergraduate assistants aren’t enough to adequately serve the LGBT community, Semran said.

“I would be able to be much more effective at successfully meeting the needs of the LGBTQ community if myself and the LGBTSS office was given the resources that we need,” she said.