This week is a time for awareness.

This week is LGBTAA Awareness Days.

It is a time to celebrate the achievements of the LGBTAA and its support groups.

It is a time to have campus discussions about LGBT issues.

It is time to open our eyes and see how far the gay movement has come in our society. And how much farther society needs to go to fully accept homosexuals as equals.

This week is a time for the campus to stop and examine how the LGBT community is treated at Iowa State.

Student organizations supporting gay and lesbian students have existed for 30 years, but that doesn’t mean the stereotypes and discrimination are gone. Even now, in a time when discrimination and fear of people with a difference is becoming more of a rarity, there are those who do not accept certain lifestyles, and act out those feelings negatively.

Anyone doubting the campus community’s fear of same-sex relationships needs only look in the Daily archives for the influx of letters to the editor two years ago written in responding to the reverse campaniling event.

Comments from upset people complaining about seeing two men kissing on the front page of the Iowa State Daily bombarded the newsroom.

The controversy surrounding the celebration of same-sex couples participating in an ISU tradition has always been heated. But this event, which is not happening this year, was one of the main events of Awareness Days.

And other than showing a few movies, listening to a keynote speaker and wearing buttons supporting the week, there wasn’t much done for Awareness Days.

But this year, organizers have obviously spent lots of time and energy planning an eventful week.

The schedule is packed with two events each day, giving students a variety of ways to talk about LGBT issues.

Tuesday at noon there is a discussion by several ISU faculty members about the current status of same-sex benefits and issues at Iowa State.

Then at 7 p.m. the Human Rights Council will talk about the safety of LGBT people. Sadly, hate and violence are issues we learned about through the death of Matthew Shepard.

On Wednesday, there is a roundtable discussion for representatives and members of the minority organizations on campus. ISU President Gregory Geoffroy will hear the concerns addressed at the discussion during a presentation of a letter Thursday at noon.

At the close of the week, organizers are asking the entire campus to come together for the Peace Love Unity Respect Rave at State Gym. Proceeds from the rave will used to cover the costs for the Awareness Days.

Take advantage of this time for debate, education and awareness. Attend the events.

Only knowledge can lead to understanding.

editorialboard: Andrea Hauser, Tim Paluch, Michelle Kann, Charlie Weaver, Omar Tesdell