Come gather `round people

wherever you roam

And admit that the waters

Around you have grown

And accept it that soon

You’ll be drenched to the bone.

While these lyrics from Bob Dylan’s song, The Times They are A-Changin’, may bring images of hippies and free love to most student’s minds, their message has a timeless truth today. Homosexual is a word that makes many people uncomfortable. It brings to mind hundreds of negative connotations, a Star of David on the sleeve of many in today’s society. Whatever a person’s opinion toward the issue of homosexuality, the fact that it is a vibrant and growing aspect of our society is something no one can ignore. Today ISU students have a great opportunity to learn more about this stigmatized lifestyle from people who have had first hand experience adapting to it and learning to accept it. The Ames chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays support group, also known as PFLAG, will be meeting today at noon in room 236 of the Memorial Union. During the meeting family members and friends of homosexuals will discuss their experiences with and feelings towards their loved ones lifestyle choice. It will be an opportunity for sharing and empathizing. It will also be an opportunity for students to gain a new perspective on a confusing and emotional subject from people who have dealt with it first-hand. Homosexuality may not be something everyone agrees with, but it is something that will have to be addressed, both now and in the future. If your time to you

Is worth savin’

Then you better start swimmin’

Or you’ll sink like a stone

For the times they are a-changin’. Editorial Board: Carrie Tett, Greg Jerrett, Katie Goldsmith, Amie Van Overmeer and Andrea Hauser