People come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and yes, sexual orientations.

When an average Iowa State student comes from small town Iowa and is used to dealing with a generally homogeneous group of people, that realization can often be hard to accept.

On this campus, however, awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community seems to be increasing.

During “Out on Campus: LGBT Visibility” last Friday, Sine Anahita, coordinator of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services, said she has felt a significant change in climate at ISU toward LGBT students.

Anahita expressed optimism that this year will be better for LGBT students.

We’re not ready to say that students at ISU are all accepting of people whose sexual orientations deviate from their own.

But the process of change seems to be underway.

And awareness is the first step toward acknowledging and accepting differences.

LGBTSS and the Alliance have been working very hard at increasing awareness of LGBT issues on campus and deserve to be commended for their diligence.

Media presentation of LGBT life has also increased with popular shows like “Ellen” tackling the issue.

The fundamental building blocks are being set in place through increased visibility and educational programs. Students who haven’t had contact with LGBT people before have the ability to become aware that LGBT people are our neighbors, friends and co-workers.

You do not have to agree with or approve of the actions or beliefs of other people, but being aware of differences and acknowledging that others have a right to be who they are will make campus and the world a better place.