BGLTSA Uses Ribbons To Promote Awareness

Members of Harvard's queer community tied the knot yesterday in the only way the state of Massachusetts will let them: by wrapping Harvard Yard's trees in pink ribbons.

The ribbon-tying was part of the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender and Supporter's Alliance's (BGLTSA) celebration of the National Freedom to Marry Day.

The Human Rights Campaign of the National Freedom to Marry Coalition designated the day as a time to promote awareness of prohibitive laws and to advance efforts toward the recognition of same-sex marriage.

No state recognizes same-sex marriages. Yesterday, Maine became the first state in the nation to repeal a law protecting gay men and lesbians from discrimination in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations.

Posters in the Yard called for people to "Come tie the knot at the Resource Center," where visitors received smaller pink ribbons to be worn as a symbol of support.

Marcela Correa '00, co-coordinator of the center and the celebration, said she thought that these measures represented "a non-offensive, non-harmful" way to "make people aware of something that goes on in the regular, everyday life of so many people."

BGLTSA board members also signed a "marriage resolution," issued by the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund.

The statement read, "The state should not interfere with same gender couples who choose to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities and commitments of civil marriage."

Co-Chair of BGLTSA Andre K. Sulmers '99 said, "We are concerned with the promotion, strength and support" of the queer community.

The particular importance of National Freedom to Marry Day is that it advocates a position of equality in the "basic human right" to marry, he continued. It also "legitimizes that we can love one another."

Adam A. Sofen '01, BGLTSA treasurer, said he found the group's efforts "creative" and successful in increasing visibility.

"At some point there will be gay marriage in this country, and the only way to get there is through education," said Sofen, who is a Crimson editor.