CHICKASHA – The University of Science and Arts is home to many clubs and organizations that advocate for and serve in their communities. One student club, the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), is doing its part by encouraging local participation in its “Rainbow Union Event” at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 11 on the USAO oval.

GSA President Sarah Powers cited the success of last year’s mock weddings as the impetus to do more at this year’s “Rainbow Union Event.”

“I saw that people from outside USAO wanted to attend and show their support for the GLBT community,” she said. “I wanted this year’s event to attract even more people.” Powers is an English junior from Lawton.

The morning event coincides with National Coming Out Day, an event sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign. The organization has more than 700,000 members and advocates equality and civil rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community.

Powers said the “Rainbow Union Event” is the flagship fall event for the GSA. It is free and open to the public.

“In addition to a brief affirmation to respect love in all its forms, there will be a human rainbow created by those who attend,” she said. “The idea came from one of the GSA members, and I felt it would show our unity.”

Attendees are encouraged to wear solid-colored shirts in one of the traditional rainbow colors to join the rainbow.

Powers said the “Rainbow Union Event” not only highlights National Coming Out Day but all relationships as well.

“GSA wants it to affirm every sort of relationship: parents and children, husbands and wives, partners of all kinds – even the professor and student relationship,” she said. “This day is about love. We want to show the campus and community that celebrating love is fun, rewarding and all inclusive.”

A reception with free snacks and drinks will be held in the Gary Hall Lounge following the human rainbow.

Michelle Bivins, GSA vice president, said the student club encourages equality and tolerance for all people.

“GSA is where no one gets left out and no one is discriminated against,” Bivins said. Bivins is a drama sophomore from Edmond.

More information about National Coming Out Day is available online at www.hrc.org.