Public displays of affection are a regular occurence on any college campus, and the University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras is no exception. We encounter couples holding hands, students sprawling in corners taking naps together (honestly though, cement can’t be that comfortable) and kissing displays that range from playful pecks to full on porn-inspired sessions. It seems like most of the population on campus is okay with PDA. However, some people would disagree on that, especially the LGBTT community.
Double standard? We are so caught up in our crazy busy schedules that we may not notice it but is our campus gay-friendly? Have we become less progressive than we see ourselves to be? In retrospect, the university has been a social hotspot for participating in the latest controversial issue. Just last year, our very own committee against homophobia and discrimination hosted a massive kissing demonstration in front of the Teatro. This was done in hopes of raising awareness of the rights that the LGBTT community were seeking during the debates over a controversial marriage law by the Puerto Rican legislature.
The fact remains that on campus there exists a diverse array of couples, but how they express themselves may seem to be limited by the way people react. “I believe that there are gays, particularly of older generations or of conservative families that prefer to be more private because of the conceptions they have, perhaps filled with fear and stereotypes,” said Juan, a junior and openly-gay student of Sociales. Juan explained that the current situation is so turbulent that gays prefer to be in a more peaceful place that ultimately results in self-isolation, so as to not be subject to the public eye.
In Puerto Rico there exists various groups that advocate for the rights of the entire LGBTT community. They establish that the discrimination the community faces is a human rights issue. The truth is that there are forms of PDA that result in an uncomfortable atmosphere for the college community, from all types of couples, but if we analyze the behaviors right here on campus, we might realize that those issues have not been resolved.
So as a fellow collegiettes can we strive to be more tolerant? Yes! Let’s not forget that in order to recieve love, tolerance and respect, we must first learn to give it. After all we represent one university that in true boricua fashion knows how to do campus pride.
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” -Audrey Hepburn
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