Gay students play it safe

Bisexual Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Sacramento is hosting a self- defense class today at 7 p.m. in the University Union Oak Room.

Self-defense instructor Linda Giles will explain the difference between a situation that should be ignored and one that requires physical defense.

The class is in response to the defacing of the alliance's chalk murals in the Library Quad on Oct. 12. The chalk murals were created to raise awareness for National Coming Out Day, which is sponsored by Human Rights Campaigns, a national organization.

BGLAS president Lance Demello said the event raises awareness of the club as well as providing a fun social event for its 50 members.

"Right after the incident, our group had a meeting on safety and hate crimes," said Demello. "This was a reality check for us because we can't assume something like this won't happen on our campus. Luckily, no one was hurt."

Demello, a 21-year-old bisexual student who came out with his sexuality at age 18, found the incident personally offensive.

"We had an opportunity to let new students know they are not alone in their sexual preference, and now they might feel discouraged about our campus," he said.

The group also coordinates social activities where members can get to know each other and have fun. The next event will be a potluck on Halloween.

"Every semester we try to involve ourselves in different activities, such as trying to educate others on campus about our group," said DeMello. "We usually speak to human sexuality classes when the topic comes up and promote sensitivity classes for any interested groups on alternative lifestyles."

For more information about BGLAS, call 486-5533.