Gay and lesbian students at Linn-Benton Community College had only one comment Wednesday when asked about the Legislature’s support for anti-discrimination bills this session.

“It’s about time!”

Students and staff members at the college spent much of the day without uttering a word nn at least until 3 p.m. when they “broke the silence” to talk about what they learned or experienced. They were taking part in the National Day of Silence which “focuses attention on anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender bullying and discrimination in schools.”

The event was sponsored by the college’s Student Ambassadors, Student Programming Board, Multicultural Center and the Gay/Straight Alliance Club.

With bright red-orange hair, piercings and tattoos, Elizabeth Uriarte stands out in a crowd. But it wasn’t her hair color that drew attention Wednesday. It was a red T-shirt that symbolized her support for the day’s events.

Uriarte said that while she was putting up posters advertising the event on campus, another student said, “Hey, look, a lesbian.”

But Uriarte said, it was the only negative comment she heard all day.

Art student Zane Thornton takes issue with fellow students who use terms such as “that’s so gay” to mean something is stupid.

Event organizer Matt Hamel said posters and balloons were placed throughout the courtyard with information about the way gays and lesbians are treated.

One poster noted, “75.4 percent of students heard derogatory remarks such as ‘faggot’ or ‘dyke’ frequently or often at school” and “one out of three gay students skipped school last month because they were afraid to go.”

LBCC counselor Mark Weiss said students last year were “made to feel uncomfortable” but that

wasn’t the case Wednesday.

“Last year, we talked about how to survive harassment and today, I see you talking about how to take action,” Weiss said.

Events included documentaries about gays and lesbians who have battled for their civil rights and lunch with OSU Pride Center Students.

Alex Paul can be reached at alex.paul@lee.net or 812-6076.