The word "fearsome" implies something scary, but the Fearsome Foursome panel, hosted by Longwood PRIDE on Wednesday, Oct. 24 in the Student Union Ballroom, was anything but. Four panelists from the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) community at Longwood were there to discuss a touchy topic — their sexuality. Many guests didn't quite know what to expect, but the panel was educational, enlightening and at times, even funny.
The four panelists were Daniel Roberts, Lilli Vest, Amanda Davis and Susan Degnan. Each panelist took turns answering questions asked by John Berry, acting chair of PRIDE. The questions covered many aspects of what life is like for members of the LGBT community, ranging from how their sexuality affects their views on religion to how they deal with bullying and how they came out.
One of the most discussed topics was gay marriage, which it was obvious that the crowd and the panelists were highly in favor of. Lilli Vest said, "Everyone should have equal rights, no matter their sexual orientation." Susan Degnan added, "The fact that someone is telling me that I can't [get married] makes me angry and sad."
The panel members had to overcome a great deal to get to this point; discussing something so personal in this way could certainly be intimidating. Susan Degnan explained, "I didn't think that this would be so intimidating until about three minutes before it started, but it was more freeing than you'd ever imagine."
Daniel Roberts was quick to turn awkward or difficult subjects into something humorous, and along with some of the other panelists, kept the audience laughing despite the very serious nature of the event.
Dr. Carl Ryden, advisor to PRIDE was pleased with the event, saying that the panel expressed themselves in a "very mature and eloquent way."
There were many motivations for attendance, and many students were excited to support the panel. Catherine Daniels said that after attending a conference where the LGBT community was discussed, she was "inspired to reach out into the community."
Sophomore Emily Miller attended the panel to support one of its members, as well as to promote its cause. "I not only wanted to attend because I believe in tolerance, but one of my best friends is going to share their experience. I have been with them through the tough stuff and it was wonderful to see their confidence now. Everything came full circle."
The organization has undergone quite a few changes lately. The former organization, Unity Alliance, no longer exists and has been replaced by PRIDE. "While Unity Alliance was more about promoting tolerance, PRIDE will be about promoting advocacy and rights," said Degnan, who in addition to being a panelist is vice chair of PRIDE. She encourages students to come to organizational meetings on Thursdays at 8 p.m.
The panel is hosted twice a year with different panelists each time. This organization looks strongly toward the future. By sharing their stories, perhaps these panelists have made Longwood an even friendlier, more accepting place for everyone.