Hoping to further acceptance of diversity and educate the university about sexual orientation, the Stonewall Kats, SHSU’s Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Alliance, will sponsor a variety of events on campus this week.Although on campus for several years, the 50 members of the Stonewall Kats are now enjoying its first year of funding from the university as an official SHSU student organization.After taking part in events including “Passport to Sam” during the summer and the Organizations Fair last month, the Stonewall Kats wanted to sponsor its own events to promote student knowledge of the homosexual community. This week, the Stonewall Kats chose to hold a number of events leading up to the celebration of National Coming Out Day Oct. 11.Activities began yesterday with a movie at the Jackson Shaver dormitory lobby. Today, members of the organization will participate in a Diversity Forum sponsored by Program Council at 8 p.m. in the LSC Theater. Wednesday Co-President of Stonewall Kats Derek Smith will host a program called “Coming Out of the Closet and Into the World” at 6 p.m. in the Jackson Shaver lobby.Friday is National Coming Out Day and, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the organization will distribute literature, stickers and ribbons along with free drinks in the LSC Mall Area. To further celebrate National Coming Out Day, Stonewall Kats will also travel to the University of Houston for a planned rally and gala with members of the Houston Cougar Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Alliance organization.The Stonewall Kats are also planning to co-sponsor a luncheon with the Multicultural International Student Services division of Student Activities. The luncheon intends to give SHSU students faculty and staff an opportunity to socialize with members of the university’s gay, lesbian and bisexual community. The event will take place Oct. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. in LSC Room 320.Co-President Laura Springel said she enjoys teaching fellow students about the importance of Stonewall Kats and other organizations like it that aim to promote acceptance and diversity.”The best thing about being in our organization is not always educating someone, but teaching them the importance of our organization. That’s completely worth the while,” said Springel. “Not everyone is as accepting as others are, so it’s terribly hard to get out and promote ourselves on this campus. We do the best job that we can. “Our organization is a valid topic. People may not know it, but they come into contact with people of different sexualities everyday. Someone’s sister or best friend could be gay and not even know it. When they are told, one may not know how to deal with the truth and therefore lose a relationship or friendship,” said Springel. The Stonewall Kats are dedicated to furthering the acceptance of diversity and sexual orientation as well as educating the SHSU community. The Stonewall Kats meet every Monday at 6:30 p.m. in LSC Room 331. For more information, attend a meeting or contact the members by e-mail at [email protected]