T-Shirts distributed for gay movement

Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Programs passed out t-shirts on Wescoe Beach Wednesday morning. The shirts were distributed to help promote a positive environment for homosexual students. But demand for the t-shirts was higher than expected.

Students were interested in the shirts for many different reasons. One of them was to show support for their friends.

"One of my best friends is gay," Ben Dykman, KU sophomore, said. "I don't care about homosexuality, and it's fine with me."

The free giveaway drew more than 500 interested t-shirt wearers. Michael Franklin, LGBT resource coordinator, said he was surprised by the turnout.

"I expected a good turnout, but I didn't quite expect it to be like this," Franklin said. "I didn't know the support was this widespread. It really blows me away, and it makes me feel good to see this many people supporting the LGBT community."

Students still waiting to pick up t-shirts were able to write their names and email addresses on a list in order to be contacted when more shirts would be available. Franklin said the group was planning to order 1,000 more t-shirts for those who were unable to get one.

For a national perspective on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered college students visit the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force web site.