Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

‘Night out’ brings LGBT to Warhol

When straight people walk into a movie theater, they can safely assume that the majority of the other theatergoers are also straight. When gay people walk into a movie theater, they have no idea if there is anyone like them.

“I’m no longer wondering, ‘How many of these people are like me?’ because I’m at an event where everyone is gay or a supporter,” said Joe Adams, a junior sport, arts and entertainment management major and chair of Gay and Straight People (GASP). “I’m able to be comfortable.”

A Night Out at the Warhol was an event for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) youth to socialize and enjoy art at the Warhol Museum on Friday, Feb. 6. The event featured screen printing, button-making and photo booth picture-taking with $6 student admission. Approximately 75 LGBT youth and supporters experienced an evening of pop art. The event was organized by GASP, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Persad Center, Inc. and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

“I came in to help with advertising, planning and logistics,” said Adams, who has had three years of event planning experience. “We recognize that there is a need for LGBT events for the 17 to 21-year-old crowd. It’s nice to have a social event that doesn’t involve going to Pegasus.”

The limited Pittsburgh gay scene revolves mostly around night clubs and alcohol. Many LGBT youth are left feeling isolated and confused.

“Everyone takes for granted that feeling of belonging whether it’s going to the grocery store or out to dinner,” Adams said. “LGBT youth don’t have that sense of belonging. But it feels good to know that we’re all part of the same community.”

Another factor that adds to the feeling of isolation in the gay community is the use of the Internet as a means of meeting people without genuine interaction.

“The Internet makes it easy to hook up,” said Alan Jones, who has worked for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force for the past 18 years. “I would love for people to actually meet each other and make friends at this event. I’d like to do something like this once a month.”

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