By Mario Montalvo/ne news editor

Student organizations on NE and TR will host several events this month in observance of LGBT History Month.

Started in 1994 by Missouri high school teacher Rodney Wilson, the month is dedicated to the celebration of gay and lesbian history.

Members of Trinity River Equality in Education, or TREE, started off the monthlong observance by marching in the Tarrant County Pride Parade Oct. 1 in downtown Fort Worth.

NE student organization Spectrum and student activities will present three screenings of the gay-themed comedy But I’m a Cheerleader at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 7 in Center Corner (NSTU 1615A). Snacks will be served during the movie.

Spectrum advisor Chris Cassell said she chose the movie because it’s lighthearted, and she wanted to start the month off with something fun. Cassell said she hopes the upcoming events will boost awareness of Spectrum on campus and attract new members.

On Oct. 27, presenter Jonathan Hall of Mental Health Mental Retardation of Tarrant County will speak about homeless LGBT youth 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Center Corner on NE. Lunch will be served during the event.

On the 28th, NE English instructor Lisette Blanco-Cerda will speak about the importance of coming out as a straight ally 10-11 a.m. in NSTU Center Corner. Brunch will be served.

“An ally is someone who’s not gay but is supportive of their civil rights and lifestyle,” Cassell said. “And the LGBT community is not just for gay people. It’s for everyone.”

For more information about any of the events or about Spectrum, contact Cassell at 817-515-6582 or christine.cassell@tccd.edu.

Students can request to join TREE or Spectrum by visiting the All Clubs section under the Campus Life tab in CampusCruiser.

For more information about TREE, contact Travis Rhoads at 817-773-4447 or travis.rhoads@my.tccd.edu.