Reno offers changing climate for gay Gen Xers by Ursula Riina, Outpost Contributor In this package The biggest little secret UNR students come out Major metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Washington D.C. have long provided safe and comfortable communities for gays and lesbians. Nevada's progressive gambling and prostitution laws may be ahead of other states, however, a more open attitude is lacking when it comes to keeping up with a progressive younger generation. Scott Hale, 27, executive housekeeper for the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington D.C. has lived in several major metropolitan areas with comfortable gay communities. He has never felt the need to "make an issue" out of being gay. His confidence comes from being surrounded by supportive friends and family. Hale's lifestyle isn't the greatest issue in his life. His lifestyle comes second to his job. When discussing whether he would consider relocating to Reno, Hale replies,"My job is more important to me than any entertainment activities. If there wasn't a comfortable community in my immediate area, I would probably travel on the weekends to where it was. San Francisco, or wherever." However, Reno does offer many opportunities for big city living with small town feeling. Big city living includes job, educational and social opportunites. Each of these opportunites has been altered to include many different races, religions and both men and women. Unknown to many, the gay community is also a part of this opportunity for the young people of Nevada. Political and support organizations as well as social clubs and nightclubs all help to support a gay and lesbian community that is as diverse as the city it calls home. Additionally, the summer of 1997 marked the first time that Reno's lesbian and gay community came together for a "Pride Celebration" that featured musicians, a variety of commercial and organizational booths and even a proclamation from Governor Bob Miller, read by Frankie Sue Del Papa, the state's attorney general, that supported the celebration and recognized the place of Nevada's lesbians and gay men as full members of the community. With the help of the recent celebration, of organizations, and of local role models, a growing awareness and acceptance of homosexuality is taking place in Reno. There may continue to be many uncomfortable with open attitudes and opinions, but gay men and lesbians and their lifestyles will continue to gain recognition. Anyone who recalls the April 30th "Ellen" episode probably knows that her plans to come out took months and received national focus. Her example is definitely important to many young homosexuals. UNR student Hank Sichley says that there is only one way for young gay people to be completely comfortable in their community, regardless of where they were raised, "You have to be out." Openness and acceptance are goals for many young people and both straight and gay Gen Xers can help to create an inclusive community through spoken and written words. Sichley points out that even young adults uncomfortable with the subject should voice an opinion. "Honest people make me happy," he says.   copyright 6/1/97 Nevada Outpost http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost   Related sites: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Gay Youth Assistance Organization