By Stephanie Cox
Staff Writer

An event that started as a reaction to harassment has now blossomed into the Ally Rally, where anyone from the community can anonymously ask questions to a panel and learn how to be an ally.

Psychology professor, Anne Duran, found a note posted on her door one afternoon, a bible verse stating that homosexuals are condemned. Duran, who has a gay son, decided to react by starting the Ally Rally.

This year, the panel included Doctor Michael Harville, a counselor at California State University, Bakersfield; Ike Duran, spouse of Anne Duran and president of Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays in Bakersfield; Wendy Montgomery, a mother of a gay son, First Congregational Church Rev. David Stabenfeldt and Angel Armenta, 20, psychology major and gay student.

The goal of the ally rally is to reduce prejudice in Bakersfield. Duran said, “lack of knowledge is caused by a lack of knowing LGBT people.”

Montgomery spoke on her son coming out and being Mormon saying, “We were coming from a place of total ignorance. There wasn’t any doubt of our love and acceptance of him.”

For some LGBT people there are no resources when they come out. PFLAG is a nonprofit organization in Bakersfield that meets at First Congregational Church the first Thursday of each month.

“We educate allies, were a home for people to come to,” said Duran.

One of the first questions asked was “What’s the difference between queer and gay?”

Duran said, “I think queer can be used for those who think it’s nobodies business.”

Another question asked, “Is it okay to ask someone if they’re gay?”

Montgomery said, “I don’t think its okay to out someone.”

The panel also discussed how to be an ally. An ally is a person who is supportive of LGBT people and the community and offer safe places for LGBT people.

Anyone can be an ally, Shultz said, “Sometimes as an ally you have to risk rejection. There’s going to be times its not fun.”

“Your orientation is one aspect of the self and masculinity and femininity are another aspect,” said Duran.

One of the final questions asked was “what is an appropriate age to come out?”

It was generally established that after middle school. There is also a time when you come out to friends and when you come out to family.

“One person left a hate note on my wall and it has had a great affect. If anyone knows who that person is tell them thanks,” said Duran.