On Friday afternoon at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church, people of all ages packed the fellowship hall, enjoying food and sharing their stories.
These stories, though, were not Bible stories. These individuals were discussing issues they face being either gay or lesbian.
"We have people on a panel who are actually sharing their stories--very personal stories about what they've gone through and where they were able to get some support from," said Sarah Young of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Young says the ACLU has joined with the Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition in addressing the struggles within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-gendered community. Young says they have heard of constant bullying and discrimination in schools, and they want to put a stop to it.
"Where the line gets crossed is when a young person, especially in a school or public college, is made to feel like they're not safe and welcome and not able to grow so that's where we draw the line, when schools are allowing bullying, bashing, and name calling to go on that's creating a hostile environment," said Young.
The conference, Young says, is for parents, students, school administrators, and teachers who are either dealing with these types of issues or are feeling uneasy about the gay and lesbian population. At the conference, which ends tomorrow, people will talk about ways to tackle ridicule, create a safer environment for gays and lesbians, and how students can become more comfortable with their decision.
Twenty-one-year-old Shane Holman of Tampa--who is gay--traveled to the conference from Hattiesburg, where he attends the University of Southern Mississippi. He says being gay in Mississippi has been difficult, but his friends have made life a little easier.
"In Mississippi, people aren't as willing to come up to you or talk or be friends with you because they don't see you as they same," said Holman.
Holman said he opened up about his gay feelings during his sophomore year of college although he had been battling with the feelings for several years. He has offered some advice for those who have the same feelings but are afraid to "come out."
"It's best to accept it and not try to avoid it. Just accept who you are and go with your emotions and not try to hide or let your friends or environment stop being what you feel," said Holman.
Young told FOX 40 News having the conference at a church--especially in "The Bible Belt"--may seem weird to many but believes the church can help with ending discrimination.
"St. Andrews is not an official partner of Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition, but what we're hoping to do is make that connection because churches are where people feel safe. A school should be equally safe so to us, it makes sense churches are reaching out and saying 'we have a stake in how children are growing up and making young people feel safe,'" said Young.
