The Commission for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People is hosting a panel on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. in Hodges Library Auditorium in honor of LGBT History Month.

The event, entitled "oUT on Campus: What's it like being LGBT at UTK?" will feature testimony from UT students and staff.

The UT Commission for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People, was founded in November 2006 to aid in the protection and advancement of LGBT students and staff on campus.

Donna Braquet, a faculty member on the LGBT Communications Board, said UT has been slow until recently at forming activities for LGBT students. She said she hopes the panel will create awareness of the concerns of LGBT students and staff and visibility that will hopefully bring about understanding for non-LGBT individuals.

"If people come and listen maybe they'll leave with a better understanding," she said. "Maybe it will have a ripple effect across campus."

Students should challenge themselves to listen to someone who has a different view point from themselves," she added. "College is a place to learn about the people around you."

I thought forming a panel would allow LGBT students to share their own unique experiences," she said. "Students will see how each of their experiences are different and how all of them are the same."