A rally Aug. 2 to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community at Cornell and in Ithaca was nearly 200 strong by 8:30 a.m. under a blazing sun. At around the same time, a much smaller rally, with a very different message, was taking place just off campus.

"We're here to have a moment of solidarity, and to reinforce what a supportive community this is," said Gwendolyn Dean, director of Cornell's LGBT Resource Center, addressing the jubilant crowd. Dean was the first of several of speakers, many of them declaring support for equal rights under the law for LGBT people.

The rally was called in response to a group from the controversial Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church that, at about the same time, was holding an anti-Cornell, anti-LGBT rally in Ithaca. (Westboro has no Baptist affiliation and is listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.)

Cornell's rally drew participation from many facets of the community, including faculty, staff, students and administrators. Large contingents from Ithaca, such as the United Church of Christ and the New York State United Teachers union also came carrying signs and wearing matching T-shirts.

Speakers included Vice President for Student and Academic Services Susan Murphy, Cornell United Religious Work Director Kenneth Clarke, Dean of Students Kent Hubbell, as well as several students. Chants and cheers were accompanied by rainbow-colored gear and flags, cross-dressing, and signs that read "Proud straight ally" and "God loves everyone but bigots annoy her."

Though the rally was meant to stir positive support for the community, some speakers acknowledged that the timing was no coincidence.

"We're here today because a hate group has come to town to attack one segment of our community," said Tompkins County Legislature Chairman Tim Joseph. Gathering together was not for the benefit of the outsiders, he continued, but for Cornell and Ithaca, to declare support for and acceptance of diversity.

Some speakers also challenged the LGBT community -- as well as straight supporters -- to be more active and vigilant, and to make their voices heard more on campus and beyond.

"I think it's important for me to be both a critical and celebratory voice," said Joey Notaro '08.