Expressing beliefs through personal reflections and performances, representatives of different faiths from across Massachusetts gathered at the George Sherman Union’s Metcalf Hall last night to debunk religious stereotypes and misconceptions.

“Breaking Barriers: Destroying Misconceptions About Our World’s Faiths,” hosted by different on-campus religious groups, was an opportunity for about 20 students to talk about their personal struggles with how others perceive their religions, said Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore during his opening speech.

The event, which included speakers from an array of faith backgrounds, examined social misunderstandings between different faith-based people.

“When I get into an elevator, it is up to me to break the tension because my turban draws attention,” said Sham Rang Singh Khalsa, minister of Gurudwara, a Sikh temple. “When I bring up the Red Sox, I know they are relieved.”

Many of the 12 speakers related their personal experiences of how their religion has broken down boundaries in their lives.

“When I heard about the title [of the event] . . . it made me very happy,” said guest speaker Swami Tyagananda, minister of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of Massachusetts. “Religion is a force that breaks boundaries, but the irony is that it also makes them.”

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences student Nousheen Yousuf explained the questions she faces about her faith as a Muslim woman.

“The main message I want to bring out is that I am normal, too,” she said. “No one seems to understand why dress isn’t such a big issue for Muslim women — we would rather talk about what’s in our head rather than what’s on it.”

The event also included performances by Dheem, BU’s Indian classical dance group, and Kol Echad, BU’s Jewish a cappella group. Kosher and vegetarian refreshments were served.

“[“Breaking Barriers” was] higher consciousness . . . an understanding of surroundings and a devotion to what is important in a world of many faiths,” said CAS junior Herpreet Singh, who said he helped organize the event.

“It was an overall success,” Singh said afterward. “A lot of people stayed until the end, even when it ran late.”

BU Florence ‘ Chafetz Hillel House Student Board President Stephanie Sanger-Miller, who spoke at the event, stressed the importance of “understanding.”

“It is with my hope and understanding of my ethnicity and religion and of yours that we can move forward in understanding and in peace,” the CAS junior said.