The Observer, April 21, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 25
Gay and lesbian students lack resources yet persevere
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"What is your impression of gay life on campus?" If anything can be ascertained from the answers to State Your Case question posed in last week's Observer – which included a "nothing, really" – it's that the gay community of Case often goes overlooked by those not involved.
It might surprise some to find that the total population of out lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersexed (LGBTQQI) individuals on campus is roughly 1.5 percent, or around 60 out of nearly 4000 undergraduates, and less than the 4 to 5 percent average as projected by glbtq.com.
The reason for such low numbers can be attributed to a number of different reasons. First of all, the main attraction to Case is first and foremost the academics namely science, engineering, and management and not the arts – which stereotypically have varying reputations in terms of acceptance of LGBTQQI issues. Another reason is that in an environment with such a small number, closeted students might be uncomfortable coming out.
However, some students find little validity in the latter argument. Said first-year student and current Spectrum Public Relations Coordinator Tye Javorek, "People are really accepting here."
He credits the popularity of last semester's "Gay? Fine by me" T-shirt campaign to the level of openness here on campus.
"It was so successful that we had to take rain checks for the shirts. Even people you didn't expect were wearing them. It was so blatant and across their chests."
Students on campus rarely witness any signs of discrimination and bigotry, but the fear of non-accepting peers is always eminent for students struggling to embrace their sexual identity.
"[At Case] more of the problem is not when you come out but when you're convincing yourself to come out," said Javorek. "Don't speed up or slow down based on other people or be pressured. The people who do support you are true friends. I'm not going to say 'don't be afraid,' because it is hard, but take that first step."
Students who have come out at Case have done so in an atmosphere of respect – for the most part – and rely heavily on the support of their straight friends or, the more common term, allies.
First-year Jeremy Ondo echoes these sentiments, reinforcing the value of straight allies. "They're extremely important, especially because straight bigots won't listen to gays, but they will listen to other straight people," he said.
Accepting, straight allies also enable gay students on campus to feel comfortable in any situation.
Said Javorek, "[Having straight friends] allows you to be really comfortable. It enables you to not be secluded, so you can be yourself and not just with gay people."
Despite this level of tolerance the number of resources available to the LGBTQQI cause is limited at this university. In fact, most students only associate Spectrum – the university's LGBTQQIA(lly) group – with the subculture. The group, which provides support, information, and positive awareness LGBTQQI, also serves as a social network at Case. Another resource available to students is the Flora Stone Mather Center for Women, which also provides services to men.
Winnie Lai, president of the case Human Rights Campaign said "The Center for Women has always been gay friendly. It's unfortunate that mostly women go there because they offer a lot of men friendly programs."
SafeZone – a program designed for staff and faculty to demonstrate their support for LGBTQQI individuals– is another resource available to students. Professors with the SafeZone emblem on their doors are displaying their willingness to discuss issues with students, and provide an alternate counseling service for students. Residence Life and Greek Life staff are also given the option of participating, which seems to be helpful to students.
Another well-used resource – which might be surprising outside of the college atmosphere – is Facebook. Newly enrolled students sign on with their new Case e-mail addresses, and tap into the world of Case. From there you can list your sexual orientation, interests, and join groups such as "Gay guys? At Case? w00t!" and "Women who like women."
However, the lack of a LGBTQQI center on campus is felt by students.
"We need a permanent safe space," said Lai. "At a time when 34 of the top 50 schools have a LGBT center, as well as a staff member devoted to the LGBT community, Case is behind the times."
Regardless of obstacles and insufficient resources, the LGBTQQIA students of Case make do. Through Break the Silence Week, celebrated at the end of last March, Spectrum helped raise awareness and express LGBTQQIA pride on campus. A continuation of the celebration, the national Day of Silence – in which participants keep silent until 5 p.m. in recognition of all those who have had to remain silent – will take place next Wednesday, April 26 at the KSL Oval.
Days like this are important, because as Ondo said, "They help recognize that there are problems. If you come from a big city you don't realize that awareness is a problem, so I can see how people don't. Break the Silence serves to inform them."
For more information on Day of Silence and other LGBTQQIA issues, visit spectrum.case.edu or the Center for Women.
