“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind” wrote the children’s book author, Dr. Seuss, in his book Seuss-isms.
The Gay-Straight Alliance club at LBCC is a place where gay, bi-sexual, lesbian, and transgender students and faculty, along with their straight allies, can meet and feel comfortable.
“I am a supporter of the gay community because I think that it is very important to accept people for who they are and to spread awareness that it is okay to be whoever you are,” said LBCC student Sara Avitt.
The first meeting of the term took place on Friday, Jan. 13 in the Diversity Achievement Center. There were about seven people along with the club’s advisor, Karelia Stetz-Waters, and the club’s president, Jennifer Boatwright. They started with introductions and brainstormed about what the members were looking for in the group and ways to spread awareness about equality and the club.
On an average there are about six-seven members in attendance each meeting and about 25-30 members on the official member list. Some students have conflicting schedules with the time of the meeting so they aren’t able to attend it but are supporters of the club.
Karelia Stetz-Waters said, “There is a very even mix of gay, bi, lesbian, transgender members and there are always straight members that are alliances to the club.”
The club does a variety of things such as have discussions, watch movies, play board and video games, go bowling, and participate in consciousness-awareness raising activities.
“I come to just socialize and hang out with a bunch of people who don’t hate me. I’m also in the club to make friends with people who accept me for who I am,” says LBCC student Jake Dontavion, a transgender male.
The Gay-Straight Alliance club meets every Friday at 1-2 pm in the Diversity Achievement Center in the Forum Building next to the Commuter office.
At A Glance:
Who: Gay, Bi, Lesbian, Transgenders, and ally students
What: Gay-Straight Alliance Club
Where: LBCC's Diversity Achievement Center (right next to The Commuter office)
When: Every Friday from 1-2 PM
Why: To bring the gay community and supporters together
Links:
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network - Oregon Chapter)
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