| Fighting Cyclical Homophobia This year seems to be the most "out" year for Queer students at Santa Clara University. For example, last quarter, SCU had its first "coming out" party. Yet, just today, I heard the phrase "that's so gay." We are making progress, but compared to what? Rampant homophobia and a completely invisible Queer community? As the spokesperson of the Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA), I can count on my hands the number of completely "out" Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgendered or Queer (LBGTQ) Santa Clara Students. It's sickening. The problem of homophobia at Santa Clara is a cyclical one. Because the queer community is virtually invisible, the majority of students are not forced to faced homosexuality. Two men holding hands on campus are stared at because to many students, this sight is something foreign and unusual. It takes time and familiarity to gain comfort and acceptance. People throw around phrases like "that's so gay" because they don't know they're hurting anyone, they can't see us. Hearing your sexual orientation used as an insult deters "coming out" as does the prospect of being one of only a handful of "out" students on campus. And thus, we remain invisible. I do however believe there is hope for Santa Clara University's invisible gay population. We must continue building a community and giving each other strength and support to come out, one by one. Hopefully, coming out will become contagious, with more and more finding inspiration and strength from others ability to come out. We will gain visibility and eventually, the campus will face its gay population. How can straight allies help us achieve this gay utopia at Santa Clara University? When someone uses phrases like "that's so gay" call them on it. Put up a Safe Space sticker on your door; one rainbow goes a long way. Educate yourself: come to the GALA sponsored panel discussion in Unity Basement next Thursday, January 17th at 7pm. Take a Gay and Lesbian Studies course. Help us make Santa Clara University an inviting place to "come out." -By Claire Published in Collateral Damage, November 28, 2001 |