Stay Away From the "Gay" Table

Carolina Testing and Orientation Program Sessions (CTOPS) orientation fair is a lot like other schools. However this time my perspective was different than any orientation before. Most orientations I have been very aware and in tune with the office representing or the students being "targeted." Today, standing at the LGBTQ Center table helped me see how students (and parents) look at the table. Although the table is full of valuable information, there is some sort of hesitation about approaching the table. Some students who identify as Allys have a hard time coming to terms with it being ok to not be in the (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Inter sex and Queer (LGBTIQ) community and still a supporter without one's own sexuality being questioned.

I noticed that students and parents alike create an invisible aisle amongst the rows of organizations tables. In this aisle is a safe enough distance to "browse" the information without the volunteers and staff members invading one's personal space. In this aisle a student can skim the information without seeming to interested. Never before had I taken notice to this aisle until I was standing at the LGBTQ table.

**Homophobia is defined as the fear and/or aversion to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans gender and queer people. Homophobia happens on a variety of levels from more subtle to overt occurrences, interpersonal to institutional levels and intentional to unintentional instances

I have always considered myself to be very diverse but serving as a representative for the Center challenged me to put aside the funny looks that you know parents are giving or the judging glares as students approach. How as a future student affairs professional do I own up to practicing what I preach and be comfortable in any environment. As professionals it is necessary to create an inclusive environment that is conducive to to total development of a student. Especially if it includes exploration into their identity.** Homophobia hurts everyone. You do not have to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans gender, or know someone who is to be negatively affected by homophobia. Though some homophobia actively oppresses LGBTIQ people, it hurts those identified as heterosexual.

In a conversation recently with a dear friend, I was exclaiming how much I have been learning on the job and a response was, "I don't/wouldn't want to be associated withthat office." Initially I was shocked by the response and then had to examine the context of the society we live in. If you work, support or hang out with members of the LGBTQ community you might get a "guilty by association" label. Attitudes like this is what is preventing the evloution of equality in our communities.

I digress but to bring back up a good point. Back to the org fair at orientation. Stigmas and assumptions that lead to homophobia may inhibit people from forming close and intimate relationships with members of their own sex, for fear of being perceived as LGBTIQ.

It is my challenge to my colleagues and peers to consider being an Ally whether on a collegiate level or in the workplace. As an Ally you aren't identifying yourself as a member of the LGBTIQ community but stating that you are committed to increasing awareness and acceptance of the diverse LGBTIQ community and committing to educating yourself and others about oppression and commiting to personal growth even when it involves discomfort (like standing at the "gay" table)

Empowered Ally relationships including the persons in non-oppressed roles initate the change towards personal, institutional and societal justice and equality.

**Adapted by UNC Chapel Hill Safe Zone

And Then There Were Interns

The Internship
A privilege as well as a great opportunity to learn more about student affairs arose from the opportunity to inter at
UNC. I have been assigned to work in the LGBTQ Center for the first half of the summer and Housing for the remaining part of the summer. The LGBTQ Center is one of three in the state of North Carolina. The others existing at NC State and Duke. Of all the colleges and universities represented in the state...only three LGBTQ Centers is interesting. This leads to questions about politics, equality and necessity. That issue is for another blog on another day.

University of North Carolina (UNC) and the surrounding Chapel Hill area or as I have been informed...the "real" Carolina is a typical college town with many quirks and quaint hangouts that add to the culture and climate of the area. From Dinner at Elmo's to getting lost. It is easy to see a eclectic/indie and maybe even beatnik culture.


About the school
This summer UNC is experiencing record numbers of enrollment which will make for a interesting buzz on campus. Having been on campus for several summers I can appreciate the summer bustle of students on campus.

From a outsiders perspective UNC is ahead of the curve in several innovations or at least a little ahead of things I think should be standard at all institutions. Every campus is professing to be making strides to sustainability but I see the strides, here. Although I haven't been on campus enough to see how entrenched these efforts are from simple things like auto dimming lights in residence halls, that turns off lighting and turns on when motion is detected. One hang up is the low number of recycling bins in foot traffic areas, but, hey..."Rome wasn't built in a day." I do like how many student services are centralized in one building. Like academic services (registrar, academic success and ect), housing, dean's offices, the LGBTQ Center and several other offices. SAS building is like one stop shopping for all things student success.

About the LGBTQ Center
Nestled quietly on the third floor of the SAS building unbeknown to most is the LGBTQ Center. The entry-way is no different from many other offices in the building except marked with a Safe Zone marker. Upon entry is full of resources and pamphlets so that persons wanting information for self or others can be easily reached.

From the web site: "...working to create an inclusive environment for all students, staff and faculty. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified (LGBTQ) individuals deserve equal respect and treatment within the UNC community, and they contribute an essential element to the diversity of the campus, enriching the intellectual and social life of the entire University." The LGBTQ Center is an officially recognized department under the Division of Student Affairs. The programs and services we offer are designed to increase campus and community awareness, improve campus climate, and advocate for sexuality and gender identity issues. My time in the LGBTQ Center will prove to both educational and challenging in that I will challenge a lot of ideals that have been previously formed from experiences and educate myself regarding the community and issues with inequality that often arise. In the coming blogs I will be posing questions that in conversations with the director and the assistant director arise for me personally. Along with the small library of books I have been strongly encouraged to read. Until next time.