[20175] in APO-L
Re: perceptions
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (JimBeKind@AOL.COM)
Thu Feb 11 11:57:39 1999
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 11:14:54 EST
Reply-To: JimBeKind@AOL.COM
From: JimBeKind@AOL.COM
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
Brothers--
I have a few comments on the idea of being a "Gay Frat." I've grown up a lot,
since turning down a FULL scholarship in Theatre because I was afraid to catch
"gay" in the flaming department I visited. Today, I live every day as a man
who loves my fellows, including those who are labeled "gay," "womyn," or
"colored" by less informed or exclusionary people. I am especially PROUD of
the responses to this post by Brothers Chris Canter and Sharon Zohar -- ON
POINT ALL THE WAY!!
My response to someone asking if I'm in the "Gay Frat?" ABSOLUTELY! We
couldn't be HAPPIER with all the great service we do! Want to push the issue?
Why? Are you afraid we'll discriminate since you don't coordinate your
separates as well?
Humor is always the best approach for me. But seriously, there are some real
issues raised by the posts on these topics:
- some say "OK, be gay, just don't advertise it," or "You have an agenda."
This is very close to the RIDICULOUS notion that they might be using
this "flaunt" as a recruitment tool. Please understand that our "gay"
brothers have fought and continue to fight a very difficult battle. They
have been asked to settle for recognition or tolerance, but wish to
have acceptance and, ultimately, the right to CELEBRATE who they are!
It is a battle that has casualties on only one side..... theirs! Remember
Matthew Shepherd?
- some say "You must be doing something wrong in your membership program."
I say, you are doing something SO RIGHT that the groups who suffer
persecution and ridicule feel you have created and place that is loving
and welcoming! That people who DARE to CARE and want to serve others
can do so in your chapter.
However, you should always be evaluating your recruitment efforts to
make sure you are reaching out to ALL segments of the campus. There
are other groups being left behind (Handicapped, Non-Traditional,
Commuters,
Grad Students, Introverted). [I do a great seminar on recruiting all
these folks
if I may plug "The Meet and P.O.T.A.T.O.E.S. of Membership" :) ].
- some say "you need more education" and "don't be political"
Yes. Who doesn't? I agree with the idea of reaching out to bring in guest
speakers to the chapter from Student Affairs or Residence Life who deal
with these issues, maybe a Sociology Prof. And the idea of offering it
to
the entire campus is doing what we do best, providing NEEDED service.
The issue of "Gay rights" is not political to most folks, it is a HUMAN
rights
issue, a CIVIL rights issue, and a personal issue. The arenas in which
it is
most often addressed at the close of the millenium are the political and
religious arenas, because they incite emotional reactions from their
con-
stituencies. [Jerry Falwell wants us to boycott "Teletubbies" because
Tinky-Winky is purple, has a "purse," speaks "effeminately," and has an
inverted triangle on his head!!!! REALLY? DANGER WILL ROBINSON!!]
Honestly, I am uplifted and encouraged by the caliber of responses to this
post. I second the idea that we should be leaders in breaking down this last
accepted form of discrimination because we are better than HATE. Thank you all
for your Brotherhood. I LOVE YOU!
- Jim Hahn, proud alumnus
Lambda Omicron Chapter
West Virginia University
[Fall '83- R.L. "Pops" Brittain Class]
