by Jeanette M. Neyman
Staff Writer
Attending a small campus is a big adjustment for many students. Being different only adds to the challenge of day-to-day life-particularly if one is gay or lesbian.
For the past year, University of La Verne students have tried to revive the on-campus gay and lesbian club. However, due to a lack of leadership and negative experiences on-campus, they are reluctant to restart the club.
“Some of the students want to participate, but they don’t want to be leaders in the group. They fear they will become targets of hostility and violence on campus,” said Harvel Lewis, coordinator and adviser of multicultural affairs.
“Many gay students have heard derogatory terms for gays used on campus and are nervous about stepping out and saying ‘Hey, I’m gay.'”
During gay pride week, flyers were taken down all over campus and the rainbow that was painted on the rock was vandalized.
Ironically, ULV recruitment literature claims the University to be one of the most diverse colleges in the United States.
The Associated Students Federation Forum officers was concerned about anti-gay behavior and hosted a teach-in last December to help educate and bring the issue to the students and faculty.
“It is hard to have the courage to be different, especially sexually,” said Elena Cardeña, Catholic campus minister. “We have to ask ourselves, ‘How do we create an atmosphere of tolerance on the campus? Especially when homosexuality frightens some people into becoming hostile.”
Prior to last year, the gay and lesbian club was active on campus, sponsoring many activities, including diversity awareness. The group in itself was diverse, comprising both homosexual and heterosexual students. However, most of the club members graduated and the club eventually dissolved.
One student “George,” spoke of the occurrences but feared revealing his identity for fear of violence.
“I don’t believe there is a homophobic presence on campus. I perceive it as more of a lack of knowledge,” he said.
“I give the students more credit than that.”
“George” suggested adding “straight” to the name of the club, renaming it the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Club. He said people would more likely take a leadership role because there would be less fear of labeling.
Both ministries advocate gay rights and support the club. Cardeña wants to see it start up again and believes it is extremely important for it to be ongoing.
“The small campus setting and a conservative student body are contributing factors in the prejudice that gays have experienced on campus,” she said.
More than 75 faculty members recently signed a petition supporting a gay and lesbian club. Kim Martin, associate professor of anthropology, has been asked to be adviser and initially circulated the petition.
“I think we need to be open and aware and empathetic about other people’s experiences of life. It may be the most important aspect of education,” Martin said.
“Homosexuality is one of the most difficult aspects of diversity for people to deal with. It is like the last bastion of prejudice.”
