As part of GLBT History Month, the Equality Forum created a video with a segment for each day of October that focuses on a GLBT person who is an icon or role model because of the contributions they have made to their field or the promotion of GLBT civil rights. A short video shows below, and you can find a biographical statement about each icon on the GLBT History Month website.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Straight allies
Sometimes, people mistake respect and support for GLB (and T) issues to mean that the supporter is in fact gay or lesbian. Of course, some people may believe the reverse as well - there is no way that a married person can support gays and lesbians. However, the support from straight allies has always been important, and there are a lot of people recognizing this.
A story in the student newspaper at the University of New Hampshire pointed this out earlier in the week. The story reacts to the kind of person who says "but I have a gay friend . . ." to mean that they are an ally. While written from a particular viewpoint that can seem condescending, it closes with a thought on being an active straight ally rather than just showing acceptance to a gay friend.
AOL News and other syndicates report that the organization Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG) will recognize the author of "Dear Abby" columns with the "Straight For Equality" award to honor her advocacy for numerous GLBT related support groups and statements in favor of gay marriage. As well, Cyndi Lauper will help promote the "Straight For Equality" project.
Right here in Texas, we are home to the Atticus Circle, an organization promoting the power of straight allies in advocating for equal rights for GLBT partners, parents and children, founded by Austin attorney, Anne Wynne. The Austin Chronicle recently profiled the efforts of this group in a story about Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights, a national event that encourages straight people to come out in support of their GLBT neighbors and friends.
And on Friday, October 12, Judy Shepard, the mother of Matthew Shepard, will launch the website http://www.matthewsplace.com/ - a site with resources to empower GLBT youth.
The efforts of the Allies Program does not discriminate based on sexual orientation, and realizes the tremendous impact of straight allies to increase acceptance of and equality for all GLBT individuals. Become a visible ally and member of the Allies Program by attending a training session.
A story in the student newspaper at the University of New Hampshire pointed this out earlier in the week. The story reacts to the kind of person who says "but I have a gay friend . . ." to mean that they are an ally. While written from a particular viewpoint that can seem condescending, it closes with a thought on being an active straight ally rather than just showing acceptance to a gay friend.
AOL News and other syndicates report that the organization Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG) will recognize the author of "Dear Abby" columns with the "Straight For Equality" award to honor her advocacy for numerous GLBT related support groups and statements in favor of gay marriage. As well, Cyndi Lauper will help promote the "Straight For Equality" project.
Right here in Texas, we are home to the Atticus Circle, an organization promoting the power of straight allies in advocating for equal rights for GLBT partners, parents and children, founded by Austin attorney, Anne Wynne. The Austin Chronicle recently profiled the efforts of this group in a story about Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights, a national event that encourages straight people to come out in support of their GLBT neighbors and friends.
And on Friday, October 12, Judy Shepard, the mother of Matthew Shepard, will launch the website http://www.matthewsplace.com/ - a site with resources to empower GLBT youth.
The efforts of the Allies Program does not discriminate based on sexual orientation, and realizes the tremendous impact of straight allies to increase acceptance of and equality for all GLBT individuals. Become a visible ally and member of the Allies Program by attending a training session.
Happy NCOD!
In case it is not in your lexicon yet, NCOD refers to National Coming Out Day - October 11 each year. Happy NCOD!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Sexual orientation and gender identity: Does the "T" fit?
During a meeting a couple of weeks ago, Dr. Sara Oswalt, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology, was asked to give a brief explanation of the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity, so why not point that out here. These terms tend to be confusing and misunderstood at times, so here is a brief definition:
Sexual orientation - the attraction to someone of the same sex, opposite sex or both sexes. Most commonly understood as homosexuality (same sex attraction), heterosexuality (opposite sex attraction) and bisexuality (attraction to both sexes), sexual orientation allows a person to identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual (GLB) or straight. It is important to realize that identity and behavior are separate concepts, and behavior may not accurately describe someone's identity or vice-versa.
Gender identity - a person's sense and feeling of being male, female or transgender. Cultural norms and beliefs create expectations of how a person will express a gender in association with that person's sex (most commonly male or female); however, someone's gender identity or gender expression may not conform to these masculine and feminine expectations associated with sex.
There is much more detail that will help a person understand the importance of these components, but that could be a semester course or more. Because of a lack of understanding, a fear of difference or for other reasons, subtle to hostile and violent forms of harassment and discrimination occur against people who do not fit the expected heterosexual orientation and male or female gender identities and expression.
As a reaction to harassment and discrimination, the Stonewall riots, marches on Washington D.C. and other activism and advocacy efforts have brought us to where we are today in the United States - a time where we find some of the most accepting attitudes towards gays and lesbians and some protections for GLBT people at local, state and national levels. Still, as our society becomes more accepting of people whose sexual orientation differs from established norms, and equality organizations include Transgender issues with GLB concerns in their advocacy initiatives, the question of does the "T" fit seems to arise. It is something that lawmakers (and their constituents) must contend with right now in relation to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and leaders of the nation's largest GLBT advocacy group - the Human Rights Campaign - have been divided about. Even you may be wondering how important the "T" is, and that is okay.
Part of being an Ally is to learn about the issues and concerns of the community or communities you support. Just as we are all different, we all have something in common and that is why the Allies Program includes and supports the "T."
Hopefully you can join the NASPA webcast - The Lives of Transgender People Today - hosted at UTSA by the Allies Program on October 16 from 2:30 - 4 p.m. in FS 2.518 at the Downtown campus or when it is shown at the 1604 campus later in the academic year.
Sexual orientation - the attraction to someone of the same sex, opposite sex or both sexes. Most commonly understood as homosexuality (same sex attraction), heterosexuality (opposite sex attraction) and bisexuality (attraction to both sexes), sexual orientation allows a person to identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual (GLB) or straight. It is important to realize that identity and behavior are separate concepts, and behavior may not accurately describe someone's identity or vice-versa.
Gender identity - a person's sense and feeling of being male, female or transgender. Cultural norms and beliefs create expectations of how a person will express a gender in association with that person's sex (most commonly male or female); however, someone's gender identity or gender expression may not conform to these masculine and feminine expectations associated with sex.
There is much more detail that will help a person understand the importance of these components, but that could be a semester course or more. Because of a lack of understanding, a fear of difference or for other reasons, subtle to hostile and violent forms of harassment and discrimination occur against people who do not fit the expected heterosexual orientation and male or female gender identities and expression.
As a reaction to harassment and discrimination, the Stonewall riots, marches on Washington D.C. and other activism and advocacy efforts have brought us to where we are today in the United States - a time where we find some of the most accepting attitudes towards gays and lesbians and some protections for GLBT people at local, state and national levels. Still, as our society becomes more accepting of people whose sexual orientation differs from established norms, and equality organizations include Transgender issues with GLB concerns in their advocacy initiatives, the question of does the "T" fit seems to arise. It is something that lawmakers (and their constituents) must contend with right now in relation to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and leaders of the nation's largest GLBT advocacy group - the Human Rights Campaign - have been divided about. Even you may be wondering how important the "T" is, and that is okay.
Part of being an Ally is to learn about the issues and concerns of the community or communities you support. Just as we are all different, we all have something in common and that is why the Allies Program includes and supports the "T."
Hopefully you can join the NASPA webcast - The Lives of Transgender People Today - hosted at UTSA by the Allies Program on October 16 from 2:30 - 4 p.m. in FS 2.518 at the Downtown campus or when it is shown at the 1604 campus later in the academic year.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
What are you reading?
As GLBT History (or Pride, as we call it at UTSA) Month begins, there is a possible ironic twist - this opening overlaps with the 26th annual Banned Books Week, which is sponsored by numerous organizations including the American Library Association and endorsed by the Library of Congress. Promoting intellectual freedom by honoring freedom of speech and expression, this week celebrates the writings that some individuals have forced to be removed from public libraries, schools or other venues.
4 of the "Ten Most Challenged Books of 2006" were challenged in part because they contained a theme of "homosexuality." - ALA website
2. "Gossip Girl" series
7. "Athletic Shorts"
Occassionally, the UTSA Allies Program blog expects to showcase books that may be of interest to LGBT students and their allies. If you would like to have your review of a particular book posted here, please post a comment or send us an email.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Equality UTSA
This Fall, the UTSA Counseling Services will once again facilitate the Equality UTSA group, a chance for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex students to come together in a confidential and safe environment to learn from peers who are confronting similar issues and concerns with a trained psychotherapist facilitating the discussion. The first meeting is Wednesday, October 3, but students may join the group later. If you are interested in joining this group, please call 458-4140 or visit the Counseling Services office in the Recreation Wellness Center (RWC) 1.810.
Monday, October 1, 2007
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