THE PUBLIC MIND: READER RESPONDS TO STATEMENTS ON GAY, LESBIAN ORGANIZATION

To the Editor:

Let me be the first to say that I admire those who have the courage to express their views, whether pro or con. That is one of the truly great things about living in a free America. It does concern me, however, when such views carry rather heavy overtones of hostility and hatred. Once again someone has voiced their unfavorable opinion about the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Association (The Public Mind, Oct. 2, 1992). I have no problem with this because I realize that we have people here from all walks of life and who have many different backgrounds. It seems, however, that this person is misinformed about a great many things with regard to the organization.

There is a law against sodomy in Missouri. Fortunately, courts have told other states that what goes on in the bedrooms of consenting adults, hetero- or homosexual, is none of their business. In the past 30 years, 24 states have had their sodomy laws either repealed or invalidated with Kentucky being the latest on Sept. 24, 1992. At present, there are only 24 states that still have anti-sodomy laws, 16 of which even include "deviate sexual behavior" between heterosexuals. (Note: Two states never had anti-sodomy laws.)

With regard to the use of student fees: I'm quite sure there are other groups or activities you don't participate in yet pay for through your student fee; we all do. One of the guidelines for receiving funding from student government is that a group be open to all students who wish to participate. This holds true for GLBA as well. Our functions are open to all who wish to attend. As a matter of fact, we have quite a few heterosexuals who attend our meetings, programs, and activities. You don't have to be gay to understand or support gay related issues. Therefore, if you choose not to attend or make use of our services and programs, don't complain about paying for it.

I'm not sure where you got this "2 percent" figure, but that too is grossly inaccurate. I can see where living in one of the many small, homophobic towns in this area could influence you to think that there are very few gays in the world. Unfortunately, in environments such as these, most gays choose to lead very closeted lives lest they risk jobs or physical harm. But, rest assured, there are far more gay people in the world than you may think.

A heterosexual support group? What would be the point in a hetero-dominated society?

Once again, a brief explanation of "Blue Jeans Day." This day is usually held during our Spring Awareness Week. It's a day when we give everyone an opportunity to examine their feelings and attitudes about very important issues like gay, lesbian and bisexual issues, discrimination, oppression, and harassment. Why jeans? 1) Because almost everyone owns a pair, 2) They are common, everyday attire. It amazes me how people work themselves into a frenzy deciding what to wear on that day. The majority of people don't want to wear jeans, not because they don't want to show their support for gay, lesbian or bisexual issues, but because they are afraid of being the victims of harassment, jokes, cruelty, and physical harm. Interesting! I say this because when the issue comes up, very few people will admit that there is discrimination on campus. There are even those in the administration who are fearful of what three- or four-letter words they'll be called if they wear jeans on that day. The point: You should be able to wear jeans on any day you want to without worrying about being harassed just as people should be allowed to be themselves without being harassed because of their orientation. Besides, if you are harassed, who has the problem, you or those harassing you? Think about it!

Joseph Dunlap

Co-Chair

Gay, Lesbian and

Bisexual Association

Southeast Missouri

State University