Last fall the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) was small and pretty quiet compared to today. It had almost disappeared when Bryce Hughes got involved as an advisor, but after spreading flyers and having an ice-cream social the GSA was filled with new energy. With about 20 members involved it is now one of the most active clubs on campus.
According to Hughes, creating a campus environment that's welcoming and affirming to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people is GSA's main goal. Although there are students at the college with religious motives to not support homosexuality there doesn't seem to be a conflict. "Students may carry their own prejudices around, but the college wants to be acceptive," Hughes says.
19-year-old member Ahnna Kesterson thinks the religious argument against homosexuality is incorrect. "When the Hebrew version of the bible got translated into English there wasn't a distinction between purity and moral concerns anymore," she says.
Kesterson refers to the book Thou Shalt Not Love to learn more about this view. Written by a gay Christian, this well-researched book deals with whether homosexuality is condemned, or not, by the Bible.
GSA's weekly meetings are open to anyone and everyone who is interested. Often a discussion about a random question loosens up new members before the conversation is turned to issues related to the acceptance of LGBT's. Members get a chance to talk about what's going on in their private lives.
One of the events put on by the GSA was a Day of Silence. On April 17th its members took part in this national effort to protest against the silencing effect that anti-LGBT name-calling has on people. 18-year-old GSA-member Amber Miller had been silent for 12 hours. "People asked me why I had tape on my mouth", she said. She thinks to have created more awareness with this moment of silence through giving explanation to others.
Issues not relating to GRCC are also addressed in the weekly discussions. Members keep each other up to date about things like referendum 71, a measure to repeal Washington's law that allows civil unions for same-sex couples. "The LGBT community has to do something," says Kesterson. "We don't want to face the issues California is facing now."
California was one of the states allowing gays to marriage, but recently turned that back. Gay marriage is allowed in five states now. In lines with the Defense of Marriage Act all other states can deny same-sex marriages. At least ten states need to legislate it before it can be legalized on a national level.
Hughes thinks it's frustrating that the U.S.A. has laws that prohibit gay marriage. "It's similar to a lot of civil right struggles, but it is not necessarily fair towards gays", he says.
At the college there is a faculty and staff training program to enlarge gay support. Most GSA members find the campus environment to be nice when it comes to being LGBT.
"We have a very accepting campus, with good teachers," says Kesterson. After organizing lots of events the GSA can be proud of this academic year, the Pride Prom as their grand finale.
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