LGBTU creates helpful outlet for students
Bonnie Blum
Issue date: 9/17/09 Section: News
The University of Akron Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Union is a group of open-minded students who meet every Tuesday in the Student Union.
Part of their constitution states that they consider it necessary to "validate the uniqueness of each individual's sexual orientation, gender identity and expression."
LGBTU was founded in the mid-1980s at UA, according to the group's president, Jay Smith.
"There are a wide variety of topics that are discussed at the meetings," he said.
He explained that they talk about things such as coming out, relationships, religion and politics. Anything that is going on in a member's life can be discussed. There are usually anywhere from twenty to forty people in attendance at regular meetings.
It is important to realize that students who are not lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender are encouraged to attend.
"We have a lot of allies who attend meetings," Smith said.
In the case of LGBTU, an ally is a straight person who strongly supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The group's Web site lists ways to become an ally. It advises people to avoid anti-gay jokes and to create an atmosphere of acceptance. It also says to avoid stereotypes and understand that one LBGT person can't speak for the entire LGBT community.
"We sometimes talk about how to handle situations where there is discrimination," Smith said.
The meetings sometimes feature guest speakers. Past guest speakers have included members from Equality Ohio, the UA Counseling Center, and TransFamily, a support group for transgendered people.
Smith noted that the people from the Counseling Center are "absolutely wonderful" to work with.
Smith understands that there may be some misconceptions about the purpose of LGBTU.
"I think some people might think that it's just a group where we come and hold hands and cry about all the misfortunes we have because of our sexuality, and it's not," he explained.
Part of their constitution states that they consider it necessary to "validate the uniqueness of each individual's sexual orientation, gender identity and expression."
LGBTU was founded in the mid-1980s at UA, according to the group's president, Jay Smith.
"There are a wide variety of topics that are discussed at the meetings," he said.
He explained that they talk about things such as coming out, relationships, religion and politics. Anything that is going on in a member's life can be discussed. There are usually anywhere from twenty to forty people in attendance at regular meetings.
It is important to realize that students who are not lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender are encouraged to attend.
"We have a lot of allies who attend meetings," Smith said.
In the case of LGBTU, an ally is a straight person who strongly supports lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The group's Web site lists ways to become an ally. It advises people to avoid anti-gay jokes and to create an atmosphere of acceptance. It also says to avoid stereotypes and understand that one LBGT person can't speak for the entire LGBT community.
"We sometimes talk about how to handle situations where there is discrimination," Smith said.
The meetings sometimes feature guest speakers. Past guest speakers have included members from Equality Ohio, the UA Counseling Center, and TransFamily, a support group for transgendered people.
Smith noted that the people from the Counseling Center are "absolutely wonderful" to work with.
Smith understands that there may be some misconceptions about the purpose of LGBTU.
"I think some people might think that it's just a group where we come and hold hands and cry about all the misfortunes we have because of our sexuality, and it's not," he explained.
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