Gay Pride Week Fights Homophobia
Des Moines, Iowa (March 5, 1997)-- This week, March 1-8, is Gay Pride Week at Drake. The week's activities are sponsored by BGLAD, an organization with approximately 30 members representing bisexuals, gays, lesbians and their allies.
As a group, the organization has specific goals for Gay Pride Week. "There are two purposes we had in mind. One, it is a good time for fun activities and special programming for us [the members of BGLAD]. Two, we want to educate the campus; we want to let people know about the diversity there is to be found at Drake," T.J. Tu (AS3) said. Tu is a member of BGLAD, and an active participant in the week's many events.
A book signing and reading by Dan Spencer, asssistant professor of religion at Drake, started off the week on Saturday, March 1. Then on Sunday, a potluck dinner was held at the Womyn's Center. "Gay 101," a collaboration of skits and other audience participation-type activities, was held in Bulldog Theater on Monday evening. Students were encouraged to wear denim on Tuesday to show their support of the bisexual, gay and lesbian community at Drake.
"But the best part of the week is yet to come," Tu said. There is a drag show scheduled for Thursday night in Parents Hall at 9 p.m. Drag queens from The Garden, a local club, will participate in a question-and-answer session following their performance. On Friday a band out of Minnesota, Holiday Farm, will be performing at the Mainstay. Also at the Mainstay, there will be a dance on Saturday night, March 8, to bring the week to its conclusion.
BGLAD has been receiving primarily positive feedback regarding Gay Pride Week. "But the campus as a whole is indicative of society as a whole," Tu said. "There are a lot of misinterpretations and stereotypes regarding the bisexual, gay and lesbian community. Drake still has a lot of work to do when it comes to recognizing and accepting us." After evaluation of past successes, the organization feels Gay Pride Week is an effective way of reaching Drake students.
Challenging homophobic attitudes is another objective of the organization this week. "Homophobia is very pervasive. This is a good time for us to be visible and to force the issue into people's minds," Tu said. "It also gives us a perfect opportunity to identify with our senses of pride." Tu also mentioned the possibility of Gay Pride Week encouraging bisexuals, gays or lesbians who are still "in the closet" to come out because of the atmosphere heightened awareness and acceptance throughout the week.
Drake faculty and staff are primarily silent when it comes to issues such as Gay Pride Week. "However, certain faculty members make a point of being supportive," Tu said. He added that BGLAD receives no acknowledgment from Drake administration, but the reasons for this are unknown. There is speculation that perhaps the administration wants to avoid controversial issues such as this.
"You have to choose your battles," Tu said. "BGLAD could focus on why the administration isn't recognizing us, or we could stick to what's more important. Everything else becomes secondary next to the goal of educating this campus."
© 1997 CyberPress Communications, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Drake University 50311.
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