To other letters about the GSA
Dear Editor,
As a co-advisors of the Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA), we would like to respond to Nate Bloomquist’s column titled "GSA: a good idea, or a laughing stock" published in the last issue of the Apache. Unfortunately, we were "mis-paraphrased" when it was indicated that "at the first meeting of the group, members proudly proclaimed their sexual preferences"; for that printed misinformation, we would like to apologize to our members and let them know that this was not the case.
This is not what the organization is about. If going around the room and letting others know why you want to participate in the GSA is considered "proclaiming your sexual preference", we must have misunderstood the directions.
Our mission statement was written with keeping respect for others and their personal lives in mind. We would hate this "mis-paraphrase" by Bloomquist to keep members or potential members from attending our meetings.
We know that if we were the least bit apprehensive about attending a new group and then when we got there we had to "proclaim our sexual preferences," we might hesitate to participate.
Please know that this is not the case and we would like to extend to all of you an invitation to attend our last meeting of the school year on Wednesday, May 3, in C-316 from 3-4 p.m. to make an informed opinion for yourself.
Renee Jones
Sue Isermann
Editors note:
Below is the mission statement of the GSA, compliments of the Apache.
The GSA is a support and student activities group, which serves the interests of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, the transgenedered and anyone interested in the concerns surrounding gay, and lesbian social issues. Through the GSA we will foster a more understanding and tolerant community on campus and in the area. The GSA will acknowledge the diversity of individuals regarding sexual orientation and embrace that diversity. The GSA will be committed to providing a safe environment for people to embrace their sexuality without judgement, as well as a strong foundation for support for those individuals struggling to more fully discover, accept, or express themselves. We, the members of GSA, also recognize the lack of awareness of the diversity of people, and are devoted to educating others and ourselves on issues related to sexual orientation. The members of the GSA will exemplify respect for diversity, tolerance of all people, education related to sexual orientation, and support for the search of self -discovery.