Making LGBT Students Feel Welcome
by: M. M. Malamud
While serving on the executive board
of the LGBTSU (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
student union) at a public university, I was in
contact with RA's fairly often. One thing I was
surprised to find was that they were sincerely concerned
about addressing the needs/concerns of LGBT dorm
residents. Unfortunately, they knew little about
effective ways in which they could. So with pamphlets
in hand, I attended a few diversity meetings with
RA's over the course of a semester. I believe these
meetings were successful in at least making them
aware of how to demonstrate concern for their LGBT
residents. Whether they will implement what I recommended
is another story.
The first thing any resident assistant
could do is to understand some terminology issues.
This first tip does not only apply to LGBT, but
all residents: avoid bias in language whether it
be racial, sexist, or heterosexist bias. Heterosexist
bias is that which assumes a heterosexual norm.
Remember LGBT people exist and it is wrong to assume
that all dorm residents are heterosexual. It would
also be wrong to assume that everyone is accepting
of LGBT, but expletives like "faggot"
or "fairy" should be avoided. Terms such
as these offend LGBT and friends of LGBT as well.
When discussing LGBT issues openly, some terminology
is quite appropriate, such as using "gay man"
when referring to a homosexual man or "lesbian"
when referring to a homosexual woman. Using the
word gay in lieu of the word stupid, on the other
hand, should be avoided. More and more, the term
"queer" is gaining acceptance among the
LGBT population as an acceptable label.
A second way RA's can demonstrate
concern is to get in contact with the LGBT organization(s)
on campus. Many colleges and universities have some
variation of an LGBTSU. If there is not a student
organization, also one might find out if there are
safe zones on campus. The people within these organizations
will be more than glad to assist you in any way
possible.
This next tip is much more subtle,
but extremely effective: display and have on hand
various brochures and information pertaining to
LGBT students. Often in public spaces there are
no references made of LGBT in a positive way if
at all. If your campus does have a student union
for LGBT, display their information prominently
and promote their programs. In fact, many LGBT organizations
design programs meant to be inclusive of gay and
straight students alike.
Finally, as a resident assistant it is your duty
to be informed about the students living under your
supervision. Because this article is not meant to
be exhaustive, do some of your own research on LGBT
to become more adept at handling their concerns.
The internet is a great source for information.
Indeed it is really the ultimate source. Anything
you want to can be found with a click of the mouse.
For more information, check out the following list
of websites:
http://www.lgbtcampus.org/
http://www.health.org/features/lgbt/
http://www.pflag.org/
http://www.fsu.edu/~activity/sga/lgbtsu/
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