Associated Students' action on BGALA seems to reflect homophobic attitude

I sit here in disgust for an organization that I regretted not getting involved with earlier in my college career. ASUA stood to me like a great program which could serve so many students, but every year we become a pet project for someone to destroy. Are you all really that homophobic and scared of us being involved on your campus?

I served as a member and a director to BGALA and if it were not for that organization, I would probably not be alive today. I was depressed, doing drugs, drinking, and basically killing my self slowly. I could not figure out who I was or where I fit in. I had not yet figured out I was gay, but a friend of mine introduced me to BGALA.

I spent a year being a member of BGALA, but not being openly "out." When I finally made the decision to face my sexuality, everyone supported. I had found a place where people loved me because of who I was, not what I was. I have found that spirit to be alive and well in BGALA, and making us a club would kill that spirit quite quickly.

If we become a club, we lose funding (which we as students help pay for), we lose our resource center and all the information we offer to students on a regular basis, and you lose us. Lose the opportunity to become involved in or see a new culture emerging on your campus. How stupid can these senators be?

I want you to all know, BGALA is making a new logo which says Gay-Straight Alliance on it. We decided to do that seven months ago. For a group who wants to separate ourselves, we seem to be doing everything against that. I welcome anyone who wants to walk in our door and say, "Hi." I want you to meet these people that you want to basically ostracize from campus, before you allow your senators to do it.

By Hattie Sabia (letter)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 22, 1997