Q. Is it possible to start a GLB organization at a religiously affiliated college? If so, do you have any suggestions on how to make this process go more smoothly?

A. Short Answer: YES!

Suggestions on how to make this process go more smoothly:

Because many religious-affiliated schools have specific proscriptions regarding GLBT persons, it is important to realize that an informal club/organization/group trying to be recognized must deal with the religious issues up front, which is an issue some private and public schools are able to avoid at the outset (although religious issues often arise quickly, even at public schools). As a first step, find out what specific religious affiliation your school represents. Because there are often multiple synods within denominations within faiths, it is important you know what specific religious policies apply to you/the faith community of the institution. For example, within the Protestant faith, there is the Lutheran tradition, which has the Missouri Synod, and this body (the Missouri Synod) sets policy for believers of that faith.

Next, see what the religious affiliation's stand is on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Do they have any official, written policy? One resource is HRC's "Mixed Blessings: Organized Religion and Gay & Lesbian Americans." This special report details over a dozen different religions' official stance on LGBT issues. (Note: This is a large file -- 3836K -- in Adobe Acrobat Reader format).

Another resource, depending on your campus climate, is the campus pastor/minister/clergy. Although perhaps at first not an obvious choice, many campus clergy have studied the issues facing traditional college students, including the fact that coming out and sexual orientation issues often arise during the college experience. They will be able to let you know what the faith community's official stance is on GLBT persons. It will also help to determine if you have an ally or an adversary in your clergy, as this may be the unofficial leader in how your institution responds to your request to organize/become recognized/program/etc.

Then, determine if your particular campus has taken an official stand on GLBT students. Places to look include your student handbook, student body constitution/the official minutes of student government meeting, the institutions harassment /discrimination policy, and/or rules applying to housing, student organizations, etc.

Once you have determined the campus climate from an "official" point of view, do an informal assessment on your own. How are GLBT issues dealt with on your campus, or are they addressed? Is there a need for programs and services? Would you get radical opposition to a group, or do you think the student body would ignore it?

Education is the key to any academic environment, even if there is a religious admonition against homosexuality. Plan a discussion group surrounding GLBT issues to uncover people's informal opinions. Invite faculty and staff.

Another very important step is to get some support. Ideas include:

See if any faculty members are doing research on gender issues/sexuality. English, Victorian literature, sociology, psychology, drama and theatre are all ripe for exploring issues surrounding GLBT themes. Supportive faculty can help navigate campus bureaucracy.

Often, there may be empathy for lesbians and/or lesbian-gay issues stemming from women's resource centers. Look for allies there as well. Counseling center staff and health professionals are often allies as well.

Look in your local community for support. Are there any gay-friendly churches [Try United Church of Christ (UCC) or Unitarian Universalist Association] that may be willing to have clergy/members do presentations on campus? Are there any social services agencies close by that meet the needs of the local LGBT community?

If you have support, offer a campus wide program on GLBT issues. Perhaps you could consider even planning an entire week of programs. A small, religiously affiliated campus in California had wondrous success in starting the campus conversation by planning a week's worth of events and publicizing it in the campus weekly paper. Yes, there were some naysayers, but at least people were talking about the issues, as opposed to pretending they did not exist. See what happens! Often, the next course of action is determined by the initial reactions of the community. You may find that the institution, while "officially" unable to recognize the group, very supportive of the students involved, and willing to be as helpful as possible. Conversely, you may experience official censure (or some from of political distancing) from the administration. Either way, you have information.

Doing all this alone as an undergraduate/new professional can be overwhelming. Even if you end up doing most of the leg work, it is good to know who your friends are, and that your work is respected and appreciated.

This FAQ was written by Shaun Travers, Coordinator of the LGBT Resource Office at the University of California, San Diego.

Take me to this section (choose one below): LGBT Campus Offices/Centers About the Consortium Our email list Resources Frequently Asked Questions Job announcements Meetings Fundraising Search the Consortium site Feedback