A group with a lot of recent history has a new look and a new name.
The Pittsburg State Gay Straight Alliance has re-formed with a new constitution and has been steadily growing throughout the semester.
In 1999, the group planted its roots with a constitution under the name Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Alliance. By 2004, it re-emerged as the Queer Straight Alliance without any formal organization or constitution. In 2008, the group evolved into the Equality Alliance, which later changed names back to the Queer Straight Alliance later that year.
“We have a new name and a new face. We’re looking for a better start,” said Laren Curry, PSGSA president and biology pre-med freshman. “Before, there was no organization to it. Now we have a constitution, bylaws, and a set agenda. We make meetings informal because we’re here as a group to get to know each other, but we also want to get something done.”
Curry and the PSGSA are starting with providing coffee during finals week on the Oval from 8:30 to 10 a.m. for a suggested donation of $1. The group also has a new display banner and posters on the way. Further, many members of the group will be involved in a Safe Zone meeting from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday which will focus on enhancing communication skills relating to homophobia and heterosexism.
The group, which meets at 4:45 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sunflower Room of the Overman Student Center, has slowly grown since the start of the semester. At the first meeting of the semester, there were only two people, including Curry. The largest meeting this year boasted 21 students. But on most days, including Wednesday’s meeting, the group runs about 10 to 11 students.
The group includes a fair mix of gay and straight students. Several members of the executive council are straight, including the vice president.
Curry said there haven’t been many negative reactions to the group, although he did note a few instances of homophobia. However, he said the group is focused on creating a campus of understanding.
“I think that there is a finite line between the heterosexual and homosexual communities here,” Curry said. “Because some view us as different than what they are used to. People usually find out that we aren’t as different as what they think us to be and that line gets smaller. It’s hard to get through to the community. But it’s easier on campus, because as people are learning, they have different knowledge of cultures.”
Curry has a goal for the group in the coming semesters.
“I want to see this group be self-sustaining. Next year, I want to see the group grow and be a good group on campus,” he said. “I see groups like the Residence Hall Assembly. I don’t think we can be a powerhouse group like that, but I still want us up there with them in voice.”
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 132.
