Q and A with QASO

Becky Gish, who works in computer support services, is a sponsor for Queers and Allies Student Organization (QASO), a club that supports the gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgender and queer (GBLTQ) students on campus. She compiled answers from club members in this Q and A.

Q: What are QASO members concerned about?

A: It varies from homophobia to equal rights to getting more students to come out of the closet. One constant theme is the feeling that GBLTQ individuals don’t have equal status with others in society.
 
Q: How does QASO help diversify our campus?

A: QASO gives students, who are traditionally stereotyped and marginalized because of sexuality or gender, a voice and a place where they can feel safe and gain support. It is the only club that deals with gender identity and other sexually oriented issues in a non-judgmental environment. QASO educates the campus population and publicizes information as it relates to the GBLTQ community.

Q: What are the roadblocks to the gay and lesbian community?

A: Invisibility, silence, and fear. Too many GLBTQ individuals stay in the closet rather than be recognized. Too many supporters of GLBTQ people and causes stay silent. And they both do so out of fear: fear of losing social status, fear of being ostracized, fear of harassment, fear of even physical harm. Unfortunately, it can be a very justified fear. QASO members listed homophobia, bigotry, lack of legal protections, misunderstandings, stereotypes, and incorrect conservative beliefs that homosexuality and transgender is a choice that can be corrected through religion or therapy.  One student wrote, “…In Gresham, we see such roadblocks as lack of interest and lack of outlet. I have heard that there is a very large gay community in Gresham, but I have not seen it. Marriage is always going to be an issue. It hurts our cause on this topic a great deal that Karen Minnis is not only the House Speaker for the Oregon House of Representatives, but also our district representative. When I went with Basic Rights Oregon (BRO) last spring, she couldn’t be bothered to meet us. Every other representative we visited made time for us, their constituents, no matter how busy their schedule. They listened. They responded - and cared. That’s their job.”

Q: How far have we come as a school in our efforts to diversify and become more accepting?

A: The school has come a long ways, but this is Gresham, OR, it had a long ways to come and still has a long ways to go. We’ve only had one poster defaced so far this year and we’ve received support from several other clubs. On the other hand, QASO members still voice concern about coming out to peers, being confronted on campus if they’re identified as “queer”, or having to put up with homophobic remarks in class. Victoria (Flagg, QASO co-advisor) and I get at least one email from staff either accusing us of pushing the “gay agenda” when we announce QASO events or wondering why there’s even a need for a “gay group” and I expect we’d have a hard time finding new advisors if we stepped down, not because of lack of staff or desire but back to that “fear factor”.  

Q: What does diversity mean to you?

A: Being able to appreciate each other’s differences. Too many people see differences as alienating or threatening. If we could see the differences as what makes things interesting, society would be much better. Here’s a couple of members thoughts – “Understanding that we all have things in common, despite our differences. The acceptance that all people are valuable and have something to contribute” and “We may grow up together, learn each other’s language, and share cultures, but I will always see things differently than you do – that’s diversity.”