During the second week of the University’s lesbian and gay pride events, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered campus community discussed how to deal with sexual assault — from irritating phone calls to life-threatening situations.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered Alliance hosted a “brown bag” lunch event Wednesday that featured a presentation by Raven Koch titled “Queer Sexual Assault Awareness.” Koch runs the self-defense program and serves as a youth advocate for Sexual Assault Support Services.
As part of May’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Koch and SASS Community Education Coordinator Katie Antos are working to raise awareness about the services available to survivors and supporters of sexual assault survivors. Koch’s presentation focused on sexual assault related to “heterosexism” and homophobia.
To the handful of participants who dropped in during the two-hour lunch period, Koch explained how to be assertive in situations where individuals are inappropriately questioned about their sexuality or feel uncomfortable about themselves.
“It’s not always very socially acceptable for you to be assertive,” Koch said. “To a certain degree you anticipate that. Every situation is different.”
Chicora Martin, the director of the University LGBT Education and Support Services, said when offenders step over that “boundary line,” services are available to students. She referred to an example of when an LGBTA member received a harassing phone call in which the caller requested sexual favors. In that case, Martin said she would provide information and community resources to help the offended person effectively handle the situation.
Ben Fisher, the University Housing complex director for Carson and Earl residence halls, said he also works to provide a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students with both social and educational programming.
“It’s a population we’re trying to do more outreach with,” Fisher said.
He said about seven to 10 housing residents meet weekly to participate in activities such as last month’s presentation by the HIV Alliance on safer sex.
“The LGBTA certainly offers more social activities, but we are providing services to students in addition to what the alliance is doing already,” Fisher said.
Three weeks ago, University students Melissa Baldwin and Brice Terrible took over as co-directors for the LGBTA. Former co-director Gabbie Hendel recently graduated.
Baldwin said she has not had an easy transition into her position, especially with pride week. Baldwin said because of the large staff turnover, members of the LGBTA have been working to publicize their events, gather suggestions from the campus community and encourage volunteers to get involved.
LGBTA Community Liaison Robert Dike planned a “Queer Open Mic Night” Wednesday night in The Buzz Coffeehouse. Baldwin said the event was intended to create a safe, open environment for people to express poetry, stories and music in front of a supportive audience.
And today, the EMU Amphitheater will fill with the sounds of punk metal as the LGBTA hosts local band Americunt.
Wrapping up the two weeks of events, the LGBTA will host a free dance Saturday night from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. in the Fir Room of the EMU. More information about the LGBTA is available at 346-3360 or in Suite 34 of the EMU.