University graduate student Jason Harlacher, who is heterosexual, said he felt awkward at gay pride parades but wanted to do something to show his support. His solution: www.straightsupport.org.
“I started the Web site after finding belief in God,” Harlacher said. “I wanted to take action so people would treat people better. With believing in Christ, the next step you want to take is to live your life by his teaching, to love your neighbor and not judge others, to treat others with love and respect. The Web site is a manifestation of that.”
Harlacher’s site is a place for people to hold forums and read material promoting equality, tolerance and peace. Originally dedicated as an outlet for the heterosexual community to show support for gay rights, the Web site sells “Equality” wristbands for $2 to benefit AIDS research. The site is now dedicated to promoting equality regardless of race, religion, sexuality, gender or nationality.
Students who want to show support for gay rights can find opportunities with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Alliance; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Educational and Support Services Program; ASUO Women’s Center; and OUTLAWs: Lesbian and Gay Law Students Association.
Tara Allred, LGBTQ Issues Coordinator at the Women’s Center, works with other groups on campus to educate and train students on how they can help show support for the LGBTQ community.
“There’s so much bigotry on campus,” Allred said. “Sometimes it’s as simple as saying, ‘I’m not okay with that’ when you hear someone calling another person a fag.”
Allred, a senior women’s and gender studies major, said Queer Ally Coalition training, a session put on by the LGBTESSP, is a great place to start.
“It’s a two- to three-hour training session to teach people about the queer community as a culture,” Allred said. “It’s important to tell people about the incredible moments in history that are defining the community and changing policies. There’s nothing more supportive than seeing the straight community at a gay event.”
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