To be a Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual Student: Whats it like?
End of Navigation
I arrived at UCSB convinced that I would be able to live my life as "straight."
I had already been confused about my sexuality for several years. I grew up learning
that anything gay was wrong, and in essence, that I was wrong. It was hard to deal
with the fact that I was queer, and at UCSB I found the support I needed to finally
accept it.
For the first time, I felt that I had more freedom to explore my sexuality, and
what it meant to me. I had to come out to myself, and accept that, before I could
move on. My first step after that was to find a place where I could meet people
who could help me. Over the summer I worked in the UCen and found out about the
Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity (RCSGD). Here for the first time,
I felt comfortable talking about my sexuality. Through the RCSGD I learned about
programs and events throughout the year; when looking for information or resources,
the RCSGD is the best place to go.
Some people are at first surprised to learn that many Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Transsexual, Intersex, Questioning, Ally and other peoples now use "queer" as an
all encompassing term for the community. Historically the word was used as a derogatory
remark; the queer community has since reclaimed it as a positive, politically charged
and empowering term. Coming out is a difficult thing to do, and no one should force
you to do it. Throughout our lives society has told us that being queer is wrong.
We are influenced by everything around us, such as cultural, religious, and economic
backgrounds. Coming out is a personal decision; you have to make it for yourself
according to what and when you think is right for you.
I was at first scared to be out on campus. I knew that not everyone on campus would
be accepting or supportive of queer people, and queer issues. I knew there would
be some disadvantages in doing so, but I also knew there were positive aspects.
The queer community on campus is fairly easy to find, and incredibly welcoming.
Not only will you meet a lot of new people, but also find a lot of the support you
need. The coming out process is not easy, but there are a lot of resources on campus
to help you through it. The RCSGD has a library, videos, a lounge, and year-long
programming and they have a great staff that is always there to answer your questions.
It was through the Resource Center that I learned about various organizations, events,
and groups on campus such as the Queer Student Union (QSU), a social and political
group on campus made up of students, staff, faculty and the community. I also became
highly involved, and committed to Queer People of Color (QPOC), an inclusive student,
staff, and community organization that recognizes racial, gender, and class inequalities
and strives to support the specific cultural needs of queer people of color on the
UCSB campus through educational, social, and political events. This year a new and
exciting organization, Friendly Undergraduate Queers in it Together (FUQIT), started
social programming for their members that include pool parties, water fights, parties,
and dances.
There are other departments on campus supportive of the queer community; the Women's
Center has a library, a lounge, and diverse programs and events helpful to queer
students. Counseling Services offers queer and queer friendly counselors that can
help you with anything you might be going through, as well as discussion groups
for gay, bisexual and questioning men; lesbian, bisexual and questioning women;
and trans people. The MulitCultural Center (MCC) has a lot of diverse and interesting
films, performances, and events throughout the year as well as a study lounge. There
is a residential interest hall called the "Rainbow House" that offers housing, programs,
events, and support for all Queer people and their Allies on campus. A lot of people
feel nervous about attending groups, and meetings, or coming to the RCSGD for information.
Don't feel threatened, most of these places offer confidentiality and support. In
the spring, the queer student groups, in collaboration with the RCSGD and other
organizations on campus, put on Pride Week--a celebration of queer life. There are
a lot of activities and events during this week and the information for Pride Week
is always available at the RCSGD.
Dealing with your sexuality and coming out can be a very difficult thing to do;
but remember that you don't have to do it alone. There is a community here at UCSB
that is always willing to help, and knows what you are going through.
--Gerardo Zepeda
|