The Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance voted last night to include transgender issues into their organization. But, the proposal to add "transgender" to the organization's name and incorporate related issues into their mission and constitution was strongly debated and defeated by a margin of one percent.

The issue is complicated and possibly confusing, said Holly Bemiss, LGBSA political co-director. Transgender can mean something as subtle as breaking a "gender rule," such as a man wearing a dress for Halloween, to someone having a sex change, Bemiss said. The definition of transgender also includes intersexed people (those born with both sex organs,) cross-dressers (people who dress in clothing generally associated with the opposite sex,) androgynes (people who indentify in some degree to both genders) and a variety of other groups.

The first issue, proposed to include transgender issues in LGBSA, passed by a vote of 29 to 2.

"To me, this vote means we are going to do more than what we've done in the past," said Karen Feldbaum, executive assistant to the vice-provost of educational equity. "I wouldn't say what we've done so far is to say we have embraced transgender issues."

The second ballot dealt with adding "transgender" to the organization's name. The vote was 15 in favor and 13 against with two abstentions. But, LGBSA's constitution states that the vote must pass by a margin of at least 51 percent.

Almost immediately after the results were announced, a motion was made and seconded to vote on the exact proposal again in two weeks at the LGBSA general meeting.

Members discussed the proposal before the vote, and brought to the discussion different aspects of the issue.

"If this vote passes," said Catharine Buck (junior-English and women's studies), "we are going to work really hard," citing the fact that LGBSA's constitution would have to be amended.

Feldbaum discussed the impact the decision might have outside of LGBSA.

"I think there are going to be other lesbians, gays and bisexuals who don't buy into this," Feldbaum said.

"A lot of people have said, 'You are going to further marginalize an already-marginalized group,' " Bemiss said.

Despite the challenges that LGBSA would have to face if the vote were passed, backing of the proposal was strong. The group discussed reasons to add the name including making the group more welcoming to transgenders.

Members of LGBSA met last week to discuss how the proposals would be worded and presented for the votes. Due to strong differences of opinion represented at that meeting, Bemiss and other members anticipated some tension after the vote was taken last night.

"We imagine this group will need some pulling back together after this vote," Bemiss said.