Straight talks give class gay education

By JENNIFER E. REITZ
Collegian Staff Writer

Craig Heller's Introduction to Women's Studies class is about to begin and five members of the University's lesbian, gay and bisexual community are standing in front of the room. From the midst of a group of students, someone shouts "dike;" and another student calls out "flamer."

The situation may seem to brim with hatred and intolerance, but it is actually an effort to introduce gay education into the classroom.

The program, called a Straight Talk, allows professors to invite volunteers from organizations such as the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance to share some of their experience with classes.

Heller has been incorporating Straight Talks into his curriculum for five years.

"I think it's one of the most effective ways to dispel myths people hold about lesbians, gays and bisexuals," Heller said.

He said most of his students react positively to the talks, considering it a chance to learn something new about a lifestyle they may not know much about.

Beth Abramson (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) said she thought it was important that students become more aware of gay issues so that they can promote sensitivity. The talk stimulated her thoughts, she said.

And that was one goal of the Straight Talk. Catharine Buck (junior-English and women's studies) led the program and encouraged students to ask questions in a respectful manner, even if they seemed offensive.

"We encourage dialogue," she said.

Buck began the program by dividing the class into groups and asking them to write down words they have heard associated with homosexuality and bisexuality. She then invited people to call out the words while Greg Korzydlo, LGBSA social-education co-director, wrote them on the blackboard.

After about 10 minutes, the board was covered with derogatory terms ranging from "sinner" and "pervert" to "queer" and "fudge-packer." Some people laughed as the list became more grotesque, others seemed timid, for fear of offending anyone.

The class then was told to relax, close their eyes and think of a person they were attracted to and cared about.

"Now open your eyes and look at the board," Buck said, pointing out that most of the words dealt with sex and that not all feelings of love are based on sex -- no matter what gender is involved.

Presenters then gave personal accounts of their experiences as lesbian, gay or bisexual people.

Darryl Sauer, LGBSA public relations/historian, talked about attending Purdue University. Sauer said going to Purdue was difficult because it was a very conservative community with only one small group representing gay people.

Although Sauer's experiences being a bisexual man at Penn State have not all been positive, "Penn State is a nirvana after going to Purdue," he said.

Other speakers discussed the ridicule they experienced in high school and how they told their parents about their sexual orientation.

The floor then opened up for a question-and-answer session during which students asked about dating, parenting, religion and AIDS.

Richard Jones (junior-criminal justice) said he did not agree with alternative families and admitting gays into the military. He also asked the speakers whether they were afraid of AIDS.

Buck said in the United States, homosexuals and bisexuals are at a greater risk, but AIDS is a disease that affects everyone.

Korzydlo added that college-age students are also at a high risk.

"If you're not scared of AIDS, you should get your head examined because you should be," he said.