The Coalition of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Graduate Students shows athletic support

It can be pretty hard to stand out among thousands of people in the crowd at a basketball game in The Bryce Jordan Center.

In the same way, lesbian, gay and bisexual athletes are often overlooked. Becoming a part of a close-knit team can mean more than training hard and listening to a coach. For some athletes, it can mean hiding who they are.

In an effort to show support for these overlooked athletes, a group of fans drew some attention to themselves at the Lady Lions' game against Iowa Sunday.

Instead of yelling "Hi, mom" into ESPN2's cameras or showing off their paw-printed cheeks, about 17 people wore T-shirts spelling out "We support PSU's gay and lesbian athletes."

The effort was organized by the Coalition of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Graduate Students and involved members of the coalition, the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance, Allies and others who wanted to show their support.

"We wanted to support all the gay and lesbian athletes on Penn State's campus because they're usually not recognized," said Erin Cross, political chair of the coalition. "We just wanted to show our support."

The Iowa game was the second time this season the coalition organized a show of support at a Lady Lion basketball game, but it was the first time a significant number of fans made their support of lesbian, gay and bisexual athletes visible.

"This is the biggest we've done in support of athletes," Cross said. "We're hoping to do more. We want to hit as many as we can."

While the T-shirts were clearly visible, LGBSA Political Co-Director Duane Gildea said none of the other fans said anything about the statement being made around them. So while there was no outpouring support, there also was no negative reaction.

"We hope for the best," Gildea said, "and prepare for the worst."

The fans were not the only ones who seemed not to notice the efforts of the coalition. Lady Lion coach Rene Portland said she hadn't seen the rows of fans supporting lesbian, gay and bisexual athletes either.

"I have enough problems coaching my kids on the court," Portland said. "Anytime I look up, it's to see my mother."

While Portland may not have noticed the coalition's efforts, her reactions will be closely watched by those who remember the 1991 controversy about Portland's reported policy of not recruiting lesbians. In 1991, a sexual orientation clause was added to the University's nondiscrimination policy, and Portland's acceptance of the policy was questioned.

Since 1991, the furor over Portland's past statements about lesbians playing for the Lady Lions has died down. Portland said in 1991 that she understood the nondiscrimination policy and her duty to uphold it as a coach.

Although the coalition's action was in support of athletes and not a protest against Portland, Gildea said there is still concern about Portland's attitude toward lesbian, gay and bisexual athletes.

"I hope she'll come out and take a stand in support of lesbian, gay and bisexual athletes, in support of athletes, regardless of their sexual orientation," Gildea said.

But for now, the coalition's goals are simple: Create a supportive environment for all Penn State athletes and watch some quality basketball.

"We're trying to make certain that it is a hospitable atmosphere," Gildea said. "And we like to watch women's basketball."