GLBTA builds new foundation, name

by Anna Roy
Editorial Director

To get rid of the lengthy acronym, the student club, GLBTA, which stands for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Allies, voted to change its name to the Rainbow Alliance.

"People wanted to have a different, sort of easy referenced and understood name," said Daniel Loera, director of the center for multicultural research and campus diversity, who is also one of the four faculty advisors for the club.

GLBTA meets on alternating days so that more people can attend meetings.

The club, which has about 40 members, has several goals, including education, awareness, advocacy, unity and service, has existed at the University of La Verne off and on throughout the years. However, this year Loera and the rest of those involved feel that this year needs to focus on building a foundation for the club.

"This year, we're building the structure of the organization, getting things in order in terms of sustainability. In the past its (the club) been there, but its fallen by the wayside," Loera said.

The club members are currently working on rewriting the constitution, and getting all of the details taken care of.

"We don't want people to have to reconstruct or recreate the club in terms of the constitution. Sure they will rewrite the constitution or reconfigure it, but we don't want them to struggle with it," Loera said.

The club has a solid base of faculty support, in addition to several graduate and undergraduate members.

"We've gotten great support from some staff and faculty with the organization and club idea and I think that generally there's a perception that ULV is a pretty conservative, traditional place. Not the safest place for people to be openly gay. But it's been surprisingly well received and supported despite the perception that it would be very difficult to organize," Loera said.

Since the club has been involved with foundation building, it has not begun to put on events but it was involved in a panel discussion during the performances of Cloud Nine this past year, a play dealing with issues such as identity and sex.

"I think that there needs to be a lot of education as to who the gay, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered individuals are, and how they need to be integrated more fully into the life of the university," Loera said.

He also mentioned that people's 'stay in the closet' attitudes, like 'You can be gay, but don't put it in my face' simply keep people from coming out to others as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered. Loera also said these are attitudes of privilege.

Loera mentioned that having an organization in turn opens up the process of dialogue, which allows for other students to learn as well. Moreover, those students involved in the club begin to identify and find out more about themselves, which is critical for all persons.

"Where is the dignity of the educational process if we aren't helping people explore who they are? If they can't explore who they are, there's a failing of student learning," said Loera. "For me, it's a part of the whole range of diversity that exists here."

Elections for the club are scheduled for later in the year. For more information on the next meeting dates, contact Daniel Loera at extension 4253.