Spread the Word

Hey,

If you know anyone from UB send them a link to this blog. If you are a student at UB or from the Buffalo/Niagara community and are interested in becoming involved with the UB Pride Alliance next year send me an email at prideallies@gmail.com.

I will look forward to hearing from you, even if it is just one line.

Thanks,

Phil

FAGS (original)

FAGS

This picture is from a stretch of sidewalk on the campus at UB. The picture is photo-shopped slightly, but only for contrast and brightness. The human eye can take in a lot more than a camera lens, but even with photo shop I could not get it to burn on the screen like it did in my eyes. On the same stretch of sidewalk, the words "FAGS" and "FAG" are scrawled three times. I notified the university system through the campus police, on Wed. April 11, at 3:31 pm EDT. They said they would take care of it. This is what is looks like today.

I have talked to many people at UB who say they don't think that there is a problem with discrimination toward GLBT people. One girl even argued that using the word "GAY" as a negative word (synonymous with stupid, idiotic, unfair, lame or even ass-hole) is not discriminatory and not offensive (needless to say, she is not gay). Well, I don't offer this picture as proof that discrimination is still here. I just want people to think about it. Maybe we should all think about how easy it is to point out a group of people and make them the brunt of a joke or a favorite insult word.

The word "fag" is an extremely derogatory word, but it is also a very common word to hear in high schools, on college campuses, and while hanging-out with friends (or not-so-friends as it may be).

Here is another picture from the sidewalk. And in the next post I will show the originals (before photo shop). Homophobia is alive and well, and it is up to you and me to put an end to it.

The Beginning

Hey,

My name is Phil and I am a student at University at Buffalo. I am working on starting a Gay Straight Alliance at UB next year and I am starting a blog to get word out.

One of the main goals of the group will be to "bridge the gap" between the GLBT and the straight communities. That is the catch phrase anyway. UBGSA will concern itself with issues that concern the students and student society. Not limited to LGBT issues, but focusing mainly on human rights and human equality on all fronts.

I believe UBGSA is needed, because I believe that if TBGL people are going to live healthy lives and if straight people are going to lead healthy lives and live more colorful lives, the two groups need to work together. Let us assume that 5-10% people are BLTG, if that is true... where are they???? There are some that are active and fighting for their right to exist with the same pride, acceptance and freedom that others enjoy. Where are the others? Hiding, trying to kill the gay part of themselves, unsure of who they can trust, where to start, how to be themselves. There is a problem and it needs to be addressed.

Even completely out-of-the-closet people struggle with knowing how "gay" they can or should be. Should I try to be masculine, feminine, flaming, or low-key? Can I be open with others about how I feel about them? Can I hit on people, without being beat up? Can I be open at work, with my family, in class, or anywhere else?

There are many problems that even the most secure gay people have to address on day-to-day basis, and I know straight people can have plenty of question and concerns on the topic too.

That is all for now, but stay tuned and feel free to email me at ubgsalliance@gmail.com. I will be adding more posts in the future that you may be interested in seeing and reading.

Sincerely,

UBGSA

1st Member Phil