Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual Coop thrives

By Eric Brown

During your four years at Yale, you will have many new experiences. Among them may be coming out of the closet, finding a gay community, or simply meeting "out" lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders (L/G/B/T).

Whether you're queer and out, queer and closeted, straight, or somewhere in between, at Yale you will encounter many people who are openly gay; understanding and appreciating diverse experiences is one of the most exciting aspects of Yale life. We are everywhere: in your college, in your classes, in the gym, on your teams, and in your singing groups. We are all sorts of people: your best friends, your professors, your lovers, your teaching assistants, your freshman counselors, and your roommates.

The atmosphere of the University is generally tolerant of homosexuality, and large L/G/B/T communities offer support and friendship. Many gays choose to involve themselves in activism and politics, while others exist more discreetly within every aspect of Yale life.

Those interested in queer social and political organizations find many groups to explore. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Cooperative at Yale (the "Co-op" for short) is the principal homosexual organization on campus. It's an umbrella organization for campus L/G/B/T groups and is the "political wing" of the different Yale L/G/B/T communities. Co-op members recently voted to add "transgender" to its title in order to recognize individuals who do not follow biological definitions of gender, such as those who identify with the opposite gender but are not necessarily homosexual.

The Co-op sponsors a wide variety of events throughout the year for the gay community, as well as the larger student body. Look for the famous Co-op dances every month or so, and plan ahead for Pride Week, in April. It features lecturers, performers, and artists from all over the country who come to celebrate the queer community at Yale.

YaLesbians, GAYalies, and Biways are discussion groups available for Yalies who want to share their experiences with other students in similar situations. Abraxas is a similar group just for freshmen. Pathways is a telephone peer counseling service available for anyone who has questions about sexuality.

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