Spring 1997 Newsletter

Campus Report
A Report from the Queer-Straight Alliance

by Jennifer Cartee '97, QSA treasurer and BiGALA liaison

Over the past year, I have been the BiGALA liaison for Williams' Queer/Straight Alliance, which, in conjunction with the BGLU, tries to provide supportive, safe space for students struggling with issues of sexuality and plans programming focused on queer issues. In addition, when necessary, we try to make our voices heard to help influence the campus atmosphere, administrative policies, etc.

The extent to which BiGALA has revitalized itself over the last year is impressive. In order to keep that energy level high, I believe a continued connection with the current student body (about 8% are out before graduating) is essential. Toward that end, I would like to take a bit of column space here to update you on the activities we have recently sponsored and are planning for the future.

Traditionally, the events of the first semester surrounding Coming Out Daze are introspective and designed to build and strengthen the queer community itself. In all honesty, we were also still recovering some of the energy lost fighting the Free Press's lack of journalistic integrity. To help re-focus, most of our programming in October was internal. BGLU and QSA sponsored film nights, a party with the BSU, special meeting topics, a presentation on safer sex, and a gorgeous drag show. On the more academic side, we also co-sponsored Ricardo Ortiz as a lecturer for Latino/a Heritage month.

The week of Valentine's Day was chock full of events sponsored by QSA. The programming as a whole was dubbed Rainbow Days to signify our support for diversity within the entire Williams community, queer and straight alike.

Queer Pride '97 this year is from Friday, April 18 through Saturday, May 4 and is titled "subversion is our perversion." The week features talks by gay author Samuel Delaney, lesbian cartoonist Allison Bechdel, and Urvashi Vaid, director of NGLTF's Policy Institute. As always, it is BLGU's aim to inundate the Williams campus with programming and activities related to gender and sexuality. Other highlights include a viewing of Ellen's "coming out" episode, social events galore, a discussion of "science and queerness," and a mock marriage ceremony.

Also on the calendar this spring, the many donations to the Hardy House Library will finally be formally accepted in a ceremony with Paul R. Barstow '48. In addition, the gorgeous, new, professionally designed 5' x 22' banners proclaiming QUEER PRIDE will hang from Chapin Hall. From my perspective, nothing but good can come out of continuing to strengthen the relationship between BiGALA and current students. We look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

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