“Open Conversation” Undergoes Name Change
June 4, 2009 | Contributed by Ben Bonnema
Whitworth is making history. Last spring, “Open Conversation: Orientation” became the first officially chartered club to deal specifically with sexual orientation. This past school year I served as President of this club, holding events that encouraged discussion and doing my best to ensure students of all orientations had a safe place to go.
Now we make history again. Whitworth now has a club called “Open Conversation: Gay-Straight Association.” It’s the first Whitworth club to have “Gay-Straight” in the title, and the closest we’ve come to a Gay-Straight Alliance.
Why did I seek to change the name? This past year, I often had people coming up to me, wondering what our club was about. “Open Conversation? What? Is it a speech club?” Or, “Whose orientation? Is it about sex?” I wanted a name with more clarity, while still being a club that would foster discussion.
Of course, it took many years for us to even get as far as “Open Conversation: Orientation.” Mandi Curtain and Erika Prins told me many stories of their talks with various administrators, and their unsuccessful attempts to charter a club for LGBT students and their allies.
Previous attempts included “Open Conversation: GLBTQ&A.” Failed because it was still not inclusive enough.
So this past year I picked up where Erika and Mandi left off. After several conversations with Kathy Storm, we agreed on the new title.
The name is a compromise – many of the administrators felt it necessary for “Open Conversation” to remain in the title, while understanding that the purpose of the club and its inclusiveness is more apparent with the new name.
My first choice was to just have our club called “Gay-Straight Alliance,” and ideally be affiliated with the National Movement. I understand, though, why this can’t happen at Whitworth – at least not yet. The neutrality stance that Whitworth has chosen prevents it from endorsing “advocacy groups,” and as Kathy put it, “You don’t have to look far into the GSA website to find its political agenda. And that’s good – it should have one. But Whitworth can’t share in its mission.” (Not exact quote)
I can definitely appreciate the position that Whitworth and its administrators are in. A lot of faculty and admins want to be supportive because they don’t agree with the traditional or conservative interpretation of certain Bible verses. And the neutral stance is good in this sense – it allows them to work in a place where they don’t have to say “it’s a sin!” Other universities that have official negative stances wouldn’t be a good home for these allies.
Of course, I’d like to see Whitworth go further. I’d like the supportive faculty to be more vocal. I’d like to see more students show up to GSA events. I’d like to see Whitworth hire openly gay faculty.
Still, having a club where we can at least abbreviate it as “GSA” and not be lying is nice. Progress is being made. And who knows what the future will be like? Just yesterday, New Hampshire became the sixth state to offer marriage equality.
I’m often reminded of the words of the brilliant director of the Whitworth Choir, Marc Hafso: “It’s not a matter of if gays and lesbians receive full acceptance, but when.”
Here’s hoping, Marc. One step at a time.
Comments
16 Responses to ““Open Conversation” Undergoes Name Change”
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Ok… but how far do you have to look on the website to find a political agenda for the Young Republicans or Young Democrats? Or is there a different category for that kind of group?
Grady is right that the “agenda” justification doesn’t hold water. Nevertheless, this is a promising development, late as it may be. It’s a shame that Whitworth isn’t trying to spearhead this field in the way it’s tried to spearhead environmental responsibility.
I heard about the name change awhile back, before it became official, and it is awesome news! Way to go Ben! I do however understand Whitworth’s choice to not wanting an affiliated club.
Since it is a private university connected to an organization (the Presbyterian Church) it does have to be careful about what it does and does not endorse. Even though you could argue that the GSA doesn’t have a political agenda you can also argue that it does, and if they allow that, then they will have to start allowing other clubs that are even more clearly against what the University believes.
Unfortunately there are also probably some money issues surrounding this. I wouldn’t be surprised if the college was worried about some of their more conservative donors objecting to having an alliance chapter on campus.
It is a sad story, but this is at least a step in the right direction, and at long last we can say the word ‘gay’ and still be associated with Whitworth.
As a christian school, Whitworth should not be endorsing homosexuality. Period. That does not mean that it shouldn’t accept students who see themselves as dealing with that issue. But it does mean that upholding Biblical standards is important. Because it’s a christian school. And hiring openly unrepentant homosexuals does not make sense. Because it’s a christian school. Does this all sound very straightforward? Yes. Do you like it? Maybe not. But consider what the Bible says about homosexuality. God loves everyone. But he hates sin. Anybody’s sin. He wants us to walk uprightly. Endorsing sin doesn’t, therefore, make sense. Any kind of sin.
Mickey,
Please explain to me how allowing a club on campus endorses their positions.
Does the Spokesman-Review endorse every single letter-to-the-editor it prints?
Mickey, realize that intelligent people of faith disagree on the topic of homosexuality. There’s a lot of credible evidence that suggests the Bible does not condemn homosexuality, as many Christians believe. The six or so verses that mention it, when put into cultural context, say nothing about modern-day homosexuality.
And you say Whitworth should accept students who are “dealing with that issue”? That’s exactly what the club is about. It provides a safe place for people who are dealing with homosexuality.
You assume being gay is a sin. Have you researched the other side? I’d recommend the following resources:
-BOOK: “Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality” by Jack Rogers
-DOCUMENTARY: “For the Bible Tells Me So”
- http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible-gay-christian
Be open to the fact that your notions about homosexuality may not be correct, or even Biblical.
Frankly given what happened to me in the mid 1990’s when I tried to start a support group for GLB students this is amazing.
So some major kudos to you guys!
How unclear is Romans 1? Jesus came to set us free from sin. To say that Jesus’ blood was not shed for immorality of all sorts is a mockery to the Lord Jesus Christ. He came to make us Holy and Righteous in his sight. Ephesians 2 “this is what you were” not what you are as his death set us free from sin and death. Do not be deceived!
Yes, Aron, but what does that have to do with the topic of the post?
Daniel,
This is what I was responding to in the post.
“Of course, I’d like to see Whitworth go further. I’d like the supportive faculty to be more vocal. I’d like to see more students show up to GSA events. I’d like to see Whitworth hire openly gay faculty.
Still, having a club where we can at least abbreviate it as “GSA” and not be lying is nice. Progress is being made. And who knows what the future will be like? Just yesterday, New Hampshire became the sixth state to offer marriage equality.
I’m often reminded of the words of the brilliant director of the Whitworth Choir, Marc Hafso: “It’s not a matter of if gays and lesbians receive full acceptance, but when.”
Here’s hoping, Marc. One step at a time.”
Aron, I encourage you to read this article. It has a section in it on Romans 1.
http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible-gay-christian
I’m so glad to see that there is finally an openly recognized organization for GLBT students and allies. It has been a long time coming. There is nothing about being Presbyterian that limits the ability of Whitworth to be supportive of LGBT students, faculty, and staff. Actually, close mindedness and condemnation is counter to both the Christian faith and the PCUSA.
Sending encouragement to the students who have been so courageous.
Shawn, Class of 1984
I’m thrilled to see Whitworth slowly becoming more tolerant and, I have to say it, doing the right thing. Whitworth’s GLBT students have much to offer their campus and should be supported and respected. While religion has its place, it should not be used to persecute, oppress, or deny opportunities to any group. To those that ignorantly state with absolute certainty that homosexuality is wrong, I have to ask and wonder who are you to make such a determination?
Thanks to all those at Whitworth who have kept an open mind and have had the courage to do the right thing.
This is just another reason I am a proud Whitworth Alum!
Hey Ben and everyone involved.
I am the Vice President of Eastern University’s student body (a CCCU college near philadelphia. I am so proud of what you guys are doing. We are currently going through the same process here, with much less success. Our SGA has approved a club called “Refuge,” but it has hit a road block with a stubborn, and slightly fearful faculty and administration.
keep fighting for justice.
I attended Whitworth 1969-71. Coming from a Presbyterian background, I found the college a great experience. It could have been much greater if it had helped me understand who I was, in the context of my faith. Sadly, it couldn’t do that. I have since found several other gay people who attended when I did, and yet we didn’t know that we were all having the same questions. A couple have died (quietly, of cancer or pneumonia, you know the idea).
I have been working with first Presbyterian Gay Caucus and all its later forms (now More Light Presbyterians) for almost 40 years. We still haven’t managed to get the barrier to gay ordination overturned. A lifetime of trying.
More conservative church people shouldn’t be afraid of sexuality and gender issues. God is so much bigger than our concept of God. God is so much bigger than we can imagine. God will still be in the heavens as we study and try to separate truth from cultural baggage. We need to relax, stop judging, and let the Spirit do its work.
I now reside in Canada, and am a member of the United Church, which includes 2/3 of what was the Presbyterian Church at the time of the merger. The United Church fully accepted gay clergy in 1986. They fully accept marriage equality (though some congregations still balk at same sex services). And guess what? The world keeps turning. It is so nice not to have to be concerned with sexuality. It is what it is. We have more important things to concentrate on.
In my church, we have had lesbian and gay ministers. The present chairman of the board is gay, as is a past-chair. We host same-sex weddings, as well as opposite sex. Several choir members are gay. A couple who had just celebrated their 50th anniversary (and have been members all along) were Grand Marshals of the Toronto Pride Parade, which draws over a million watchers. Gay people contribute dramatically to the vitality of the life and ministry in our congregation.
Whitworth, when I was there, was trying to lead into the next century while also trying not to offend the sources of their money. I guess it is ever thus. But Whitworth needs to be courageous and unafraid in its analysis of what the history of the Christian Church really is, and what the meaning of being a Christian really is. Our understanding of both were very limited 50 and 100 years ago. We can’t be mired in the faulty understandings of the past, or we cannot be true to the mission we are given. We have to have the courage to let the Holy Spirit lead us.
Congratulations to those who are successfully chipping away at the bigotry and fear that prevents us from being who God created us to be.
You give me continued hope.