Lock Haven University Safe Zone

Below are some frequently asked questions that we have encountered regarding the GLBT community, Allies, and supporting members of the GLBT community.

What is LGBT?
LGBT stands for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender.  It’s a short acronym to represent the primary sexual orientation and gender identity minorities.  (GLBT is the same thing.) Lesbian refers to females who are sexually attracted to members of the same sex, gay refers to males who are sexually attracted to members of the same sex, and bisexual refers to people who are sexually attracted to members of both sexes. Transgender refers to people whose gender identities do not match their biological sex. For example, people with a gender identity of female (thinks of themselves as female) but a biological sex of male is considered transgendered. Although Transgender is connected with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual, gender identity is independent of sexual orientation and someone who is transgender may also be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or heterosexual.

Is being LGBT a choice?
No one really knows for sure what causes sexual orientation or sexual identity; science hasn’t discovered that answer yet.  Some people believe that people choose to be gay because of socialization or psychological make up. Both of these schools of thought place the emphasis on choice. However, the consensus among researchers is that sexual orientation and sexual identity are biologically based and occur during prenatal development. This implies that being LGBT is not a choice. At the same time, the exact causes of sexual orientation and sexual identity are not fully understood. In recognition of the large amount of evidence that being lesbian, gay, or bisexual is not a choice, we recommend using the term sexual orientation instead of sexual preference.

What is it like being LGBT in the residence halls?
Being a minority in a residence hall can be difficult at times. A college campus is a microcosm of society, meaning it is a mini-society. A student can expect to encounter the same issues on a college campus that he or she might in a residential community.  Views and beliefs systems from multiple regions, cultures, and religions are bound to circulate through a college dormitory.  Although this is a good thing because the point of college life is to share ideas, beliefs, and theories, some times, because of current political agendas, religious beliefs, and other view points, homosexuality is ignorantly looked down upon. 

What should I do if I am harassed for being LGBT or an Ally? What do I do if I experience discrimination in the classroom?
First, realize that whatever happened to you was wrong and is not your fault. Do not take the blame for someone else's intolerance. Second, take care of yourself. Find support from friends, family, or individuals on campus that are here to provide support, such as the GSA or any of our Allies.  Third, please strongly consider reporting the harassment.  If you are willing to do this, you can call or meet with Albert Jones in Sullivan 301. 

Who is Albert Jones?
If you are being harassed in any way, anywhere, on campus, especially the classroom, Albert Jones is the individual to seek out.  He is the acting Ombudsman for this campus, as well as the Director of Social Equity. An Ombudsman is a person who investigates and attempts to resolve complaints and problems, between employees and an employer or between students and a university. As the ombudsman and Director of Social Equity, Albert Jones will resolve any and all conflicts regarding the treatment of students swiftly and effectively.  Albert Jones has provided a description of the process below:

From Albert W. Jones (Assistant to the President, Director of Social Equity, and University Ombudsman):

My office is at East Campus in Room J202 and I can be reached by phone at 570-484-2838.  The Equity Office website is located at http://www.lhup.edu/equity/

I meet with individuals on an informal basis to discuss issues relating to discrimination and harassment and to explain the formal complaint process, if you want to go this route. I can meet with you, or anyone that needs guidance in this area, when it is convenient.

If you experience any harassment and discrimination related to your sexual lifestyle/orientation, you should document the experience and your issues and concerns. As you document these incidents, arrange a meeting with me for follow up and additional information.

What LGBT support is offered in Fraternity and Sorority Life?
There is a national group for LGBT Greek members called the Greek Safe Zone, which is a part of the Lambda 10 Project. You can find out more about this organization at their web site, www.lambda10.org/, or by emailing them at info@lambda10.org
 

Who can I talk to about LGBT issues on campus?
Any of our Allies are willing to provide support, simply listen, and help you however they can.  Resident Directors and/or Resident Assistants are always here for you if you live in the dorms. If you live off campus, or would like to see someone else, Kenny Hall, of the Human and Cultural Diversity office, will always listen.  Alternatively, if you are looking for more social support, you can speak to the members of the student run GSA. If you are struggling with larger issues, you can speak to any one of the counselors in Student Counseling Services.

What is National Coming Out Day?
National Coming Out Day (NCOD) celebrates Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender persons. The first NCOD occurred as a march in Washington, D.C. on October 11, 1987. Months later, several individuals decided to celebrate this march by recognizing its anniversary every year. Since then, this date has been widely celebrated and is seen as a symbol of hope and strength for many people in the LGBT community.  In many LGBT organizations, this is a day filled with celebrations and activities, much like the gay pride week.

Is there a safe place in the residence halls for LGBT students?
If you like or trust your RA, the RA’s Room is a safe place. If you feel safer in the presence of your RD, then see visit your RD in her/his office.  However, if you are looking for a safe place because you don’t feel safe in your own room, see your RD immediately.  Anything that can be done, will be done to make you feel as safe as humanly possible in your Lock Haven home. 

Are there any gender neutral, unisex, or single stall restrooms on campus?
There are three locations on campus:

1. floor 1 of Russell; as you walk in to Russell, it is in the corner to your right, close to the windows.

2. the 24 study hour lounge of the library.

3. the Thomas Field House Annex.

If I go to an LGBT event, will that out me?
Not necessarily. You make the decision to come out as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, ally, or straight person. The LGBT community has several allies, people who may or may not be LGBT, but are openly committed to supporting LGBT students. We are a community that tries to avoid assumptions about the sexual orientation of any person. Again, it will be your decision if, when, and who you choose to come out to.

What is an Ally? How do Allies fit into the LGBT community?
An Ally is an advocate for the LGBT community. An ally openly supports LGBT people.  Allies are integral to the LGBT community because they are an example to those outside the LGBT community that a person who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender is a person who deserves the same rights and privileges as those who are straight. Since allies openly support the LGBT community, they must be willing to voice their support. In many ways they must also “come out” to people as an ally of the LGBT community.

What are Straight Talks?
Straight Talks are, in essence, panel discussions in which members of the LGBT community discuss stereotypes about the LGBT community and personal experiences, and answer questions from those attending. Straight Talks are typically an open forum and provide those attending with a glimpse of what it means to be LGBT.

Are there any LGBT Friendly Hang-Outs?
Player’s, on Sunday nights, offers ‘Rainbow Night’.  Club Z in Williamsport is another club where GLBT people who are 21 and older can party and dance.

Are there counseling or therapy services for LGBT issues?
There are counseling services located both on and off campus.  For more information about any of these services, visit the Counseling Services page.

The LHU Student Counseling Services (SCS) can provide you on campus counseling and therapy services.  SCS has several counselors, of both genders, with a variety of backgrounds, including licensed psychologists and social workers.  You can contact our SCS department between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday, to schedule an appointment between those hours.  It may take between a day and a week to schedule the appointment.  The number is 570-484-2479.  

If you need some one to talk to immediately, or prefer to use office campus services, you can call these hotlines.

• Gay and Lesbian Helpline at 888-340-4528
  
  
• LBGT Youth Crisis at 800-347-8336

What do I do if my child comes out to me?
Parents often take it very hard when a child comes out as LGBT. They may sometimes blame themselves, thinking they did something wrong. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many parents come to grips with this after some time, and they often do so with the support of other parents who have gone through a son or daughter coming out to them.  

There is an organization called Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) that offers support for family and friends of the LGBT community. Visit the PFLAG website for more information. This website contains information on the many PFLAG chapters in existence, with more than18 PFLAG chapters in Pennsylvania alone. The PFLAG website is also available in Spanish.

In addition, you may wish to become involved in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).  For more information about the HRC, visit their website. This website may give you greater insight into what your son or daughter is going through while coming out.

For more information regarding supporting a LGBT loved one, please visit our Loved Ones page.

My brother/sister/parent just came out. How can I show support?
Having a sibling or parent come out may be extremely difficult. Considering the societal implications that go with being LGBT, your sister, brother, or parent may be feeling very isolated. One way to support your family member is to listen to them, and treat them the way you always have.  Your loved one is not a different person after coming out to you; they are the same loving brother/sister or mom/dad.  You can also join the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), which is an organization of people who have gone through the same thing as you are.  Visit the PFLAG website for more information.

In addition, visit the Human Rights Campaign and check out their pages on ‘Coming Out’. Both websites can give you some insight and information on what your family member may be going through. Finally, talk to your sister, brother or parent. Let your family member know that you will support him or her, and that you are proud he or she decided to come out.

For more information regarding supporting a LGBT loved one, please visit our Loved Ones page.

What do I do if my roommate comes out to me?
The best thing to do is listen to your roommate. You may not agree with what he or she is telling you and that is okay. If this is the case, make sure you talk to your roommate, RA, RD, or someone else you trust to help you both through this situation. Realize that the reason your roommate came out to you is not that he or she is attracted to you. Rather, your roommate likely came out in order to live openly and honestly.

What do I do if my friend comes out to me?
Coming out is a very personal process. It is an important step in acceptance of an LGBT identity. It is difficult to know what to say and do to be a supportive friend but here are some suggestions:

• Thank your friend for having the courage to tell you. Choosing to tell you means they have a great deal of respect and trust for you.

• Don’t judge your friend. If you have strong beliefs about homosexuality, keep them to yourself for now. There will be plenty of time in the future for you to think and talk about your beliefs in light of your friend’s orientation.

• Respect your friend’s confidentiality. They are probably not ready to tell others right away and want to tell people in their own way.

• Ask any questions you may have, but be prepared that your friend may not have all the answers. You can save some questions for later or, better yet, you can find some answers together.

As a friend, there is more you can do than what is listed here. The best thing to do, though, is to simply provide your friend with support and friendship. For more information regarding support of a LGBT friend, please visit our Loved Ones page.

What if I’m Straight and a LGBT of the same sex asks me out on a date?
You would do the same things you do if any person you are not interested in asks you out. For example, you could simply say, “No, I’m sorry, but I don’t feel that way about you.”  Very, very simple!