Shhh! Don't ask, Don't tell events held at Central Campus

By Farrah Fleitman
Staff Writer

This past year President Barack Obama proposed the plan to repeal the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Meanwhile hundreds of miles away from the White House, this past semester Broward College’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) managed to upstage the president by creating the “Do ask, do tell” policy!
Homosexual students and supporters of equality assembled on Central Campus on Oct. 8 for the “Do Ask, Do Tell” informational session, which not only raised awareness and answered questions, but also provided a warm, welcoming and judgment-free environment for students to share their experiences.
For Andrew Dutka, Archives Librarian and GSA Advisor, it was “a personal goal to host a college-wide event celebrating and recognizing National Coming Out Day,” which was Oct. 11, and hopes to “use this as a building block to have more events coming up next year.”
A panel was assembled consisting of student members Andrew C. Frosch and Amy Miller, Charles Miller, Transportation Coordinator for the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, and Jim Gigliello, local LGBT Rights Activist, who is in the process of publishing a comprehensive book on the history of the movement’s pioneers, such as Harvey Milk.
Panel members addressed such questions as, “Is the media supporting the gay community or portraying them in a negative light?” For instance, movies and television shows can give an incorrect or exaggerated idea of what being gay really is.
“I don’t want to offend anybody who likes “Will & Grace,” but growing up watching that I thought, ‘Wow, I don’t feel the way they do,’” said Frosch.
The forum also discussed how to deal with offensive and derogatory terms based on one’s sexual preference.
“Instead of [opting for] resentment and futile loathing, I’ve chosen to see those people [who are offensive] as an opportunity for growth,” said Frosch.
There was a general sentiment of unity at the event and had a powerful force driving people to push for equality. During the discussion, a student in the audience commented, “It’s up to us to change those stereotypes.”
Also mentioned was the example set by Rosa Parks, and how one valiant effort led to countless accomplishments for the Civil Rights Movement.
It was said that the gay community should follow in those footsteps and continue working to change oppressive legislature.
Students are taking a proactive approach toward their rights and there will be a video, based on the ideas of what love is, submitted to Congress by the GSA in hopes of changing preconceived notions.
Students shared their own coming out stories, and how some found acceptance from their family members to be difficult.
Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is an organization which provides support for those going through a complicated time.
The question of identity was also brought up. “It’s a part of me but it’s not who I am,” said panelist Amy Miller. This was argued by Gigliello, who stated, “it IS who I am, I want everyone to know.” There are divisions within the community regarding ideas and lifestyle choices, but this is also interpreted as freedom of expression.
“Do Ask, Do Tell” succeeded in providing answers and a comfortable environment in which to discuss them. “I’m very grateful for the GSA to put this event together...I’m thrilled,” said Dutka.
A great deal of work was put into it by GSA members including Vice President Rodrigo Labbe, who moderated the questions. “I was amazed by the turnout,” said Labbe. “I feel like I’m definitely doing this for the right reasons.”
Despite the hardships faced by the community, they continue to press forward in togetherness.
“We’re a big family... We come from different places and we’re different colors but we’re all a family,” said Gigliello. “It’s okay to be different. The difference is what makes the rainbow.”
Interested in joining the Gay Straight Alliance? Meetings are held every other Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Central Park Cafe on Central Campus. For more information, e-mail Andrew Dutka at adutka@broward.edu.