The announcement by Texas Christian University that they have created separate housing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students has come at a time when there have been a few steps forward for the LGBT community. Vermont has become the first state to legalize gay marriage through a bill of law as opposed to a judge's decision. This followed a decision by the Iowa Supreme Court which stated that not allowing gay marriage is a violation of the Constitution.
The university's decision could very well be seen in the context of progression that is being achieved in the area of civil rights for the LGBT community - however, I'm not quite convinced that this is the case.
I have never had to experience the vicious indignities and prejudices that many members of the gay community have endured, but I have witnessed some unbelievable cruelty being inflicted on gay friends and students. It would therefore, make sense, to create separate areas where members of the LGBT community can feel safe and supported during their college years.
It's the separate part that bothers me.
On the one hand, the concept of creating areas to accommodate individuals of like minds does appear to be a form of progress - especially because it is being created by an organization that identifies itself as Christian. However, the fact that we need to segregate people in order for them to feel supported does not seem progressive and indicates some deep flaws in the fabric of our collective approach towards tolerance.
Yes, we all like to surround ourselves with like-minded people. It seems to be a part of our human nature. Still, I can't help but wonder if we will ever evolve to a point where our differences will no longer matter.
Comments
I think it depends. My university had a floor themed LGBT inside one of the residence halls (happened to be mine). They were separate in that way, but were part of the larger residence hall. So I guess it depends on how separate. (btw, I'm talking about UC Berkeley, possibly the most progressive public university in the country)
It depends on the separate housing condition, whether the students are hassled with eg signs telling they are sinners, etc
I don't like the idea, because it sets up what the south was about for the longest time - segregation. I think I would demand, if I was gay, and a student there, housing in the mainstream section. And send the Univ. to hell if they didn't accomodate me due to discrimination.
It is in some ways progress, and in some ways just a focus on the rabid christian extremists need to denigrate someone new, to blind the mind and harden the heart.
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