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* Let others know that derogatory gestures and jokes are not amusing–they cause pain and embarrassment. Challenge your colleagues and students who tell jokes at the expense of a sexual, racial or ethnic minority. As with racial or sexist slurs, challenge students who use names, such as "fag" or "queer," in a derogatory manner in your presence. * Use campus incidents of hate speech or violence to develop a "teachable moment." * Be aware that the gay student is often uncomfortable, invisible, isolated and needs acceptance from you. * A gay student may not admit to being gay due to denial, the pressure to conform, or need for self-protection. Don't confront a student who is reluctant. * If a student tells you that he or she is gay, thank the student for trusting you and keep it to yourself. Listen carefully; don't assume you know in advance what it means to this person to be gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Keep the door open for further conversation. If the student needs help, the Counseling Center is available. * Seek opportunities in the classroom to introduce the contributions of gay, lesbian or bisexual people or other minorities. If a key person in the field is gay, lesbian, or bisexual or a member of any other minority, say so. * Use inclusive language in the classroom. * Support colleagues and students in the process of coming out. * Encourage unbiased scholarship in the study of the gay experience. Support and recognize your NMU colleagues who take the risk of integrating gay studies into their research or teaching. * Integrate material about homosexuality into standard courses where appropriate. * Look for new information on intersections between gay experience and your field. The last few years have witnessed a blossoming of scholarship on gay and lesbian issues in many disciplines. Encourage students to write on such topics. * Look for a gay caucus in your professional association. These organizations often provide assistance and compile useful information. * Advocate for domestic partner benefits for same-sex partners of employees and their children to make it feasible for gay and lesbian faculty, administrators, and staff to accept positions at NMU and help them to stay. * Silence encourages and helps perpetuate homophobia. Break the silence.
Create an Alliance
for all diverse people. To just have clubs downplays their importance,
to just have support groups is perhaps too clinical. Alliance is
a term inviting all diverse people to come out and come together!
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