The GSA (Gay-Straight
Alliance) is an organization
run by adviser and counselor
Jim Fillman at the Upper
Bucks Campus. The
club meets two times a
week on Tuesday and
Thursday for an hour.
At the meetings many
topics are discussed,
including concerns
about “coming out,”
homophobia, and social
acceptance. GSA is
meant to be a safe haven
for those who are not yet
comfortable with their
sexual orientation publicly.
“I think this is a great
club! It gives everyone
the opportunity to get to
know each other and
other sexual orientations,”
said Brigitte
Murphy, 22, liberal arts
major from Perkasie.
GSA is a growing
organization running for
about three years now,
starting with one member
and now at seven.
Anyone is welcome to
join. It is not only meant
for L.G.B.T (lesbian,
gay, bi-sexual, transgender)
students, but for their heterosexual
allies as well.
“This club is meant to be a
safe haven for L.G.B.T members
and their supporters. It
will help people feel good
about who they are,” said
Fillman.
GSA has come a long way
from when it first began. Every
week there is a new topic to
discuss. Fillman and the members
of the club get together
and talk about issues in the
media.
A recent discussion was
about a girl who had her prom
cancelled because she wanted
to bring her girlfriend and wear
a tux. When issues in the
media are brought up, the
members are given a chance to
discuss how they feel.
Members have the opportunity
to discuss issues while
meeting new friends. Whether
you are not sure of your sexuality
or you are just interested
meeting new people, GSA is a
great club to be a part of. The
members are welcoming and
you will learn so much about
each person.
An upcoming event for GSA
is a viewing of a controversial
video about gay marriage. The
video is set in a place called
Oil City, Pa., a city where it is
considered outlandish to be
homosexual. Two gay men
write to the local newspaper
announcing their marriage.
When the announcement is
seen in the paper, many people
have strong reactions.
GSA is not just discussion
and movies. There are also fun
social events
to be a part
of. The group
is planning
to host a
dance.
Asof press
time, this
dance was
s c h e d u l e d
for May 1 at
7 p.m. There
were light
r e f r e s h –
ments and a
D.J. All proceeds
will
be used for
G.L.S.E.N
( G a y ,
Lesbian and
S t r a i g h t
Ed u c a t i o n
Ne two r k ) .
All are
encouraged
to attend.
“This will
be kind of
like a makeup
prom,
just an event where everyone
can come together and have
fun,” said Fillman.