Proud of PRIDE : An Observational Look A t UNCC’s Spectrum Club

1. Proud of PRIDE:An Observational Look At UNCC’s Spectrum Club Joni Coty English 1102

2. Agenda

3. What is Spectrum? • University of North Carolina’s LGBTQ or LGBTQIA club • Could also be known as a Gay-Straight Alliance [GSA] • Organized, led, and endorsed by students [through optional dues] • Full name is PRIDE Spectrum • PRIDE - People Recognizing Individual Diversity and Equality

4. Spectrum’s Purpose “Promote awareness, advocacy, education, and the culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, intersex, and ally issues to the UNC Charlotte community” – Spectrum’s Mission Statement Provide a safe environment for all.

5. What was being observed? • While the goal and purpose of Spectrum is clear, it is not immediately known as to how this is achieved • How do LGBTQIA clubs, specifically Spectrum, foster a sense of acceptance, unity, and support for its members while facing stereotypes and ignorance amongst the LGBTQ and outside community?

6. The First Meeting • Met in Nate’s Lounge at the Student Union at 5:00 on Monday • Greeted by informative table display that welcomed students • Offered pamphlets, buttons, stickers, etc. that promoted love, peace, equal rights, and representation • Was welcomed by Spectrum’s president and the secretary • Entered in to a bustling, chatty, colorful environment

7. Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Asexual/Ally • Large variety of people, dressed in conservative to alternative styles • Relaxed, friendly conversations and introductions created a welcoming environment • Announcements & intros first • The club was having an activity! • Decorated posters representing each part of the sexual minority spectrum • Broke in to different groups • Shared supplies and ideas • Members checked on the signs to make sure ideas and definitions were well defined & represented fully

8. Members of Spectrum stand to represent each group on the sexual minority spectrum using the newly decorated posters.

9. The Second Meeting • Met in the usual, more private room at the Student Union • Focus was on Transsexuality, Transgender topics, and gender identification • Each member expressed their gender pronoun preferences - Trans or not • Open, honest discussion with member-led topics and posed questions to Trans members and to non-Trans members in return • Addressed stereotypes (i.e. heavy makeup on women/men “a hot tranny mess”) • Observed understanding and learning in members as they engaged and listened

10. Why do these meeting matter? What is the point of those first two meetings and meetings like those in relation to the LGBTQ community? Why is acceptance, unity, support, involvement, friendship, open communication, activism, representation, & facing stereotypes important? So? Why have Spectrum?

11. Burdening the Rainbow • LGBTQ members are more likely to face mental and emotional stress/illness than heterosexual individuals • Youth are the most susceptible to mental and emotional issues • This can be attributed to: • Hormonal Changes • Lack of support from family & friends • Disownment and Homelessness • Bullying, abuse, and discrimination • Lack of self-acceptance • Conflicts with personal/family religion • Little to no relatable peers or role models

12. Depression & Substance Abuse • LGBTQ youth and adults are at higher risk for depression • Due to various issues, most often linked to family problems and dealing with acceptance • Higher likelihood to abuse drugs and alcohol in order to self-medicate/cope • Especially if they are afraid of coming out to a professional • Effects homeless youth more

13. Suicide From the Trevor Project: • “Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10- 24” • “GB youth are 4 times more likely, and questioning youth are 3 times more likely, to attempt suicide as their straight peers” • “Each episode of LGBT victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average” Ellen DeGeneres speaks out about suicide in the LGBTQ community and honors lost lives.

14. Harassment, Stereotypes, Hatred • Even as society progresses in openness and acceptance, LGTQ members continue to face abuse, negativity, discrimination, hatred, & harmful stereotypes • In some areas, they may also face jail time, the removal of rights, and even death

16. These negativities that bombard LGBTQ individuals are the leading cause of the increase in depression, substance abuse, and attempted/successful suicide • This is known as the minority stress theory, which claims that these three things are the main factors in the chronologically higher stress levels found in LGBTQ peoples (Lea, Wit, and Reynolds, pg. 2) • Internalized homophobia • Perceived stigma • Experienced prejudice events

17. These videos featuring two separate GSAs are excellent examples for showing the varied challenges that LGBTQ members face, why members joined a GSA, and how these clubs are helping youth cope with discrimination, breaking down stereotypes, gain confidence in who they are, deal with issues, and find relatable friends.

18. Benefits of GSAs • Heck, Flentje, and Cochran found that GSA’s benefits had a positive impact on minority stress theory: (pg. 163) • “the presence of GSAs in schools may contribute to a safer atmosphere for LGBT youth by sending a message that hate speech and victimization will not be tolerated” • “school may be viewed as a place where LGBT youth feel they belong and are supported” • “may provide a space where heterosexual youth can become educated about LGBT issues, and they may also provide support to children of same-sex parents.” • “Can encourage leadership by providing opportunities to develop initiatives to address inequality in schools or communities “ (Poteat, DiGiovanni, Sinclair, and Koenig pg 321) • Help youth “develop feelings of pride and experience a more positive identity development” (MURPHY pg. 886)

19. Why has Spectrum done for its members? • “Pride has given me the opportunity to find other queer people with similar interests. I was getting kind of sick of being friends with just straight people just because of where I grew up. Having queer friends is incredibly empowering, and I'm glad I was able to make a few.” – Jessie (Interview) • “It's provided me with a close set of friends here on campus that I can easily relate to. I can easily say that my best friends that I've made are from this club.” - Kelly (Interview) • “[It] has brought me friends and connections that I feel have been missing in my life. Pride is a place where I feel that I belong and promotes acceptance and education. It has also opened my mind and educated me on the holistic view of the LGBT community.” – Ethan (Interview)

20. So, how does Spectrum help people? Events and Outreach Connecting to on-campus resources Through the members themselves

21. "Positive GSA-related experiences appear associated with GSA activity level. Specifically, GSAs that are well organized, that hold regular meetings, and that host events tended to elicit positive views and effects from participants. Mixed/neutral GSA-related experiences are associated with active and interactive characteristics, which might suggest that a GSA holds regular meetings, but lacks the organizational capacity to execute supportive, social, or social justice events. This might be common among GSAs that are new, small, lacking in diversity, or restricted due to administrative, teacher/staff, or community opposition. Negative GSA-related experiences appear associated with GSAs that are disorganized, inactive, or unsafe." (Heck, Lindquist, Stewart, Brennan, and Cochran pg. 96) • Spectrum is a well-established, organized club • They hold regular meetings and send frequent email updates • A multitude of events are hosted and endorsed that focus on member support, socialization, and positive advocacy

22. Events & Outreach • Movies • Topic Discussions • “The New Black” • “American Transgender” • Social Gatherings • Awareness Activities • Day of Silence/Breaking Silence • Large-scale events • Events that coincide with larger community

23. “I’m Coming Out!” National Coming Out Day • Yearly event held in the Union • Students are able to come out publicly in front of others • Provides them with a safe and accepting environment • Students can come and talk about their own coming out story • Allies are encouraged to join • Critical since coming out is a big part of LGBT culture and identity • Members are able to support one another as encouragers

24. The Rocky Horror Picture Show • Replaced the LGBTQ film festival • Completely run and acted by members • Provides a greater sense of community to Spectrum and lovers of the cult classic • Although a parody of its genre, touches on: love, sex, gender norms, trust, societal taboos, marriage, and camp stereotypes – removes rigidness • During my interview and observations, I discovered that this was the most supportive and favorite part of Spectrum by several members • “ROCKY HORROR!” Jessie’s (Interview) response to her favorite part of the club.

25. Scarlet Fever & SlutWalk Scarlet Fever • Events that raises funds and awareness for AIDS Walk of Charlotte and for HIV-related stigmas and issues • Increases safe sex education • Annual Drag Show that creates comradery SlutWalk • Openly discusses rape culture and mentality • Works to remove the double standards placed on women

26. On-Campus Connections • Collaborate with other campus resources to provide support and create awareness • Learning about LGTQ-friendly companies and rights through the Career Center • Allied-athletes program where members can play sports and build comradery with non-LGBTQ players • Some of these connections took place in weekly meetings, others were scheduled for separate times

27. “The Joys of Gay Sex” • Safe-sex and other workshops with the Health Center • “The Joys of Gay Sex” meeting provided members with a chance to look at debunked statistics of real sex vs. sex portrayed in porn • Featured an activity that illustrated the importance of proper partner communication and voicing personal desires and preferences • Demystified sex toys and created an atmosphere where sex is spoken about comfortably

28. Caring Counselors • Counseling Center included in certain meetings to provide support and engage topics • Broke up in to groups based on specific topic • Groups prompted by counselors but are able to create their own specific topics depending upon the needs of the members • Provides real chances for members to form bonds, relate to one another, and find emotional support in their peers • Counselors advertise other support groups found at the Counseling Center

29. The Buddy System: Member Involvement & Advocacy • Members are the most crucial and important part of Spectrum and of any GSA • They provide friendship and act as comforting role models for others to relate to • Are responsible for pushing certain events and participate in activities with the outside community • Create a welcoming and positive environment for all

30. Members act as the driving force in combating and facing stereotypes found both within and outside of the community • They are the ones pushing for equality and calling for respect • Even though they were not being excluded themselves, individuals advocated for others in the sexual minority spectrum • [Asexuals]are on the spectrum and should be recognized.  It's extremely common for the A in the sexual minority anagram to be used as "Ally" rather than Asexual or Asexual is forced to share. I find this wrong.”’ – Kelly (Interview)

31. Concluding Thoughts While attending the weekly PRIDE Spectrum meetings and observing the ins and outs of the club, I was constantly reminded of the club’s mission statement – to provide a safe place for all students and to promote awareness and advocacy for the LGBT community and beyond. Spectrum’s members and activities were wonderful examples of the positive GSAs that I read about in my research. UNC Charlotte’s student body is lucky to be able to participate where they can be themselves, make friends, and push for a more equal future.

32. Citations and Sources • Ethan. Email Interview. 11 Feb. 2014. • Heck, Nicholas C., AnnesaFlentje, and Bryan N. Cochran. "Offsetting Risks: High School Gay-Straight Alliances And Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, And Transgender (LGBT) Youth." School Psychology Quarterly 26.2 (2011): 161-174. PsycARTICLES. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. • Heck, Nicholas C, Lauri M. Lindquist, Brandon T. Stewart, Christopher Brennan, and Bryan N. Cochran. "To Join or Not to Join: Gay-Straight Student Alliances and the High School Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youths." Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services. 25.1 (2013): 77-101. Print. • Jessie. Email Interview. 24 Feb. 2014. • Kelly. Email Interview. 17 Feb. 2014 • Lea, Toby, John Wit, and Robert Reynolds. "Minority Stress in Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young Adults in Australia: Associations with Psychological Distress, Suicidality, and Substance Use." Archives of Sexual Behavior. (2014). Print. • Liqitimi. “An Important Message - From Ellen DeGeneres (Gay Suicide). » Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 30 Sept. 2010. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. • MURPHY, HEATHER E. L. I. S. E. "Improving the Lives of Students, Gay and Straight Alike: Gay-Straight Alliances and the Role of School Psychologists." Psychology in the Schools. 49.9 (2012): 883-891. Print. • Poteat, V P, Katerina O. Sinclair, Craig D. DiGiovanni, Brian W. Koenig, and Stephen T. Russell. "Gay-straight Alliances Are Associated with Student Health: a Multischool Comparison of Lgbtq and Heterosexual Youth." Journal of Research on Adolescence. 23.2 (2013): 319-330. Print. • SuchIsLifeVideos. “Gay Teens Talk Their Truth At ‘True Colors’.” Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 27 June 2010. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. • xtraonline. “Gay Straight Alliances.” Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 11 Dec. 2011. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.

33. Photo Sources • http://campusblueprint.com/author/normanarcher/ • http://jasmyn.org/2013/12/03/attention-students-what-would-you-do-with-250-in-your-gsa/ • http://www.clcschools.org/page.cfm?p=407 • https://nineronline.com/2012/05/a-tour-of-the-student-union/ • https://www.facebook.com/lee.ziglar/photos • http://www.presenttensejournal.org/volume-3/transgender-the-rhetorical-landscape-of-a-term/ • http://www.mymetronews.org/pride.php • http://alieninthecaribbean.blogspot.com/2011/06/gay-karma.html • http://fortytonone.org/our-work/program-areas/advocacy/rhya/ • http://gscene.com/news/suicide-memorial-vigil/ • http://www.athleteally.org/news/greg-loganis-joins-athlete-ally-movement-campaign-all-out/ • http://ccsl-uw.tumblr.com/post/15528079272/transsuccess-simply-hired-lgbt-search-engine • http://www.algbtical.org/2A%20YOURSELF.htm