Reflecting LGBTQ diversity
Letter to the Editor
Published: Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Updated: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 13:09
In response to "LGBTQ students discuss campus relationships" (Mar. 7,) we, as LGBTQ members of the Notre Dame community feel that the article does not sufficiently or accurately describe the experience of the community as a whole. The article fails to consider the perspectives of students whose experiences do not align with those of the three students quoted, demonstrating a lack of attention to the sensitive nature of such issues.
In our experience, a majority of LGBTQ students would not be comfortable publicly outing themselves in The Observer. By only including interviews from students who are publicly out, Mervosh ignores many LGBTQ students who live with the difficulties of the closet on a daily basis. Moreover, the article's portrayal of the gay community as a whole suggests a culture that is concerned primarily with sexual pursuits. Not all students, however, choose to engage in such activities.
Many LGBTQ students desire, yet struggle, to form lasting and meaningful relationships due to fear of being outed or rejected by their peers. We believe that the creation of a gay-straight alliance would facilitate the formation of friendships among LGBTQ individuals and allies and lead to a stronger, more unified Notre Dame community.
If approved, a GSA would not serve as a venue for LGBTQ students to hook up. If anything, this article demonstrates that students who are interested in pursuing hookups will find other means of doing so. The underground hookup culture is one of the many negative consequences of a lack of university-sanctioned support networks for LGBTQ students to pursue mature, adult friendships.
We believe The Observer should be more sensitive to realities LGBTQ students face at Notre Dame. Providing such a narrow perspective on the LGBTQ community only serves to reinforce negative stereotypes that do not represent many LGBTQ students' experiences.
While we appreciate The Observer's attempt to create dialogue about LGBTQ issues, this series of articles should serve simply as a starting point for future discussions surrounding the diversity of experiences of LGBTQ students and allies at Notre Dame.
Jason G'Sell
senior
Duncan Hall
Mar. 7
Cody Gaffney
senior
Keough Hall
Mar. 7
Tom Lienhoop
sophomore
Dillon Hall
Mar. 7
27 comments
Anonymous
Isn't it frustrating how the Church won't change its teaching on sin whenever you demand it?
Anonymous
Thanks for misunderstanding me again, since I didn't say that all those who believe in Catholic teaching are automatically lumped in with the ignorant. Nice try.
Anonymous
Right, because anyone who believes Catholic teaching is ignorant. Thanks for playing.
Anonymous
You mean to argue that the only people who are brave enough to say, "sure, I'll give an interview to the Observer and therefore open myself up for attack from ignorant" are those who contradict my assertion and oppose what the Church says about their nature. Your strong attachment to the superficial narrative is a little concerning. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts.
Anonymous
Who is trying to oppose happiness? Who is trying to cause loneliness and shame? Refusing to facilitate or endorse immoral behavior does not obstruct the free will of individuals to act as they see fit or preclude the love and charity to all people. The entire GLBTQ movement is centered around the defamation of the Catholic Church and deriding her proponents as bigots.
Anonymous
I honestly don't understand how anyone can be opposed to people - people you've never met, people who are just trying to find happiness and contentment and security in this really strange world - forming loving relationships. I just don't get it. Why would anyone want to stop human beings from finding and supporting one another? I mean this sincerely: I do not understand. I'm a Catholic. I read the Bible. I go to mass. I love God. And I don't think that the God I worship would want anyone to feel loneliness or shame. Jesus would support a GSA on campus.
Anonymous
No, but many of the most vocal advocates clearly contradict your assertion.
Anonymous
And the views of 1 graduating senior are representative of an entire group of people on campus... right.
Anonymous
One of the signatories of this letter has openly advocated for behavior directly contradictory to your position in public forums.
12
To Thursday, March 8, 15:44The reason I am upset is because those in favor of supporting a group (and those interviewed and quoted by the observer) have explicitly stated that they will work to uphold the mission of the University and Catholic teaching while providing support for GLBTQ individuals. They have expressed open willingness to play by the rules, and yet they are met with the same degree of suspicion and condescending disrespect by the administration. University leaders are assuming that the GSA supporters are trying to pull a fast one on them by getting a club approved whose specific objective would be to facilitate homosexual behavior. You seem to reach your conclusions based on the same faulty premises, and again, this disrespect really upsets me. At least those trying to start a GSA own up to the history of the rough relationship with the University, because yes, that is how it was in the past. But that was then, and this is now. All Student Activities can come up with presently is the broken-record line stating that the needs of the students are best met by "structures currently in place", i.e. Campus Ministry and the Counseling Center.Where in the article on dating is it stated by any student that they feel a GSA would be "a great facilitator of romantic same-sex relationships"? Where is it "abundantly clear" that all of these students are supporters of a GSA? You are assuming that all of these students are part of one cohesive group of people who band together under some vague political umbrella, all in order to dissent philosophically from the mission of the of the University and, by extension, the Church. I have to say quite emphatically that, factually, you are incorrect, and this crucial point is argued in part by the very letter on which we are commenting! The students interviewed by the Observer shared their take in the dating situation because, surprise, that is one of many things in which young people their age are dealing with. Yes, there are people with diverse experiences at Notre Dame, not all of whom are living lives entirely free of sin. Imagine that.
Anonymous
The real myth is that Catholic doctrine changes to suit the times. It doesn't. A theology class taught by an orthodox Catholic scholar will make that clear. Perhaps you could consider taking one. Or, failing that, try growing up and reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church, plus a few papal encyclicals on issues involving human sexuality. Just a few days ago, Pope Benedict delivered an address on the homosexual marriage issue. You might take a look at it. He doesn't seem to agree with your view that a homosexual inclination isn't a problem. But, then, he hasn't taken one of those history or theology classes at Notre Dame that would convince him that perspectives on morality have changed over time. And we know that Notre Dame professors of theology have a better grasp of Catholic doctrine than the Pope does.
Anonymous
Everyone is born with bad inclinations. Ok, fine. We can all agree with that.That homosexuality is necessarily some bad inclination, that isn't so obvious. Not everything condemned in the Old Testament or New Testament is still condemned today.
Perspectives on morality have changed over time just as they did when people wrote the New Testament and disagreed with aspects of the Jewish law.Geez, grow up people and take a history or theology class. The myth of an unchanging Catholicism is just that, a myth.
Perspectives on morality have changed over time just as they did when people wrote the New Testament and disagreed with aspects of the Jewish law.Geez, grow up people and take a history or theology class. The myth of an unchanging Catholicism is just that, a myth.
Anonymous
Everyone has inclinations toward sin. Not just homosexuals. Asking for certain sins to be dismissed is focusing on selfish desire rather than living of the faith. A loving God burdens all people with trials and difficulties regardless of sexual orientation. How is the idea that some people have sexual inclinations that lead them to sin a groundbreaking revelation?
Anonymous
A lot of people haven't read the Catechism on homosexuality, or anything else.
Try reading the sections on original sin. We are all "created sick." Only Jesus can make us "well," and even then we won't be completely cured until we get to heaven. Until then, we all have different forms of suffering and crosses to endure. Having a homosexual orientation is just one of them.
Try reading the sections on original sin. We are all "created sick." Only Jesus can make us "well," and even then we won't be completely cured until we get to heaven. Until then, we all have different forms of suffering and crosses to endure. Having a homosexual orientation is just one of them.
Anonymous
Wow, I guess I had never read the catechism on homosexuality, but that is messed up. What a loving god to burden them with "trials" and "difficulties." What sort of god creates you sick then demands you be well? I realize faith and church life is very important to many people, and I realize going against catechism probably isn't the best way of legitimizing your opinion at a Catholic school, but I think LGBTQ students everywhere should say what's really on their mind: The Catholic Church is wrong. Homosexuality is not a "disorder". Is is not a "condition." It's a part of who they are. The only "trials" and "difficulties" are not inherent, but man-made. The Church has been wrong before, and it's wrong here.Though saying that might not help your cause, at least you're telling it like it is.
Anonymous
JG,
Sorry, but you have misrepresented Church teaching. The Church does indeed teach that homosexual inclinations are "disordered:" 2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition." The notion that one should "celebrate" a homosexual orientation is a secular one. It finds no support in Church teaching. The words "trial," "cross," and "sacrifice" appear instead. And anyone who knows a person struggling with same-sex attraction who is striving to conform his life to God's will knows the truth of this teaching.
Sorry, but you have misrepresented Church teaching. The Church does indeed teach that homosexual inclinations are "disordered:" 2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition." The notion that one should "celebrate" a homosexual orientation is a secular one. It finds no support in Church teaching. The words "trial," "cross," and "sacrifice" appear instead. And anyone who knows a person struggling with same-sex attraction who is striving to conform his life to God's will knows the truth of this teaching.
JG
15:44, you keep saying that the Church teaches that such "inclinations" are "intrinsically disordered." I'm sorry to disappoint you, but that's simply false. The Church teaches that we are all created perfect in God's image, and that our sexuality is a precious gift from God - so precious that we should save it for marriage. Homosexual sex - the act - is considered intrinsically disordered by the Church. The inclination, however, is not. If our sexuality is discovered, not chosen, as the Church teaches, and if we are all made perfect in God's image, then how could a simple inclination be intrinsically disordered?Furthermore, the Church does not teach that homosexual people should not be able to have friendships or even romantic relationships. Romantic relationships do not by definition include sexual activity. I, personally, have a number of Catholic heterosexual friends who are in romantic relationships but have no plans of having sex with their partners any time soon. What is to say that LGBTQ individuals cannot have the same types of close, supportive, and loving (but nonsexual) relationships that respect the inherent human dignity of each person and may actually lead each other closer to God? You claim that the goals of a GSA are inherently counter to Church teaching and that they celebrate one's sexuality. Should all people not celebrate such a precious gift from God? Celebration does not equal fornication or any sort of "endorsement" of sexual activity. Lastly, a GSA does not celebrate people's same-sex attractions; otherwise why there there be a need for straight people? Rather, It celebrates people simply being people - made by a good and loving God, in his image. The purpose of a GSA is to provide welcoming love and support for all of God's children REGARDLESS of sexual orientation. No one orientation is favored or endorsed over another.
Anonymous
Whether you are attempting to be at odds or not, large elements of the group promoting a GSA have no issue with directly contravening Catholic theology. I understand the Church teaching that requires that all people regardless of gender, race, creed, or sexual orientation be loved and treated with full dignity. That does not include the acceptance or endorsement of behaviors that are in opposition to Church teaching. Many advocating for this group do not recognize or respect the Church position on sexuality. The reason you are upset is because the fact that this group would be a great facilitator of romantic same-sex relationships was made abundantly clear by three of its advocates. I have seen no defense of heterosexual students breaking rules or engaging in immoral behavior. In fact as many have pointed out, parietals favor GLBTQ students. There are no recognized student groups that facilitate immoral lifestyle choices heterosexual or otherwise so I do not understand what "partisan policy enforcement" you are referring to. You seem to defy the Church's position that these inclinations are intrinsically disordered. Please expand on how the University attempts to accommodate contraceptive use or extramarital sex since you make these accusations.You know nothing about me so I am unclear as to why you are resorting to baseless and ill advised personal attacks. I neither insulted nor demeaned anyone. I simply pointed out that the message coming from vocal GSA supporters is not one that respects the Catholic position. What exactly do you recommend that I research to become "informed"?
12
The GSA is NOT attempting to be at odds with Catholic moral theology. The GSA in question is trying to help protect LGBTQ and questioning students, with the help of straight Allies, from the likes of people like you who demonstrate 1) a clear lack of understanding concerning Church teaching, and 2) the nuanced attention and consideration an issue like this requires. "The group" is trying to make the campus environment a safe space, not tear down the Golden Dome or paint it rainbow colors. Do some research before making such uninformed declarations.And to the the other individual:Nice try, but no - it is not about "celebrating same-sex attractions", it is about keeping students, who are afraid of such incoherent misrepresentations as those demonstrated by yourself, safe from the dangerous public consequences of such ignorance. Second, the whole point of having a gay-straight alliance is to get all of the people, LGTBQ AND straight people, to say "Hey, we affirm your inherent dignity, because that is what Jesus would do. We commit to speaking up or acting when other people act or speak in a way that slanders who you are." Finally, the reason the letter-writers are so pissed is because they got three students, one of whom had no qualms about sharing all of his unfiltered and sordid details, to represent an entire group of people on campus. You can talk about minorities, but when there are 10,000 students at Notre Dame, the math adds up. Closeted or not, there are hundreds of LGBTQ students here, and they WILL have to deal with the lack of integrity demonstrated by the article's sub-par journalistic practice.You may have a problem with these "intrinsically disordered" inclinations, but that does not mean that you are allowed relegate LGBTQ students to the same condescending, second-class category to which they've been placed by the Administration. Go into any men's dorm on a weekend this semester, and you will find prophylactic-, contraceptive-using heterosexual students partaking in additional and equally immoral extramarital sexual behavior.Partisan policy enforcement, party of one.
Anonymous
The incoherence of the arguments in favor of a GSA is stunning. Reading the three parts of the series, plus this letter, tells me that homosexual students need a safe place to come together, explore, and celebrate their same-sex attractions. But they want straight (but "supportive") students to join with them, so that they won't be outed simply by being part of this group. But they also want to meet other gay students for hookups and "meaningful" romantic relationship, so they will have to identify as gay in order to make that happen. But it's not all about sex -- they just want to be friends with other gays and with others who support their homosexual inclinations. AND they can do all of these things while remaining completely faithful to the Church teaching that homosexual activities are intrinsically disordered and can never be condoned.And you wonder why the university keeps turning you down?
is a member of the 
