Unafraid of WLU's apparent animosity
Luxmen Aloysius

I remember being in my first year at Wilfrid Laurier University, and thinking, "I've made the biggest mistake of my life." I was gay, in a relatively small university, and without support from anyone. So if you told me eight months ago, that I would be the executive of Laurier's only "Gay" club and sitting in the concourse on Campus Clubs week being open about it, I would have probably said, "me…gay?… Never."

The sign at the table said GLOBAL, and without specifying what GLOBAL meant (Gays, Lesbians, Or Bisexuals At Laurier), we got a few people who thought that it was some form of exchange program. These people, when they came up to the table and realized what GLOBAL had meant, quickly looked up embarrassed, and looked around to see if anyone had seen them. One guy even took a giant step backwards, and held his hand up, as if I was going to beat him over the head with my homosexuality. From my perspective this shows a great deal of insecurity as a heterosexual. You're straight, you know it, so would it change your sexuality and you, if people saw you at the GLOBAL booth? Would I be embarrassed if my gay friends saw me at a SAL (Straight At Laurier) booth? Definitely not.

It seems odd to me, that as a homosexual and therefore a societal minority who should be uncomfortable with my sexuality (according to these people), I am, in fact, more comfortable than some of the reigning heterosexuals.

Fortunately, support surrounded the majority of my days at the GLOBAL booth. My closest friends knew that I was gay, but there were still a few acquaintances that weren't aware of my sexual orientation. When they asked what I was doing I told them. A few surprised looks, a few "I knew all along" grins, and absolutely no biblical reprimands came my way. The hardest thing that I had to do in my entire life also became the most beneficial. Everyday I feel a bit more comfortable, and a bit more proud of who I am.

"Coming out" is a process. It took me 20 years to get where I am today, but for others it never happens. Even though some of you may stare, point and ridicule, I am glad it's happening. Sitting at the GLOBAL booth was a part of the process. From self hatred, to self acceptance, to pride. I've come a long way.

To learn more about GLOBAL contact Melissa at bien0690@mach1.wlu.ca.