Homosexual members of the Notre Dame community agree that although
By ERIN PIROUTEK
Associate News Editor
Ever since the University denied Gays and Lesbians of Notre Dame the right to meet on campus in 1993, the struggle for recognition by homosexual student groups has fueled public debate, most recently when OutreachND was denied recognition in April 2000.
But while not as well publicized, the more prevalent struggle is that of individual Notre Dame students, those who deal every day with being homosexual in a predominantly heterosexual culture.
A change in campus atmosphere is impossible to measure, but members of Notre Dame's gay and lesbian community agree that Notre Dame is becoming a more welcoming place.
"It's much better here [now] than when I came here," said Outreach cochair Dave Wyncott.
Fellow co-chair Molly Morin echoed Wyncott's sentiments.
"In my personal experience, students seem to be more open and aware to what's going on with gay students," she said.
Reasons for the changes include a more visible gay and lesbian community, improved efforts by the University to create a more welcoming environment and a greater acceptance of homosexuality nationwide.
"Society in general is changing. Notre Dame is slowly lagging behind, but it is changing," said Wyncott.
As more students know someone who's gay or lesbian, homosexuality becomes more than an abstract concept.
"When it has a personal face — that's when hearts are changed and attitudes are developed," said Keough Hall rector Father Tom Doyle, who works with gay and lesbian students through Campus Ministry.
"I think there's been an increase in gay students living openly, which teaches students in their dorms, in their classes about tolerance in a very personal way," said Morin.
Better support is likely a reason more students feel comfortable enough to be open about their sexuality. Morin noted that groups such as Outreach allow gay students to come together and gain support that they cam bring back to a larger community at Notre Dame.
In 1997, the University adopted "The Spirit of Inclusion at Notre Dame," which reads in part "We consciously create an environment of mutual respect, hospitality and warmth in which none are strangers and all may flourish. ... We value gay and lesbian members of this community as we value all members of this community."
The University does not recognize sexual orientation in its non-discrimination clause, which disturbs many members of the community. Yet the steps towards the ideals of "The Spirit of Inclusion" cannot be ignored.
Campus Ministry has helped take some of these steps by promoting initiatives such as designating last Nov. 5 as Solidarity Sunday. The purpose was to challenge the Notre Dame community to be a place where all, including gays and lesbians, are accepted and loved for who they are. Each priest on campus received a packet of information about welcoming and inclusion. In collaboration with Outreach, cards with a unity prayer and a rainbow pin were distributed after all campus Masses.
Campus Ministry has also sponsored an annual retreat for gays, lesbians, questioning students and their friends which has grown in popularity. Nearly 40 people attended the last retreat in November, and Campus Ministry is considering offering another retreat this semester.
"It was a wonderful weekend to watch people who are homosexual feel like they are totally at home," said Doyle. "You can literally watch the tension and pressure drop from people's faces.
Additionally, in 1996 the University established the "Standing Committee on Gay and Lesbian Student Needs." According to its mission statement, the group works on "identifying the ongoing needs of gay and lesbian students" and "assist[ing] in the implementation of campus-wide educational programming on gay and lesbian issues," as well as fostering continued dialogue. Students, faculty and administrators serve on the committee, and at least half of the members are gay or lesbian.
The Standing Committee sponsors the NETWORK initiative, which aims to educate the campus community about the psychological and theological issues related to sexual orientation. NETWORK participants receive a card which depicts the Dome sitting upon a rainbow. Posting the card indicates that they are willing to offer a confidential and respectful place of dialogue and encouragement regarding gay and lesbian issues.
Although some perceive an animosity between the Standing Committee and Outreach, they do work together, according to Wyncott, a member of both groups.
"Now the students see the standing committee as an instrument for positive change," said Standing Committee chair Sister Mary Louise Gude. "There really isn't opposition, there's more or less cooperation and I anticipate this trend will continue."
Morin noted, however, that while six students are on the Standing Committee, there are approximately 30 Outreach members whose views aren't being heard.
"This is working out well right now, but things could be better," she said. "I think still it's hard for student initiatives to go through."
Others agree that a lot of progress still needs to occur.
"The University doesn't know how to give support without feeling like it is going against the doctrine of the Church. That is, too much support could be misinterpreted as an endorsement. The University feels pressured by the Church not to endorse homosexuality," said junior Jeremy Bauer, Outreach member.
And although the support system at Notre Dame is getting increasingly stronger there are still reasons why students may not feel comfortable enough to openly discuss their sexuality.
"Those are the students that I worry about the most — those who are alone," said Doyle.
Another worry is blatant prejudice. One of Wyncott's friends experienced hate firsthand.
Wyncott's friend was walking back to Campus View from a party at Turtle Creek. He and his boyfriend had been drinking. A few hugs and kisses were exchanged.
"A SUV with Notre Dame parking decals pulled up next to them," said Wyncott. "Three very angry men piled out."
The men, who also had been drinking began to intimidate the couple, Wyncott said.
"They were trying to decide `what to do with the fags,'" said Wyncott. The harassment stopped when the designated driver yelled out the window to "leave the fags alone" and the vehicle drove away.
Wyncott notes that incidents like this aren't common.
"The average Notre Dame student is very respectful," he said. But even when prejudice occurs in mild forms, such as derogatory messages in the dorm on wipe-off boards, it still hurts.
"Gay students do not feel safe here entirely. Or it takes them a long time to feel safe." said Morin.
Still, the positive changes towards a more welcoming attitude towards gays and lesbians give cause for optimism about the future.
"It's much more like the movement of a glacier than a lightning bolt through the sky," said Doyle. "But it is progress."
All News Stories for Friday, February 2, 2001
