Group seeks dialogue about homosexuality
By TIM LOGAN
Senior Staff Writer
In an attempt to improve the climate for homosexual students at Notre Dame, a group of students is forming a chapter of Irish Friends of Lesbians and Gays (IFLAG) on campus.
The as-of-yet unrecognized group will work with campus groups, both official and unofficial, to stimulate dialogue about homosexuality, and increase understanding of it.
"We're planning on trying to make the atmosphere on campus more welcoming to homosexual students," said Sandra Johnson, a spokeswoman for IFLAG.
The group plans to do this through dorm presentations and by joining with the University's Standing Committee on Gay and Lesbian Student Needs as well as Outreach ND, the unofficial gay and lesbian student group, to sponsor campus events and foster discussion.
IFLAG will approach the controversial topic from a perspective strictly in line with the Church, Johnson said.
"We will try to educate people to what actually the Catholic perspective is," she said. "The Catholic perspective says we should love our neighbor. That comes before all else."
IFLAG is fairly new and is not yet recognized by the University. Johnson said the group plans to apply to Student Activities for official club status early in the fall semester. Acceptance would give them office space and access to student funds, as well as the ability to meet on campus.
Official recognition of gay and lesbian student groups has been a controversial issue on campus for nearly two decades. The University has never given its stamp of approval to one, saying that past groups have held beliefs contrary to Church teachings. But IFLAG is a support-based group, and Johnson is optimistic for its chances at recognition.
"I'd like to think we have a good shot at it," she said. "I don't think we're doing anything against Catholic teaching."
About 20 people attended the group's first meeting, according to Johnson. Nearly 200 are on its mailing list.
"We're open to anyone who would like to come and learn more about the issue," Johnson said.
All News Stories for Thursday, April 19, 2001
