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This work is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections and University Archives at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Beacon Magazine by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. PANTHER MAGAZINE Vol. 1 Issue 8 A Forum for Free Student Expression at Florida International University One copy per person. Additional copies are 25 cents. OUT AND PROUD

Left: Pamela Grissette, a residential assistant on campus, shows her pride during the 2016 Beach Pride Parade. Middle: Members of the FIU community march along with the FIU float during the 2016 Miami Beach Pride Parade Bottom Right: Onlookers watch participants in the 2016 Miami Beach Pride Parade Bottom Left: The FIU float, which featured the University’s logo and members from the community, is captured as it passes onlookers during the 2016 Miami Beach Pride Parade.

Panther Press file photos 2 Panther Magazine– Thursday, March 30, 2017 PantherNOW.com TRAIN ‘N’ PROTECT FIUPD creates diversity training to better serve LGBT community MARYBETH LORETTA they say ‘sir, I’ll apologize and call them ‘sir’. I don’t get when someone wants to switch on us, it’s normal. I Contributing Writer stuck and say what do you mean. I understand. There’s would like to get a little more formalized training in why a lot more that goes into why they want me to refer or someone wants to be identified a certain way.” n a political climate where LGBTQA rights identify them,” said Casas. He explained that such a curriculum has been found but have been in the spotlight, the FIU Police He added that the training started two years ago is cost-preventative. Casas also stressed the distinction Department has paid attention. consisting of eight hours per officer, focusing on between empathy and tolerance. Tolerance of a certain Alexander Casas, Chief of the FIU Police communication skills. community, he opined, sounds “condescending.” He Department, said that recent attention to strives to have empathy, which he believes can be LGBTQA issues is the primary reason for its recent achieved through a curriculum that stresses the history trainingI on how to approach and better communicate with and culture. the FIU community, which began two years ago. “I think we’re in a good place because we’ve made “We need to try to understand this group a little better. I think we’re in a good place because we’ve improvements and we’ve equipped our officers to better Law enforcement is very good with communicating with made improvements and we’ve equipped understand to talk to people and their comfort level has each other around the country,” said Casas. “We recognize our officers to better understand how to increased,” said Casas. “We’re in good shape but I want issues that other communities have had on a greater scale. talk to people and their comfort level has to get more formalized training on this.” So once we see an issue elsewhere, we try to get ahead of Joann Brown, communication professor and the increased, the problem and train the issue.” co-facilitator of The Cultural Diversity and De-escalating Alexander Casas The most talked about letter of the ever-growing Trainings at the University, says training is essential in Chief acronym was the “T,” standing for transgender. maintaining trust between officers and civilians. FIU Police Department “We’re always looking for ways to better serve our “If members of the community feel that their own community and the way that community needs to be concerns are not understood, their confidence in law served. A big way is to communicate with them and enforcement personnel to meet these needs may be have empathy with them. The better we understand our severely diminished,” said Brown. community and its multiple niches we have, the better we “It was hard to get training. Our training has Since the fall of 2015, about 500 law enforcement can provide our service,” said Casas. “Services can mean consisted of different things like human diversity and officials of various ranks have participated in this training. anything from ‘I lost my ipad’ or ‘contemplating killing communication skills,” said Casas. “We’ve struggled in Although they have not created a training specifying in myself.’ The better we understand we can connect with trying to find a training program that fits with our niche the LGBTQ community, she did explain how they have them, the better we can resolve their issue.” but … we’re still trying to get better at what we do.” trained many law enforcement officers in understanding According to Chief Casas, there have been several Casas believes the FIUPD has made strides in their own personal biases. incidents on the Campus in which understanding this community, but he admits having “It begins with a computer assessment specifically transgender students were contemplating suicide. failed to find a more comprehensive curriculum to better designed to identify internal cultural biases of the Although the officers had every intention to help help understand LGBTQA history and culture. individual officers. Discovering implicit personal biases the students, the officers were confused as to how to “My failure as the lead of the agency is I haven’t been and preferences leads to increased self-awareness and approach them. The training however, has improved these able to find a big enough training curriculum where I insight into personal behavior,” said Brown. “This situations. feel comfortable saying we’re in really good shape now. is paramount as law enforcement officers need to “With this training, my officers tell me they feel Our empathy is a lot better … the way we understand understand, respect, and be open to communicate with all more comfortable than they did before. For example, if things a little better, and we’re more patient when we segments of the population if they are to be successful in I encounter a situation and call them ‘ma’am’ and then communicate,” said Casas. “I think we get less frustrated their role.”

Course explores non- EDITOR’S NOTE normative sexualities Let’s talk sexuality AMANDA GONZALEZ globalization, the government, While the two most common Contributing Writer and more. In addition, majors seem to be psychology students learn about systemic and history, there’s someone GBT and inequalities faced by gender and from virtually every field Programs and Services Beyond: sexual minority populations,” enrolled in the course. hopes the outcomes will Non-Normative said Victoria Burns, associate Students in the course be. We also speak to Sexualities professor at the Women’s are introduced to a myriad professors about how they from a Global Studies Department, who of community service work to create safe spaces Perspective” is a new spring holds a doctorate in counseling organizations, in an effort to both in their classrooms. courseL that will explore the psychology. “However, they recognize the resources available EDITOR IN CHIEF In the same vein, our inequalities faced by lesbian, also learn about the growing and also provide students with editorial shares tips for gay, bisexual, transgender and activism that is occurring all institutions aligned with their professors and students queer-identified individuals and over the world to ensure freedom beliefs and interests. Among the to build a trusting also highlight the expanding and equality for all sexual and participating organizations are environment in which activism for the community. gender identities.” Save Dade, Equality Florida and While sex, gender sharing preferred pronouns “The course explores the Director of Student Health Yes Institute. and sexuality exists and names comes easily. ways in which gender and Services, Oscar Loynaz, said “I hope that what I bring to on a spectrum, it’s not Our Opinion writers sexuality are impacted and that when he teaches the class, the class … will at least give often that those who tackle issues such as embedded in the media, politics, he likes to spend time defining people something to think are not cisgendered and the Catholic church and certain terms relevant to the about or [prompt them to] look heteronormative get much its relationship with the LGBT community, such as at things in a different way,” media representation. LGBT community, the outing. He also focuses on the said Loynaz. “... We are where We wanted to begin the battle for equal rights that coming out process, coupling we are today as a result of the conversations necessary to the community faces and and the inherent challenges hard work and sacrifice of many change that. argues that homosexuality We are where we are today as linked to those experiences. people before us, [and] where In News, we speak to is not an illness. a result of the hard work and Gender identity and expression we are in the future will depend FIUPD about their training In Sports, we find two sacrifice of the many people are also highlighted, as well as on the work we do today.” to deal with students who female athletes who speak before us, [and] where we are a historical perspective on these All three sections of the class have preferred names that about the challenges they in the future will depend on issues. are currently open, with Loynaz differ from their given faced while coming to the work we do today, “Students of all sexual and teaching the in-person class at names. We also take a look terms with their sexuality. gender identities are welcome the Modesto Maidique Campus at a global perspectives We want to contribute in this class,” said Burns, with on Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to course that explores to a healthy conversation Oscar Loynaz Loynaz adding that usually 7:40 p.m., Burns teaching the non-traditional sexualities. in which students and Director about three-fourths of the class online course and Gisela Vega In Entertainment, we faculty feel comfortable Student Health Services are students who identify as teaching the in-person class at feature the Drag Ball being who they are without heterosexual and who express The on happening today and what concern or fear. a curiosity and desire to be an Tuesdays and Thursdays from the office of Multicultural ally. 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. PantherNOW.com Panther Magazine - Thursday, March 30, 2017 3 Rescinding of Title IX protections for the transgender community causes fear of marginalization

MEYER GRUNBERG She mentioned that while the change of directive indeed safeguard from discrimination based on sexual ContributingWriter from Washington might lead to further discrimination orientation, gender identity or expression, there are based on gender for students on campus, all students various student-led support groups like Stonewall Pride ransgender students want a level playing would continue to benefit from the institutional support Alliance, Delta Lambda Phi, and Safe Zone Training field; the rescinding of their protection of the University. that aim to establish the encouragement students may under Title IX threatens that. “In FIU in 2015, we included into our need. The U.S. Department of Education’s non-discrimination clause gender identity and gender “People feel a lot more unsafe when you have things Office for Civil Rights refers to Title IX expression, which covers trans people … we’ve been like this turned into a political issue and it becomes too as an education amendment that protects people from clear that your lives are politicized…,” said president discriminationT based on sex in education programs or of Stonewall Pride Alliance, Tim Vargo. “[On campus] activities that receive federal assistance. it wasn’t as scary, this was primarily a scary thing for For many, when this law states that there will be our youth [in high schools].” no discernment based on sex, this simply refers to the Vargo said he would like to see an increase binary definition of sex as just male and female. Yet, People feel a lot more unsafe when you of involvement from transgender students at the there is a gray area in between for the percentage of the have things like this turned into a political University. The lack of involvement might be due to population whose gender identity does not match their issue and it becomes too clear that your a deficiency in knowledge of the groups available, sex and who are thus unprotected by Title IX. insecurity in ‘coming out’ or due to simple time On May 13, 2016 the Department of Justice and lives are polarized.... conflicts, Vargo says. the Department of Education under President Obama He believes that much progress has been made, as sought to include transgender students under that Tim Vargo seen by the gender neutral bathrooms on campus, but amendment and expand the law to include prohibiting President there is still much work to be done. discrimination on the basis of gender identity, including Stonewall Pride Alliance “The main thing is making sure that bathrooms discrimination based on a student’s transgender status. aren’t gendered at all … non-discrimination laws are However, on Feb. 22, 2017, Donald Trump’s always a start,” said Vargo. “[Our goal is] making administration rescinded this interpretation of the sure people can use the bathroom of their choice [and] law to its original form that does not specify gender ensuring protective laws to make sure nobody is being identity as a means of protection under the ruling. assaulted.” “ ... [This] means people who are marginalized very progressive in terms of trying to make sure that For more information on the LGBTQA Initiatives will now be marginalized again,” said Gisela Vega, our trans population feels safe and protected,” Vega and programs for the LGBTQIA community, visit lgbt. associate director of the LGBTQA Initiatives at the said. fiu.edu. University. In addition to the University policy that does 4 Panther Magazine –Thursday, March 30, 2017 www.PantherNOW.com CULTURE SHOCK MPAS to ‘expose FIU community to drag culture’ JOSHUA CEBALLOS the lack of education on the subject can yield dangerous aspects of drag performances, such as “RuPaul’s Drag Assistant Entertainment Director results. Race” on VH1, a competition show for drag queens “For folks who aren’t educated on the issue, they in which they choreograph and create shows to pass hile homecoming features images may just see drag as men dressing up as women, like challenges set by a panel of judges. of kings and queens as portrayed that’s the point of it, and a lot of times that might For Moreno, shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race are in mainstream media, the Office be equated to people who identify as transgender… good in that they expose individuals to the culture, but of Multicultural Programs and and that contributes to a lot of violence towards this show in particular does have its flaws. Services is bringing a different trans individuals, especially when they don’t pass as “There are some things in there that I wish they didn’t type of queen to campus with its annual Drag Ball. cisgender [identifying as the same sex you were born incorporate into the show… there were times when they WThe Drag Ball will be held at MMC on March 30 in would incorporate transphobic language into the show, Everglades Hall, in the housing quad. The event will like their use of ‘shemale,’ that [is] a term that is very feature various performances by local drag queens and transphobic, ” said Moreno. drag performers. For students who believe that drag is only flashy Richard Moreno, graduate assistant for MPAS’ office For folks who aren’t educated on the issue, makeup and men dressing as women on a stage, Moreno of LGBTQA initiatives, is spearheading this event, and they may just see drag as men dressing up wants this event to illuminate the many facets of drag he wants this event to be more than just a performance. as women, like that’s the point of it, and a and show that there is a purpose and a deliberate process “The purpose of the Drag Ball is to expose the lot of times that might be equated to people behind it. FIU community to drag culture and the various drag who identify as transgender… and that “There are so many different types of drag, that queens that we have here in the community, but then contributes to a lot of violence toward trans oftentimes it’s all very nuanced in whatever that we also have an educational component to it… We’re individuals, especially when they don’t pass person’s drag looks like. the makeup, the outfits, the gonna have info on drag culture, drag history and really as cisgender, way they walk, the way they move their hands; there’s incorporate that educational component,” said Moreno. so many nonverbal aspects to it, where every single The Drag Ball will feature performances by the Richard Moreno component of what they do all comes together to tell a HEARTbeats, an a capella singing group from FIU’s Graduate Assistant message,” says Moreno. Honors College, as well as drag queens such as Tiffany Multicultural Programs and Services The Drag Ball will be coming to the Everglades Hall Fantasia, a local performer who has been featured in lounge on Thursday, March 30 8 p.m. MPAS welcomes this event in previous years, according to Moreno. and encourages students to attend and experience Moreno feels that there needs to be better awareness something new and learn about a culture that not about the drag community and what it means to be a drag as],” said Moreno.. everyone is aware of. queen and do this kind of performance. He believes that There are some programs on television that feature Labeling people to process Pride Month ‘complexity’ could cause problems Highlights

EYES ON THE EARTH in a generation where more and bisexual people. But, we’ve more people are coming out and also seen increased acts of Drag Ball are proud of their sexuality. hatred towards these people However, labeling is also such as the Orlando Nightclub March 30, 8 p.m. very dangerous. According to shooting. Psychology Today, “categorical If we are teaching our MMC: Everglades Hall labeling is a tool that humans children that it’s wrong to be AMANDA JUNG use to resolve the impossible a certain way, this could cause complexity of the environments a lot of problems. We have a 3D Racial Justice: LGBTQA of Color We live in a society that is we grapple to perceive. Like responsibility to the LGBTQ comfortable with the idea of so many human faculties, it’s community to show them that April 6, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. labeling everyone. Whether it’s adaptive and miraculous, but it not only do they have the people your gender, your religion or also contributes to some of the within that community by their BBC: WUC 155 your sexuality, you are forced deepest problems that face our side, but people outside of it as to fall under a certain category species.” well. and we’re so used to this We might fall into different Day of Silence concept that most of us don’t categories, but this doesn’t have mind answering these questions to decide the type of people we April 17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. when we’re asked. Categorical labeling hang out with or advocate for. When you’re filling out is a tool that humans In my opinion, I think MMC: Betty Chapman Plaza a survey, it will ask for your use to resolve the that people should be able BBC: Panther Square gender. It’s so easy for most of impossible complexity to label themselves LGBTQ us to check the male or female if they choose, but no one is of the environments we box. But for others, this task is at all required to categorize much more complicated. grapple to perceive, themselves. Take Back the Night When taking a standardized However, I do recognize that April 18, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. test, we are asked to bubble in Psychology Today it’s nice to have a community; our race. This simple question people that you are on the same MMC: GC Ballrooms about the color of our skin is page with and can help you a prime example of labeling. through the hard times. Think about it for a second. Has A question remains whether We all have friends, family someone ever labeled you or labeling people or situations and peers that are a part of the Social Justice Summit put you into a category that you in order to help us understand LGBTQ community, and it’s didn’t feel like you belonged something complex is fair or our job to support them so that April 19, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. in? not. the future generations have it a MMC: GC 3rd Floor I’m sure that we’ve all been When it comes to the little easier than everyone does there. Maybe they didn’t mean LGBTQ community, it’s often right now. it in a bad way. We have just a much scarier world out there. been trained to put people in I have friends who identify as Amanda Jung is a staff City-Wide Lavender Graduation & categories our entire lives. In straight, gay and bisexual. But writer for Panther Press. Her fact, we all live in categories. I also have some friends who column, Eyes on the Earth, is a Leadership Dinner Labeling doesn’t always don’t dare use a term to define commentary on current global April 24, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. have to be seen as a bad who they are allowed to love. environmental issues. thing. In some cases, it’s The world has become more MMC: GC Ballrooms extremely liberating. We live accepting of homosexual and PantherNOW.com Panther Magazine – Thursday, March 30, 2017 5 PROFESSORS COMMENT ON SAFESPACE CLASSROOMS CHLOE GONZALEZ Assistant Entertainment Director

April marks Pride Month and in preparation for this month of awareness, Student Media talks to FIU faculty about how they create a LGBTQA safespace in their classrooms.

I think the vulnerability of LBGTQ people stems from invisibility. Society still assumes that there are only men and women, no gender fluidity, and that the ‘normal’ sexual orientation is heterosexual. I believe it adds safety to explicitly talk about the variety of genders and sexual orientations in class, and the reasons why mainstream society silences these. That is what I do, and since I teach gender related and human rights classes, these issues are central in my teaching. All humans deserve to be recognized and all are to be treated with the same level of respect,

Susanne Zwingel Associate Professor Department of Politics and International Relations

Panther Press File Photo I guess really all I’ve done is to sort of slap down intolerance Onlookers enjoy parade entertainmentat the 2016 Miami Beach Pride Parade when it has popped up but now that I’m thinking about it I’ve never actually taken any positive steps to make LGBTQA students aware that I envision my class as a safe space for them, which is kind of disappointing on ‘People who fall under the my part. I’ve just sort of been more reactive to intolerance rather than actually... making any statements to the class aromantic category do feel about tolerance or about safety, Harry D. Gould Ph.D- Associate Professor love, but it’s usually platonic’ International Relations Department

LIFEWINKS and asexuals in the world I think it’s important to today.” let everyone know that this Sarah Lee, a junior is not something that these When the topic is relevant in my classroom, I always majoring in social work individuals go through make it very clear that this is the intellectual perspective has a friend that identifies and then just grow out of. that a well educated and open minded people should as asexual, but their A person can’t say, “oh have, sexual identification, she it’s a phase, it’ll pass,” or ALECIA ALLEN said, hasn’t harmed their “maybe you should just Dr. Abraham D. Lavender friendship and in fact has try sex and see if you like Ph.D- Associate Professor Have you ever felt that made it better. it” because asexuality and Department of Global/Sociocultural Studies you’re not too crazy about having sex or have little to no feelings of attraction towards other people The main thing I do is, at the beginning of the semester but don’t know why? It’s like having a friend who you don’t I have students fill out an information card about You might be asexual or have to worry about getting involved with themselves. I ask them to state their gender pronoun aromantic. because they don’t see you in a sexual and I like it’s a good way to make clear that I recognize In basic terms, way. That person is just in the relationship nonconforming people. That’s the main material thing I asexuality means that do. I’m gay myself, so, I think, I don’t know if I refer to it you’re not sexually to nurture, support, and help you be a too much, but I try to be open to those things. I ask them attracted to other people, better individual. but can be romantically to say what name [they are] registered under, what name attracted to them. This Sarah Lee [they] prefer, what pronouns [they] use. Initially, I kind means that while you may Junior of allow people to sort of state whatever they feel about go on dates and have a Social Work their identities and also kind of give a signal that I accept significant other, you’re and recognize nonconforming people, not really interested in Dr. Martha Schoolman having sex. Aromanticism, Assistant Professor on the other hand, means English Department that you experience little “These students may aromanticism are known to no romantic attraction be different from other to be innate. Instead of to others. People who students, but they’re fun, trying to change these fall under the aromantic loving, and make good individuals, just support I’ve always felt that one of the best things about FIU is how category do feel love, but friends,” Lee said. “It’s them! it seems to me to exhibit tolerance. Any class you ever it’s usually platonic, like like having a friend who teach at FIU, you’re going to have kids from a minimum of the love they have for a you don’t have to worry Alecia Allen is a family member or best about getting involved contributing writer for six, if not 10... I think that I walk into every classroom at friend. with because they don’t Panther Press. Her FIU with the notion that, ‘Hey tolerance is a given here,’ According to the see you in a sexual way. column, LifeWinks, Campbell McGrath Asexual Visibility and That person is just in the discusses how to improve Professor of Creative Writing Education Network, relationship to nurture, your life while making a English Department “there are at least one support, and help you be a positive influence in the percent of aromantics better individual.” community. 6 Panther Magazine – Thursday, March 30, 2017 PantherNOW.com EMBRACE THE RAINBOW Hollywood still far from LGBTQ inclusiveness

SERIOUSLY FOLKS is illegal in the country. According had a boyfriend without shame or characters,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, first depiction of homosexuality in to Deadline, in Malaysia, “on ridicule from his friends. GLAAD President & CEO. “Too film.” screen, gay characters are allowed Surprisingly, this isn’t exclusive often, the few LGBT characters Other films like “Milk” and to be depicted, but only if they only to children’s animated films. that make it to the big screen are “Brokeback Mountain” changed show repentance or are portrayed Mainstream films still don’t evoke the target of a punchline or token the way Americans viewed in a negative light.” the LGBTQ inclusion that the characters.” homosexuals since it showed them After Disney’s refusal and the community has long wanted. Most LGBTQ characters as regular people in search of film’s subsequent submission to introduced in films also tend to happiness within a bigoted society. CAROLINE the Film Appeals Committee, the be gay males while lesbians and Now, over a decade later, LOZANO film will be released with a PG-13 bisexuals are forced to take the “Moonlight” scored a Best Picture rating on March 30. backseat. win at the Academy Awards, Last Saturday, I decided to In Russia, the film was Most LGBTQ In 2016, GLAAD reported becoming the first LGBT-themed watch “Beauty and the Beast.” called to be banned but instead, characters introduced that “the overwhelming majority film to ever do so. Although I was curious to see how was released with a 16+ rating in films also tend to of inclusive films (77 percent) It’s apparent that we’re moving this film would compare to the due to the country’s anti “gay be gay males while featured gay male characters, an past the prejudices and fears that 1991 Disney animated classic, I propaganda” laws. lesbians and bisexuals increase of 12 percentage points once haunted our history. I’m also also wanted to see the portrayal of A theater in Alabama went are forced to take the from the previous report. Less not discrediting the successes of the character of LeFou, Gaston’s as far as to cancel screenings of than a quarter of inclusive films LGBT-themed films. It’s great backseat. silly and diminutive sidekick. the film because it went against (23 percent) featured lesbian that these stories are being told Earlier this month, director “Christian values.” characters and less than one-tenth and LGBT characters are finally Bill Condon revealed that the film With all the commotion built (9 percent) included bisexual depicted in an authentic manner. would include an “exclusively gay up because of LeFou’s sexuality characters.” It’s a step towards the right moment” involving LeFou, who and gay scene, I expected it to be Now, I’m not trying to say that direction, but regardless of Best would also be depicted as gay. something more than the 3 seconds The majority of today’s the film industry has never helped Picture wins or not, the film The announcement spanned presented towards the end. films don’t feature prominent the LGBTQ community. Films industry has a long way to go a mixed reaction among many The film’s narrative was gay characters, either in lead have featured gay and lesbian before it can laud itself for its viewers, with some ecstatic for sprinkled with queerness, but the or supporting roles. GLAAD, characters — though usually, in a so-called inclusiveness. the inclusion of a gay character “exclusively gay moment” Disney the powerful LGBT advocacy negative light — from as early as in a children’s film and others was patting itself on the back organization, supports this fact on 1895. Caroline Lozano is a angry for the supposed “gay for wasn’t revolutionary in the their Studio Responsibility Index. According to Cinema Jam, “the contributing writer for Panther propaganda.” slightest, especially in comparison According to GLAAD, first film regarded as LGBT is the Press. Her column, Seriously, The film was initially banned to the 2012 animated film, “Hollywood’s films lag far behind 1895 The Dickson Experimental Folks, is a commentary on the arts in Malaysia and would only be ParaNorman, where the typical any other form of media when Sound Film, in which a dance and entertainment industry and shown if the scene were cut from dumb jock character revealed he it comes to portrayals of LGBT between two men is considered the how it relates to society today. the final product as homosexuality

Catholic schools ‘not friendly’ towards LGBTQA

RIGHT TURN something sentimental, that homosexual. There were 227 school’s establishment not the only reason for this objections to prejudice even was also gay. students in my class. — the religious ones in phenomenon. Homophobia as they dispute the right of Most of the time, Another of those three, particular — likely would is a broader societal homosexuals to marry. however, Belen students “Daniel,” happened to be have looked down on Daniel problem. This is especially It’s possible to argue would use the word in the one of my closest friends. He if they had known about true in societies influenced against gay marriage without context of a joke, which is had told me about his sexual his homosexuality, which is by Hispanic cultures, many surrendering to homophobia. why I laughed when John of which define masculinity One way to do this is to argue came out to me. in a way that excludes that marriage — defined as CHRISTIAN I thought he was messing homosexuality and does not the permanent union of one GONZALEZ around. Nevertheless, he consider gays to be “real man and one woman — is persisted. men.” the only way to ensure the It was my junior year The Catholic Church has long preached that “No, Chris, I mean it,” one must hate the sin but love the sinner. The Catholic Church health and prosperity of a of high school. As I sat in he said. “I told my best has long preached that society. art history class, bored to friend last night, and I broke one must hate the sin but As much as I may dissent oblivion, one of my friends down. Tears just came. I’m love the sinner. From the from that view, I cannot find leaned over and whispered, completely serious.” persecution of Protestants in it intentions of hatred. “I’m gay.” My skepticism and homosexuals to the Simultaneously My first reaction was to evaporated. John meant it. preference much earlier, why he didn’t come out until historic preaching of rancid opposing gay marriage laugh. I thought “John” was Obviously I did not care; sometime during freshman senior year. anti-Semitism, the Church and homophobia might be joking. John would still be my friend year, but he concealed it Things were probably often failed to live up to its a fine line to walk, but the At Belen Jesuit, the — the gender of the people from the rest of the class, and not much better over at own injunction. Still, the necessary efforts must be Catholic high school I my friends take to bed is of from the school. Christopher Columbus High moral command remains. made if we are to reassure attended, the word gay (and little concern to me. “I was afraid that the School, the other Catholic As I experienced it, my gay people that their sexual its cruder form beginning Although relatively faculty would judge me,” all-boys schools in Miami. high school didn’t preach tendencies shed no light on with the letter “F”) got subtle, the homophobia found Daniel would tell me. “I’ve One of my friends recently or encourage homophobia. the quality of their character. thrown around quite in Catholic high schools like always been a good student. told me that in a class of over But it did not take an active frequently. When “gay” Belen made gay students I do my community service, 300 students, only one had approach in preventing it Christian Gonzalez is was used, it was usually in feel uncomfortable about participate in clubs, and come out as openly gay by either. a staff writer for Panther connotation with something their sexual preferences and do all that sort of stuff. So graduation. Individuals and Press. His column, Right negative. forced many of them to keep I didn’t want my image The unfortunate reality institutions that support Turn, is a commentary on But really, almost their orientation hidden. tarnished.” is that Catholic high schools traditional marriage are foreign affairs, culture, and anything could be “gay.” Two years after John’s Regrettably, he was are often unwelcoming still capable of combatting social sciences. Homework could be gay. admission, I graduated from right to be concerned about environments for homophobia. Indeed, When a certain sports team high school. By that time, his reputation. Certain homosexuals. I would argue that it is performed poorly, that was three people had come out as members of the high To be fair, Catholicism is their obligation to voice gay. When someone said THE CLAW & GROWL IS NOW HIRING ARE YOU OPINIONATED? WANT TO EXPERIENCE RADIO? APPLY NOW AT PANTHERNOW.COM 7 Panther Magazine – Thursday, March 30, 2017 PantherNOW.com PANTHER EDITORIAL LGBTQA rights matter LGBTQIA students need to feel accepted That is exactly what Trump having to identify with one POLITICOBUZZ is doing when he is making specific gender,” according to A university is about providing a platform for curious people to explore the world transgender students identify FIU News. and individuals around them. It’s impossible to accomplish this if students do not feel with their birth gender instead This is an amazing effort comfortable or safe in their environments; and secondly, if students and professors are of their real one. unable to have civilized discussions about the LGBTQA community, how the world That’s not progression. currently perceives them, and how it affects their quality of life. That’s regression and FIU is It’s important that we all be respectful of those around us, ask questions to educate all about being Worlds Ahead. ourselves, and protect those who need it. And in order to do this, everyone needs to FABIENNE FIU has opened its doors Identifying as who work together to encourage a safe and welcoming environment for our LGBTQIA FLEURANTIN to LGBTQA students with you are requires Panthers. MPAS LGBTQA Initiatives. overwhelming Professors, for example, have the power to promote a safe environment even before We have come a long way “The Mission of the MPAS courage in a society the first day of class by requesting that students email them their given name, their with LGBTQA rights. LGBTQA initiatives at Florida that maintains preferred name and their preferred pronoun before the semester starts. It was a beautiful moment International University stereotypes and Another alternative is for professors to pass around a piece of paper on the first day in history when we saw the is to meet the needs of condenses people Supreme Court vote in favor of the LGBTQA Student of class for students to write their given name, along with their preferred name and into categories. pronoun before calling attendance. same-sex marriages, making it population, by developing and But, the pressure to make a safe environment for members of the LGBTQA legal nationwide. implementing educational, community doesn’t just fall on the faculty and administration. Students need to make But we still have far to go. social, and resource programs an effort as well. Under the Trump and services. For LGBTQ students, if you wish to be addressed by a name other than your birth Presidency, LGBTQA rights These initiatives are aimed name or by a different pronoun, speak with the professor privately before or after remain uncertain. Trump has at reducing homophobia class. stated that he will fight for the and heterosexism on both For students who don’t directly identify with the LGBTQA community, don’t rights of minorities, but his campuses through education, that FIU is making to get their be afraid to stand up for members of the community who are put in situations that actions have stated otherwise. advocacy, awareness and students to feel comfortable are uncomfortable, offensive or threatening and make an effort to use the preferred Trump’s administration assisting our LGBTQ students and safe in their school pronouns and names of your classmates and professors. revoked Obama’s law that in reaching their full potential,” environment. Maybe the At the end of the day, it’s important that we’re all respectful of those around us, ask allowed transgender students according to the LGBTQA Trump administration could questions to educate ourselves, and protect those who need it. in public schools to use the Student Affairs Page. take a few pointers out of the bathroom that align with their Not only have they installed Panther handbook and move gender identity. gender neutral bathrooms forward, not backward. This is not making America throughout both campuses, but great again. This is taking a they are planning to provide Homosexuality not a huge step back. This is sex more in Housing and the Rec Fabienne Fleurantin is a discrimination in education, Center. staff writer for Panther Press. which goes against Title IX. “With an estimated 10 Her column, PoliticoBuzz, sin, shouldn’t be feared Identifying as who you percent of the FIU community is a commentary that raises are requires overwhelming identifying as LGBTQ, the awareness about political PULITZER’S Although the act His parents described homosexuality courage in a society that request for gender-neutral issues in the US and PHENOMENA of severing the brain’s as a sin, he said, as was anything else that maintains stereotypes and bathrooms has grown, and worldwide. She also covers prefrontal lobe is no longer could possibly be linked to it, such as when condenses people into allows students and faculty events at FIU’s Biscayne Bay a medical treatment for his father caught him and a friend practicing categories. to use the restroom without Campus. mental disorders such cheerleading. as schizophrenia and “He asked me, ‘Do you like boys or do you depression, the issue like girls? You better answer the right answer of conversion therapy or I will kick you out of my house and disown has entered the political you.’ That stuck with me for years,” Clark said. DANIELA PEREZ limelight this past year And the fear he felt when he realized at the because of Vice President age of six that he liked a male classmate as Mike Pence. more than just a friend, he said, followed him In his 2000 congressional campaign throughout his adolescence. website, Pence showed a subliminal Growing up, he was filled with dread advocation towards gay conversion therapy regarding his sexuality and his inability to saying, “Resources should be directed toward confess, even having suicidal thoughts. those institutions which provide assistance to But, a subtle beacon of hope shed light those seeking to change their sexual behavior.” on Clark’s fears when he met someone who Although not explicit, this statement holds assisted him in his journey towards shedding an insidious tone. According to Katherine S. his skin and accepting his sexuality. Milar’s book, “The Myth Buster,” the “ancient Then Clark gathered up the courage to techniques” used to change a person’s sexual confess his sexuality to his parents by writing orientation included lobotomy, chemical them a letter. The results were unexpected. castration, electric shock, and masturbatory “They were weirdly accepting. They told reconditioning. me they were expecting it for years and were This sounded extremely harmful so the act happy that I was just happy; they told me they of “ridding” someone of their homosexuality loved me,” he said. MAGAZINE “disease” started to hide behind a mask that It stopped being a subject after this PANTHER involved counseling, psychoanalytic therapy discussion, although Clark still doesn’t feel EDITORIAL BOARD Director and prayer. fully comfortable telling his parents every Robert Jaross Panther Press is published on Mondays But, the LGBTQ community has the same detail; he does, however, feel relieved of the Editor in Chief Asst. Director and Thursdays during the Fall and Spring semesters and once a week during brains as a heterosexual male or female. They acceptance that once caged and ruptured his Cayla Bush Alfred Soto Summer B. One copy per person. Additional have the same limbs, genetic compounds, and heart. News Director most importantly, the same hearts that beat for Homosexuality is not a disease. It’s not a CONTACT INFORMATION copies are 25 cents. Panther Press is not Martina Bretous survival. cancer and does not need to be cured. Your responsible for the content of ads. Ad Sports Director Modesto Maidique Campus: The LGBTQ community can work, study, family will not fall apart if your kin loves GC 210, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. content is the sole responsibility of the Jayda Hall perform and love just like any other individual. differently than you. Support the lives of this (305) 348-2709 company or vendor. Panther Press is an Opinion Director They are not sick nor are they psychologically community, emphasize their importance in this Biscayne Bay Campus: editorially independent newspaper partially WUC 124, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. inept; they just love a different sex. world, care for them, and most importantly, Michelle Marchante funded by student and services fees that are Zachery Clark, a junior majoring in don’t patronize. (305) 919-4722 Entertainment Director appropriated by Student Government. international business and international Editor-in-Chief: Nia Young relations, is openly gay; however, this Daniela Perez is a staff writer for Panther (305) 348-1580 Multimedia Director transition was the bane of his adolescence. Press. Her column, Pulitzer’s Phenomena, is a [email protected] Clark was raised as Southern Baptist and commentary on human interest. Cornell Whitehead Advertising: (305) 348-6994 Production Manager attended church in his and Pence’s home state [email protected] of Indiana. Nia Young

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Senior Janna Vick-Morris, a “When I was in high school I was gay, to not be concerned about the BRETT SHWEKY sustainability major, said while she a part of the tennis team, however I challenges that athletes in today’s Staff Writer played high school tennis, even though had not fully known I was lesbian,” world face. That they can overcome she had not come out, she at times felt said Vick-Morris. “At times I had the the struggles and be perceived rom the battle to obtain isolated from the rest of her teammates. feeling that the other players on the no differently from their peers.” equal rights to the team knew I was lesbian and therefore Shanna Vick-Morris, the life fight to break cultural at times I was left to myself.” partner of Janna Vick-Morris, said barriers, members of Vick-Morris continued by when she played high school rugby, the LGBT community saying that for players in the LGBT teammates who were also part of are faced with unique challenges. At times I had the feeling that the community to gain acceptance the LGBT community were able For athletes within the LGBT universally throughout sports, to bond over the similar mindset. F other players on the team knew community these obstacles only openly-gay athletes must become “During high school rugby, I was become more difficult to overcome. I was lesbian and therefore at active role models for the younger able to establish great friendships LGBT athletes have encountered times I was left to myself, athletes concerned about the obstacles. with teammates of mine because discriminative intolerance “Athletes such as Brittney Griner, we were both lesbian” said the due to heteronormativity, or, Janna Vick-Morris Jason Collins, Michael Sam and others religious studies major. “Since we a belief that certain people Senior have all made an impact for the LGBT were both going through similar belong in specific roles in life. Sustainability community in sports,” said Vick- things, it was easy to bond over Sports have been labeled as a Morris. “Them all openly coming out the common aspects in our lives.” heterosexual role in society by many. shows the younger athletes, who are Major sports franchises Stonewall Pride Alliance support transgender rights aims to bring LGBT JULIETA RODRIGO reported that the NBA state that Texas would Staff Writer All-Star Game was moved not be a contender to host out of North Carolina the Super Bowl or other because legislators events if the bill is enacted. awareness to University n behalf of failed to repeal HB2, Manny Quevedo, the many a law which requires a physical education STEVEN MELENDEZ them with a variety of events transgender transgender people to use graduate and front desk ContributingWriter to participate in. Vargo says athletes on bathrooms based on the attendant at the BBC majority of the events held collegeO campuses around sex registered on their Wellness and Recreation by his group is educational the nation and in support of birth certificate and not by Center, told FIUSM he LGBT with a few social events. the inclusivity of collegiate the gender in which they that he wasn’t aware community has A few of these include the sports, the Human Rights currently identified. The of these recent events. experienced a yearly Halloween special, as well Campaign, along with the lot of positive as the lip syncing competition. American Civil Liberties changes in the Stonewall has also collaborated Union, the Equality last few years, one of them with the Geek Culture Club Federation, the National beingT the legalization of for an event last fall semester Center for Transgender I had no idea they [were same-sex marriage, as well and will be collaborating with Equality and many others supporting transgender rights], as lifting the ban on military other clubs for future events. urge the NCAA to boycott service by transgender people. “We have a few educational cities and states that So it’s a nice surprise that Tim Vargo, intern at the events coming up, one being enacted laws allowing LGBT Care Initiative Office the Social Justice Summit discrimination based they are accepting of people’s and president of Stonewall on April 19,” said Vargo. on sexual orientation different lifestyles, Pride Alliance, is aiming to The upcoming events or gender identity. Manny Quevedo make a difference and continue are to focus on pride for In response, on Graduate Student the fight for equal rights. the LGBT community. March 13, 2017, NCAA Physical Education Stonewall, a social group Presentation proposals for President Mark Emmert located at the Modesto the Social Justice Summit are publicly reaffirmed Maidique Campus, provides still being accepted up until the organization’s a safe environment in which April 1, and approval status commitment to people can talk and deal will be announced on April 4. LGBTQ inclusion in All-Star Game was then “I had no idea they [were with LGBT issues, as well as The actual presentation isn’t their championship moved and held in New supporting transgender educate those who may not due until April 19, but proposals tournaments and events, Orleans, where the city rights],” said Quevedo. “So know much about its history. are due before the deadline. according to an HRC press boasts LGBTQ-inclusive it’s a nice surprise that they “Visibility and having a Bringing LGBT education released the following day. non-discrimination are accepting of people’s space where you can be genuine and awareness to FIU is Emmert wrote that “the protections. different lifestyles.” is pretty important,” said the main objective Vargo Board and I are committed According to Dallas Quevedo commented Vargo. “Personally, since I’m and his team at Stonewall. to [inclusivity], and we News, the NFL has that he will continue to transgender, the way I exist in Getting the FIU community expect that all people will publicly scorned Texas’s support franchises like my classes isn’t the way I exist to familiarize themselves with be welcomed and treated SB 6, a bill that would the NBA and the NFL, socially because there is no LGBT issues is a great way with respect at our events.” allow state agencies and and hopes to see more place for that a lot of the time.” to bring togetherness, but he The NCAA does schools to discriminate inclusion in the future. This alliance brings together knows it is only the beginning. not stand alone in this against transgender LGBT members by providing commitment. ESPN people, and warned the

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