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LGBTQ ISSUES:
Homophobia and Heterosexism
For years gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited, intersex, and queer persons were ignored by the University. This was a time
of benign neglect and silent toleration
at best. At worst, it was explicit homophobia (the fear and hatred of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people) and heterosexism (systemic bias in favour of heterosexuality)
in departments, in the administration, in residences and on campus at large.
In the late 1990s, the few offices promoting equity came under attack, with
drastic cuts to the Status of Women Office and the Ombudsperson's Office
(among others) - cuts since reversed.
A more positive step toward enhancing
diversity was the creation of the Office of the Co-ordinator of Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Trans-gendered, Queer
Resources and Programs. The Coordinator,
Jude Tate, provides research, program development, training and outreach on
issues related to the LGBTQ population at U of T. Her number
is 946-5624 or e-mail: lgbtq.resources@utoronto.ca.
The GSU is an active partner in the campus
"Positive Space" Campaign, a student/staff/admin coalition which advocates for
the LGBTQ community on campus. "Positive Space" also
provides stickers for your office door, to indicate you are
supportive and students/peers need not be worried about their
sexual orientation. You can get stickers and information from GSU!
The GSU Office is a designated Positive Space.
You can also volunteer for the organizing committee of
Positive Space by contacting Jude Tate as above.
UTPrideNet is a student initiative which provides an online forum and links for the LGBTQ student community.
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LGBTOUT is an officially recognized group at the
U of T for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual,
queer students and others who are marginalized on the basis of
their sexual orientations and/or gender identifications. LGBTOUT
offers spaces to explore our diverse identities both socially
and politically, where people can develop a wide range of skills
and learn more about our communities.
The Graduate Chapter of LBGTOUT
provides a forum
for Graduate, Professional and Post-Professional Students,
University Staff and Faculty to meet and interact. We meet
every second Thursday at the GSU Pub and Café for a drink
and some great conversation. Please do drop by…
for more information:
grads@lgbtout.com |
www.lgbtout.com |
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