At Saint Louis University, space signifies status. A space on campus-whether a dorm room, a classroom, an office or an event location-is a declaration of backing, support and encouragement. That’s why designs for a Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender at SLU, however tenuous, are courageous and welcome.
Though Student Government Association President Andrew Clifton has stressed that the plans are not yet permanent, this proposed center might assume an office in the Busch Student Center. Phase one, which could be implemented as soon as next year, could include meeting space for students. Phase two could provide increased services, like counseling or a small library of resources for students embracing or struggling with their sexual orientation and a graduate assistant hired to oversee operation.
Plans for this center are riddled with uncertainties; the project is still struggling to peel away red tape. But it has been conceived. It is under way. And that’s the important part.
But a curious proposal has also been made, with regards to finding a “roommate” for the GLBT center. For now-perhaps to cushion the center against anticipated backlash from traditional archbishops, stringent dogmatists or strident homophobes-Una, SLU’s feminist group, will share the center’s nook.
At first glance, these groups make strange companions. What similarities do they share, except that they both support underrepresented constituencies? What similarities, except that both tend to rankle the deep-seated beliefs of self-righteous religious groups? Wouldn’t the decision to couple Una with the GLBT center imply that those groups are an “other,” something to be grouped together and set aside?
SLU seems to have developed a reputation for limply utilizing an elastic definition of its Jesuit Mission. In some areas, like service trips and volunteer events, it promotes the ideal of being men and women for others. In others, it falls short-either liberally casting off the dictates of the Church or denying its Jesuit identity for a few, cool million.
But here, SLU is making a statement.
By assigning a space to students of all sexual backgrounds, and to the feminist group it grappled with in the recent past, SLU’s administration is taking a brave step in the direction of support and tolerance. By assigning space to the GLBT center, SLU higher-ups are also lending importance to an identity, instead of just another activity. By supporting Una, SLU acknowledges that the group has something valuable to say, that the prevention of violence against women and the support of feminist aims are valid.
As these communities get a home, they also get a voice. And as they get a voice, we hear them. We realize that they, that we, are not just ideas, but people: men and women, for others.
