Dear Senators:
I once thought that I was an Aggie. Next year will be my 5th year of study. I am a Presidential Endowed Scholar. I attended Fish Camp. I went to football games and yelled until my voice was dead and my ass was red. I joined a FLO. I started two organizations. I received the prestigious Buck Weirus Spirit Award for my contributions to this student body. I have made hundreds of friends, touched hundreds of Aggies’ lives and been touched by thousands more. Yes, I once thought that I was an Aggie.
On April 20th, 2011 the Student Senate made it clear that, in their eyes, I am an Aggie no more.
That day, the student senate told me that I was not worth as much as other Aggies. You told me that breaking the Aggie Honor Code and lying to my fellow students was preferable to you deciding to respect me for who I am. On that night, S.B. 63-106, otherwise known as the “Sexual Education Equality in Funding Bill” in support of Representative Wayne Christian’s amendment to HB 1 passed. And with its passage, the Student Senate made its position clear: that because I am gay, I am not truly an Aggie.
Now you may be saying to yourself that I’m being overly dramatic, that that was not your intention in passing that bill, or something else along those lines. Some of you may have stopped reading this letter as soon as you saw the words “I am gay”. I would expect nothing less from the 17th least friendly campus for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) students in the country (according to the Princeton review). If you’re still reading, then allow me to explain why I don’t at all feel like I am being melodramatic and state my reasons for concluding that the Student Senate no longer views me as an Aggie:
1. Harming the Texas A&M GLBT Resource Center was the purpose of this bill, not, as the authors claim, the creating of centers for the purpose of so-called “traditional values education.” This is made clear in the second operative clause, where the opposition of increased student fees to cover this new “traditional values education” is set forth. The authors of the bill are not fooling anyone, since the drastic budget cuts make it clear that no additional government funding is at all likely for this new “traditional values” education, leaving one clear option: cut the GLBT Resource Center’s budget in half. This barely concealed attempt to attack the funding of the biggest support system for GLBT students and their allies on this campus is not just an attack on some perceived “immoral lifestyle choice” or whatever phrase people might choose to use. It is a direct attack on Aggies like myself, a clear “shot over the bow”, warning us that we are not welcome on this campus.
2. The purpose of this bill was not to promote equality of funding for support for all students. If that were indeed the goal, then allow me to point you to several areas where there is a severe problem. First of all, why is there a Women’s Resource Center on campus but no Men’s Resource Center? Applying the same logic that has been applied in the passage of S.B. 63-106, it is clearly unfair that my student fees, as a male, go toward funding the Women’s Resource Center, especially if I disagree that women need any special attention. I should demand equality of funding towards a center that supports me and my needs as a male. Likewise for the Department of Multicultural Services, because I as a Caucasian Amercian have no need of their services. Where is my Department of White American Services? Clearly, the student body does not have a problem offering support to the communities of women and multicultural students within the Aggie family. Thus, singling out support for GLBT students like me sends a crystal clear message: “you and people like you are not worthy of our support. Women, multicultural people, those groups deserve support. You do not.“
3. The assertion that there is not already “traditional values” education related to sex on this campus is laughable. Anyone who has taken a KINE 198 class can tell you that only heterosexual examples are given when discussing romantic or sexual interactions and the health guidelines related to them. And a mandatory class is far more pervasive in educating the students of Texas A&M than a resource center buried in Cain Hall that never requires people to pass through its doors. The programming that the center offers is optional for those who wish to attend. There is no requirement that straight Aggies listen to a discussion of sexual safety for gay men or lesbian women, but clearly the same is not true for GLBT Aggies. We are treated to a discussion of straight sexual safety and relationship guidelines whether we want to be or not. Thus, the assertion that “alternative sexual education” is being funded more than “traditional values” sexual education on this campus is not only patently false, but demeaning to those of us who are consistently maligned for being attracted to (a) different gender(s) of people than the Student Senate apparently feels we should be.
Senators, let me reiterate what I said at the beginning of this letter. Next year will be my 5th year of study. I am a Presidential Endowed Scholar. I attended Fish Camp. I went to football games and yelled until my voice was dead and my ass was red. I joined a FLO. I started two organizations. I received the prestigious Buck Weirus Spirit Award for my contributions to this student body. I happen to be gay. I am also a strong Christian, attend a local church, and have a wonderful relationship with my father.
A year ago, all of that almost vanished. I almost became a name read out at Silver Taps Senators, because I was so tired of living the lie, feeling controlled by fear. And the voices that were in my head were delivering the same message that the Student Senate is delivering to the GLBTQ students of this university: you aren’t worth as much as everyone else. I’m not accusing the Student Senate of causing suicides, but the passage of this bill simply reinforces a message that many GLBT people have been hearing their whole lives. Will it take a Tyler Clementi here at Texas A&M before this becomes apparent?
You may think it’s a sin, that I chose to be gay, and that I’m having wild, promiscuous, unprotected sex every chance I get. You may think of me as a faggot, a queer, a poof, a fairy, or a dirty homo. You may think that I will certainly die of AIDS…some of you may even think that I should die because of it. I know people on this campus and in this community who think that I deserve the death penalty for being gay. That is the reality of being gay on this campus, Senators. Even if a GLBT man or woman never once experiences outright discrimination, the knowledge that if it weren’t for Texas politeness they almost certainly would stays with them. It is fear, a constant awareness that we have to have when we’re on a date or walking across campus, an undercurrent of uncertainty about how people will react to us holding hands, wearing a GLBTAggies t-shirt, or standing in front of an Aggie Allies table by the Academic Building.
That is why the GLBT Resource Center is essential. It was part of what kept me alive a year ago, having a community where I knew I could find support, be able to talk to people who knew what I was going through and had the funding and resources to help get me (and every other person who visits the center, gay or straight) the information and support that they need to make it through a day, a week, a year, a lifetime.
Because guess what Senators? Somehow, most of us still love Texas A&M. Despite everything, we still bleed maroon. That’s why we are still here, why we haven’t just up and left, packed our bags, and hit the road for California or New York. The people who work at the GLBT resource center could have just given up years ago; it would have been easier. GLBT Aggies and their allies are still bettering this campus through our involvement in the student body. But we will continue to fight to be recognized fully as Aggies, despite the Student Senate’s clear position that we are not.
In closing, you will notice that my name is not attached to this letter. You may accuse me of cowardice, of choosing to hide behind the cloak of anonymity as I take potshots at you. Then again, you may not. But let me be clear: I have chosen to withhold my name not out of fear, but because you, as a senate body, have lost my trust. Choosing to come out to someone, which is what I would be doing if I included my name, requires trust. However, I do not trust you with my name any more than you as a senate trust that the GLBT students of this campus honestly need the support and resources that the GLBT Resource Center offers. You clearly no longer represent me, so you are no longer entitled to my name.
Maybe when you are willing to repair the damage that you have done to the Aggie Family I might be willing to trust you again.
Sincerely,
An Aggie No More
To the person who wrote this letter: thank you.
Thank you for your words, and remember that the hundreds of Aggie Allies will always consider you a true Aggie.
Bravo, well said! You have my support, as well as the support of many, many other Aggies.
Thank you for this very powerful letter. I hope the Student Senate, upon reflection of their actions, recalls their vote and sees their bigotry for what it is. Had their interest only been to fund the new center they would have reduced funding to all student groups by a flat percentage. Cutting only the resource center shows they want to punish the GLBT community for having the audacity to exist.
Thank you for speaking out. Many of us are ashamed of the Student Senate’s actions, and believe that all students are part of the Aggie family, no matter what.
It’s about time someone said it. Continue to be an inspiration!
Thank you for writing…there are so many people who need your leadership & guidance – and it will be folks like you who are willing to speak out that will make many continue to wear their Aggie rings.
Wow! Many thanks to the author! I’m also an Aggie and graduated more than two decades ago. I remember well the much despised ‘Gay Student Services’ which helped me so much as a 17 year old gay male on the A&M campus. We organized the ‘Pink Panther Patrol’ to roam around campus in the evenings to replace the GSS meeting notices which would be routinely torn off of bulletin boards. The Fish were actively encouraged by upper classmen to look for and tear down our meeting notices. It was so perplexing when only a few years later I would learn that the Corps was one of the gayest organizations on campus. I wound up meeting so many friends who were members (and they enjoyed it very much). I want to hope that things are much different on campus today versus the mid-80’s. GSS truly helped me realize that I was not alone, and helped reinforce and develop my own self-worth and self-respect.
Nice letter, good points … glad you overcame last year. But you should have signed your name.
AMAAAAAAZING!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! This is so well written and truly powerful!
Many GLBTQQIAAP individuals have stopped wearing their rings in response to this.
Thank you for writing this open letter. It takes courage to do something like this. You and the rest of the LGBTQ community will always have my support. Everyone deserves equal rights.
Thank you so much for saying the things that so many of us feel.
Damn right you’re not an Aggie. Not get the heck away from my school and my state.
Are you sure it was just yelling that is making your ass red?
I love the gay community at Texas A&M. Many of my friends are members of the GLBTA. But honestly, when are you guys going to stop acting like victims? Honestly. A&M does not have to give any funding at all for this. So the Christians demanded their opinions to be heard and they want funding for their point of view. So what? They are entitled to their view point being heard as well.
This breaks my heart. To whoever wrote this, you are an Aggie, forever & always. To the Student Senate, I am disgusted by this bill & cannot believe that you would propose and pass this bill. To the Speaker of the House who broke this tie, I am glad you will not be our Student Body President next year. ♥ an Aggie Ally.
Thanks for standing up to the discrimination at school. -aj
Even being straight, it makes me wonder, from a more Christian perspective, aren’t we taught not to judge? Suppose to leave that up to God? And even if it is a sin, aren’t all sins equal in God’s eyes? The community needs to get over the fact that we are all human beings, we all have 23 chromosomes, made up of the same nucleotides that form the same double helix.
I have visited Texas A&M, met the people at the GLBT Resource Center. It is an island of safety, camaraderie and balance in a sea of “other.” 1) designing another island is not the real answer. It would be better to stop marginalizing people who are a minority. 2) In the mean time, real values, Christian values and American values are to protect the minority. Centers for minorities are the right thing to do on all campuses. Centers for minorities who are at risk is the moral thing to do. 3) No one is stupid enough to really think that traditional family values are at risk or the minority at Texas A&M. It was a puny move, a spineless move, a dishonest move. The courageous move is to proudly say that Texas A&M is a robust, diverse, integrated community where everyone is welcome.
As a student in my 5th year at A&M (having stayed for graduate studies), I really don’t see why you’re making such a big deal out of a move designed to bring equality to campus. In your letter you cite other “inequalities”, and use the argument “other inequalities exist, so why shouldn’t this one?”. This is a terrible argument, and rather than citing these other inequalities as precedents to keep another, you should be citing this is a cornerstone toward fixing all inequalities on campus including those. Your somewhat facetious argument was right on the nose–there should be no singling out on campus! If we create any sort of “center” or “support group” for a subset of the student body, other subsets should be equivalently represented, whether on the basis of ethnicity, gender, lifestyle, religion, or any other discernable metric.
You’re right, there’s not a lot of money to go around right now, but that doesn’t mean that one special interest group should get to hog it all. I don’t know if you’re aware, but massive budget cuts are happening all over campus; why should your special interest group be an exception to this rule? Stop complaining about a step to move this campus toward equality.
I’ve never felt more torn about being an Aggie. Your letter is lovely, powerful, and makes me very proud. I haven’t been subjected to any particular discrimination (only being out to my major, a close-knit and art-oriented group, helps)… but I know that it’s there. I feel almost silly for having written on the KINE 198’s lecture-evaluation (specifically, the STI presentation) about the lack of non-straight information. I didn’t realize what our Senate’s been up to.
I’ve been an Aggie my entire life, lulled to sleep by the Spirit of Aggieland and fussed at for singing the War Hymn in daycare (“sounds like hell!” doesn’t go over well).
This is the first time I’ve actually had doubts about having come to A&M, the first time I’ve had to realize the prejudices against my existence there. I’m probably lucky to have never had to deal with this before. I truly hope that the Senate at least acknowledges this letter, or others like it.
To those who are hurting, who do need the resources and the support, who are beautiful and haven’t realized it: I hope, deeply, that our Aggie Allies will continue to post their signs on their doors, and open those doors, for as long as we need them. Good luck. Please continue to thrive.
Your butt is red… that makes me laugh and cry at the same time.
As a former student of Texas A&M, I’d be happy to sign this letter, give my name to it. I was proud to be an Aggie, once. I was proud to be in the Corps, to take classes and to yell at football games. But as an out Lesbian, I’m ashamed to admit my alma mater just took a giant step backwards, away from acceptance and towards hate.
GLBTQ students and former students have heard you loud and clear, Senators.
@Seriously…? You seem to have completely missed the point. The GLBT Resource Center exists because GLBT students, as a marginalized and oppressed group on this campus, need a safe space to find resources that are not readily available elsewhere on campus. Straight students, however, have a plethora of safe spaces and resources available to them without even having to work for them. To suggest that the existence of the GLBT Resource Center merits the creation of a “traditional and family values” center is ridiculous. The entire CAMPUS is a center for “traditional and family values”. This is not about saying that certain groups of people deserve more than other groups of people; this is about providing resources for marginalized groups, which heterosexual students certainly are NOT a marginalized group. Furthermore, did anybody EVER claim that they wanted a “traditional and family values” center before Wayne Christian decided to start whining about GLBT Resoure Centers? These senators honestly don’t give a crap about creating a “traditional and family values” center; they just want to try to bring down the GLBT Resource Center under the guise of equality.
Well stated. As a former student, I am appalled at the actions of the senate, but know that there are many of us in the Aggie family that do not share such narrow minded, hypocritical views. In my years at A&M, I made many friends, some of whom happened to be gay and lesbian. I am still friends with many of them today and consider them to be wonderful human beings. I am proud to count them among my friends. I hope the current generation of students will rise up and let the senate know that such bigotry is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Please don’t let the actions of a few misguided “moralists” make you feel unwelcome or unwanted in the Aggie family. Gig’em!
I’m a recent graduate of A&M now living in D.C. I’m proud as hell of my school and love telling people here about it. But I’m so sick and tired of hearing people say, “A&M? Isn’t that the school that…” I’m sick of it. I’m sick of having to admit that we have students that put racist videos on Youtube that draw criticism from across the country. I’m sick of making national headlines because a conservative group on campus demeans the great man who would become our president. And I’m sick of admitting that I went to a school that supports any kind of demeaning gesture towards the GLBT community. There’s so much to be proud of here, but I’m sick of being ashamed.
I’d gladly support the Student Senate passing a bill to give greater support to the GLBT Resource Center. That would give me one more thing to be proud of.
Great article.
Listen…. The Texas A&M Senate is notoriously hated by a large majority of the student body. Budget cuts may happen and affect the GBLT services but that doesnt mean they should be directed towards a “traditions and values” org. If there needs to be cuts… cut but dont replace those dollars with something else.
Like Mark in Houston, I was an undergrad over two decades ago – mid 1980’s, to be exact. I watched from the safety of the closet as GSS battled in court – and on campus. I wrote letters supporting “them” and “their” rights to be treated like any other person. It took a little over a year after the Supreme Court handed over the victory to GSS for me to finally leave that closet for good. I attended the first GSS meeting of the Fall 1986 semester and was greeted by a lot of thems – and I was proud to be a them, too.
I fondly recall the Pink Panther Patrols, staying up late with teams monitoring all the kiosks where our meeting notices had been posted. When anybody witnessed a flyer being torn down, we’d alert all teams to join the chase as we ran after the offender. Fun times, knowing on those nights, the Pink Panthers outnumbered the haters.
Very well said! The fundamentalist members of the A&M Student Senate continue to amaze me with their ignorance and close-mindedness. They do NOT speak for the entire Aggie community!
As a former Ag, former GLBTA President and former student worker of the GLBT Resource Center I would be honored to personally shake the hand of whomever wrote this letter!!! Thank you!!!
We ARE ALL AGGIES!!!!
I am proud to be a part of the family of traditions that come out of Aggieland, however for me those will always include: Silver Taps, Coming Out Week, Midnight Yell, The Gender Bender Ball, Aggie Ring Dance, GLBT Awareness Week, Muster and the Coming Out Monologues!!! I am fortunate to have been at A&M when the GLBT Resource Center began, grew and made my campus a place where I felt safe!
Thanks & Gig ‘Em GLBT Resource Center!!!!!
Why do I keep finding (above) comments that express gay individuals need a “safe place” but at the same time show signs of pride about attending A&M? That is, how can you enjoy A&M and at the same time not feel welcome or that some other people are not welcome? For example, the writer expresses discontent with the the student body about decision to reduce funding to the GLBT group by calling herself/himself “An Aggie No More”. Yet, in the text the write quotes that A&M is one of the least gay-friendly universities. That figure is not new. So the question is, why now are you An Aggie No More? The problem has always existed (and it should be dutifully fixed). My comment is very rhetorical, hopefully it is somewhat understandable.
One suggestion, stop addressing the student government. When something matters you take it to the people who are running the show: the university’s administration.
I am heterosexual. I am an atheist. I am 15-20 years older than most of the student body. I am a student unlike most that surround me at A&M. I know ostracism and would not wish that on another. I know that it is hard enough to exist on campus as a young, heterosexual, religious student, much less for a member of any outgroup. I fully support the rights and dignity of GLBT students. Your supporters are out here. Don’t give up your fight for equality.
Gig ’em, my friend. Well said! There are Aggies that support you 100%. I’m sorry our Alma mater isn’t doing their part. It’s truly heart breaking, but please know you’re not alone in your disgust and disappointment for the actions of the senate.
To the author: Thank You. You make me proud to be an Aggie!
As a former student and former employee of the GLBT Resource Center, I am proud as hell to have been there on the day that this center was created, the day it was named, the day it got it’s first real office….and I know the immense hard work that goes into running every single one of the programs that occur each week and I KNOW this will continue! I am so grateful to know that MY Aggie Family is still fighting the fight that was started decades ago!
As I read the news reports about the horrific things happening in the Texas legislature against LGBT persons and the murders of LGBT men and women, I am truly saddened and disappointed….HOWEVER, I then remember that the GLBT Resource Center at Texas A&M University has amazing GLBT Aggies and their Allies working diligently to combat homophobia and I remember that I am proud to be a Texan….and a member of the GLBTAggie Family!
First of all, Thank you!
I agree completely with your point. I am very sorry that you feel unwelcome. your words are moving. However, no matter your opinion on women and multicultural students funding, it is not okay to bash them. these groups of individuals are oppressed systematically using the same methods used against the GLBT students. listen up and I’m sure you will hear plenty of racist and sexist jokes or jabs all around you. Using your opinion against their funding weakens your argument. Those group deserve their funding just as much as GLBT. males in general are not Oppressed for their gender, they may suffer, but that is not Oppression. the acts against Gays are Oppressive however and I love that you will stand up for what you believe in.
I do not know what to say! But I do not think the bill is about equality.
If some student senators at Texas A&M think that they are bringing equality by offering funding to family values center, then they should have done equality to GLBTs last year. Out of all 5 project proposals that I submitted for funding, Senate rejected 1 and accepted other 4, the one that was rejected was for GLBT awareness. Apparently this is bill is not about equality. It is about politicizing self -interest.
Sometimes I’m ashamed to be an Aggie, all too often unfortunately. As a member of and equally reviled group, atheist, I understand some of where you are coming from, I cannot claim to understand the full brunt of your ostracism though. Please know that there are those of us out there that agree with you, and I intend to contact the GLBT resource center and see if there is any aid I can offer.
An oh! in support of my GLBT Aggies, I will not accept my ring next year, until my fellow Aggies’ rights are being restored and the GLBT resources center fees is not cutt-off. This may feel melodramatic, but this is my way of protest! (Satyagraha: Insist on the truth)
Thank you for publishing this. Sometimes I’m ashamed to be an Aggie.
I am an aggie, I am a straight conservative. But this is wrong. Everybody deserves the chance to do what they want to do and who they want to be with, I may not agree with it and i may not like it, but they have that right and this is outright discrimination against them. If they passed a bill cutting 50% of funding for a gun rights group and gave it to an anti-gun rights group, people would be up in arms and somebody would be shot. But nobody is really saying anything about this. I am proud to be an aggie, but this is something that makes me ashamed to be a student here at A&M.
As they say, highway 6 runs North and South. I will hold the door open for you. Perhaps you would feel more comfortable at t. u.
I do not know who you are….but I heart you!!! this letter was amazing~! I am headed to the other room now so get my wife and our teenage son to read your letter! Thank you.
I came to A&M in the mid-90’s, and later was tangentially involved with ALLIES on campus. Talking to some of the gay and lesbian Aggies was a real eye-opener for me. To be out and gay on the College Station campus is an act of heroism. To choose what was then, and is still, a magnet conservative university means that you really love something else about it. Those students and staff do not deserve to be the target of some BS political grandstanding by people shooting for the lowest common denominator in their constituency. And it is BS–if the student body at A&M needs heterosexual family values education, I need breathing lessons.
Listen, I get it. You’re a victim. Everyone hates you. We’ve all heard it before. But seriously…STFU. Did it ever occur to anyone that many many many Aggies attend(ed) our beloved school on the Brazos in no small part to the traditions, pride, honor, and…wait for it…traditional values? I was proud to have attended what was once the most conservative public school in the country. You must understand, and I’m sure you do, that Texas A&M is unlike any other school on the planet. A&M does not in any way exist to conform itself to the students. Students are to conform themselves to A&M. That is what makes it so special. I am not disparaging your sexual orientation. But being an Aggie is being a part of something much larger than yourself. It is something that spans the globe and time itself. A&M is what it is, and should never change. Otherwise we will have lost what makes it stand out from every other school. Old Army is breathing it’s dying breath; and when it dies, so does the essence of A&M itself. So please understand that while I am sure you love A&M, it might not be the place for you. To quote a great movie- “There was once a dream that was Rome. You could only whisper it. Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish… it was so fragile. And I fear that it will not survive the winter. ” Think about it. Replace “Rome” with “A&M.” Such is the state of our beloved Aggieland
I’d sign that letter for you bud. As a member of the class of 09′, I really felt that the university was moving in the right direction on issues related to the GLBT community. Apparently I was wrong. I love A&M and always will, but until this sensless and ridiculous bill gets recalled A&M will never move forward. I’ve always said that progress isn’t made in the hearts of people that readily accept it, its made in the hearts of those who don’t. Keep fightin’ up there in Aggieland, y’all have the support of thousands at your back!
Gig’em!
@OldArmy: So its ok for a school to support: lets say Nazism or slavery or whatever as long as its founded on those principles? Being and Aggie isn’t about being a white supremest or as funamentalist Christian, its about honor, quality education, standing up for each other as a community (regardless of your opinions on who they are). And Rome fell for a reason, and if those qualities you stated ARE A&M than yes A&M should fall and sooner rather than later. As to the message I’m totally in support for these rights. I’m not gay. I’m just another white male. But I think EVERYONE man, woman, gay, straight, white, or any ethnic group should all be entitled to whatever support they need. I’m not opposed to the idea of a “traditional values center” but to make it as part of a thinly vailed cut to GLBT services is ridiculous. I saw the same thing happen to a Christian community at a school in Colorado and I was outraged then too. If the new center needs to occur according to the student body than go ahead but funding should come from across the board. In addition, this is not the time with all the budget cuts anyway to make anything though. I get mad at the admin at the TAMUG campus for making something like 6 new buildings since 2002 when I started my undergrad career when they raise tuition and cut funding for research and student assistantships like crazy all the time. Ok enough of a rant. I love A&M but the things I love about it are dying quickly and its not because of being for gay people.
@OldArmy – what’s wrong with you?
This is a school. Not a country. Not a city. Not a religion. A SCHOOL. And schools must do what any other educational institution must do – evolve and adapt as it’s student body does.
There’s another group in this country, one that “spans the globe and time itself”. This is a group that once you join, you cannot leave. This is a group that has held to it’s values to the exclusion of all others and refuses to change no matter what world events may occur to show just how outddated and unethical those “values” may be. The KKK. And talk like yours? It’s very, very reminiscent of some of the more public KKK members, the ones trying (and failing) to put a positive spin on their “family”.
What makes A&M stand out amongst other similar schools is not some obsessive dedication by it’s students. What makes A&M stand out is it’s standards of excellence and strong educational systems. And I’m sorry, but the passing of this bill, and the feelings towards a very valuable and productive segment of the student body, the Aggie “family” is far, far from being any kind of excellent. It’s far from meeting any kind of values, “traditional” or otherwise. It’s wrong, it’s discriminatory, and it’s reprehensible. As is your defense of this obviously broken system.
A disclaimer – I am not gay. I am not a lesbian. But I have been a member of several GLBT organizations since 2002, and will always be an Ally.
What an inspirational letter.
I also went to fish camp.
I also was in a FLO.
I also received the Buck Weirus award.
I also am red ass.
I also am gay.
As a current student at Texas A&M, I consistently feel that the ideals of Christianity are showed in my face. Having recently gone to the GLBT Resource center for the first time after coming out to a few of my closest friends, I realized that the GLBT Resource center is more than just a “gay club”, as I have heard it called before. The center is a safe house where I am free to be who I am. Outside of those doors, I hear that the GLBT are “going to hell” and are “sinning” all over Aggieland. I deserve the right to have a place to feel accepted, especially since the vast majority of “the most friendly campus in the world” is not that place.
OldArmy do you hear yourself? You contradicted yourself within your post douchetool. I find your pathetic idolatry for A&M’s traditional values laughable. And what makes A&M special and “unlike any other school on the planet” is not and should not be the heteronormative traditional values, but the sense of camaraderie and acceptance that should be at the very heart of the aggie family. This little move by the student senate obviously shows a stark contrast to the love the aggie family is supposed to show to every member, regardless of differences.
The budget cut and reallocation is hypocritical at best, and should be called what it is. A&M boasts about it’s diversity and its desire to become even more diverse, but how can that be when minority groups are so blatantly marginalized? Yes budgets are being cut, and yes we all are gonna take a hit, but to reallocate those funds to the creation of a new organization is a slap in the face.
We don’t need a “traditional values for traditonal families” or whathaveyou because the ENTIRE EFFINNG campus is founded on and supports traditional values. Why create a group that has no point? No one needs a support network about heteronormative traditional family values, that’s stupid, go talk to your parents. The GLBT organization, however, is desperately needed and provides a network of support that, as in the case of the letter’s author, could and does save lives. It allows people the freedom of expression, a voice, and identity, that is their right.
Do not kid yourselves thinking this campus is racism free and completely supportive of all people regardless of religion, sexual orientation, or gender. I see discrimination all the time, and so do you. This is a fact that needs to change, and this new bill is a step in the wrong direction.
Who quotes gladiator anyway? lame.
I have read and re-read this letter. I have read the opinions people have expressed as well. Personally, it is quite disappointing to read that A&M is being used as an excuse against what, change? progress? A&M is NOT what it was 50 years ago. Change has been implemented and successfully i might add. This university offered a limited amount of degrees, only permitted males and all students were a part of the core. Now, women are accepted and students have the option of being in the core. Change has created A&M as every building and every person have been integrated one by one, WORTHY OF BEING AGGIES, WORTH OF REPRESENTING A&M. A straight person is no more of an Aggie than a gay one. People have to understand multicultural, GLTB and Women Resource Centers exist to give people a safe haven, a place that people know they have where they will not be judged for who they are, for what they believe in. Gay people, like myself, do not choose to be gay as others do not chose be hispanic, or white, or female or male. A&M prides itself on saying it is a university that accepts everyone, a school that promotes diversity, tolerance and equity. To use A&M against GLBT people is to go against what A&M claims to be. This bill, along with some replies on this post, reflect an outright prejudice against a lifestyle as if it is option or contagious and of course, i seriously doubt that anyone would be ignorant enough AT A&M to believe that. The GLBT resource center in NO way “promotes” a different lifestyle and if people gave themselves a chance to see, they would come face to face with a place that offers no judgement and accepts all kinds of people, including YOU, as A&M claims to do. We are not victims, we’ve gotten this far, haven’t we? And no one is shutting us up. Thanks and Gig em’
I am proud to be an Aggie, a lesbian, hispanic, and a female. Neither was a choice.
Keep fighting the good fight, author! I support you!
Closeted Aggie,
Please go a little easier on ideals of Christianity. I say this because I sincerely believe that the true ideals of Christianity are in total opposition to the actions of the Senate in this case. Christ loved all and commanded His followers not to judge – not anyone, anytime, for any reason. We are to love all. The reason for this is simple: none of us is perfect. Since we are all in need of His grace, then none of us can stand in judgement on any other. I firmly believe in the teachings of Christ, and because of this, I would never dream of viewing any person, regardless of their sexuality or race or creed or any other factor, as being in any way lessor than me. So, please distinguish between true Christian ideals and the hypocritical values that parade themselves as Christian but which are, in fact, the very attitudes of the Pharisees to which He was so adamantly opposed. If Yeshua had been a voting member of that Senate, I would lay very high odds that He would not have cast His vote in favor of this message. In fact, I think He would have been outraged. He died for us all, not just the “righteous”. Happy Resurrection Day.
I actually ran for the Senate on the grounds that the Senators who had been elected were acting to push their own personal agenda and not reflect the opinion of the student body.
My cries fell on deaf ears, I most certainly would have voted against this
why is so important that your sexual preference be broadcast to the world. I do not agree with yours that is true, but who am I to judge you.. God will do that in His time… you do know that in the Old Testament of the Bible if men slept with other men as with a woman.. Gods law was to stone them to death.. and in the New Testament it is an abomination… so why would you post a letter to tell the entire facebook world that you are being mistreated… you should have been born in the time of Moses… then you could complain!
I am torn. I love A&M, but I cannot stand to listen to people saying some of the things they have said on these comments. Please – A&M has an opportunity to shine as the top university in the nation, and instead what we get are people like some that have deposited their filth in this comment section. The VAST majority of the Aggie student body are accepting, open-minded, and true to their values. It is a small but vocal minority that gives my beloved Aggieland a bad name to the rest of the country. I am proud of my school, and I want to hold my head high and point to A&M as a beacon of light for people who feel downtrodden, misplaced, and unaccepted. Know that anyone at A&M who feels as if the school is against you – I am with you.
Dear Senators: I hope you will recognize that being gay and human are not exclusive identities. Neither is being gay and Christian. We exist. You cannot legislate us out without exposing your own bigotry and ignorance – and hurting open-minded people everywhere. Educate, don’t hate.
Diann McGraw, you are so young in the mind and I sincerely hope you did not graduate from Texas A&M University. You, mam, are the reason people turn from Christianity. You’re God is the type of God that justifies ‘stoning’ people to death? You silly girl.
I am definitely with you but this was a tad bit dramatic. There are actually a lot of open minded students on campus but if you keep thinking everyone is against you then you will never see that. Also the department of multicultural services does NOT exclude Caucasian males, white is a culture as well so don’t think multicultural just means minorities. Also they are more than welcoming of the Gay Culture.
I feel better than ever about turning down a full ride from A&M. Don’t know why any gay person would go there in the first place.
An Aggie No More, Let me assure you, an Aggie you will always be. I was there in the early 90’s, when GSS was around and when someone spraypainted “Faggots” on the side of the Blocker building. The Battalion printed op ed articles and the students had such wonderful things to say such as, “I can’t imagine there are gay people on campus? Why would they come here? It’s obvious they’re not welcome.” I can remember leaving a GSS meeting only to be met by the CCC right outside the meeting room door screaming Bible versus and assuring us that the devil was saving our place in hell.
I too, was a good student. Lived on campus, was a bonfire buddy, participated in several student groups, and graduated cum laude. It was a struggle, but I kept my eye on the goal…the Aggie ring… and the countless other ones like me who gathered at the flying tomato, they are forever my Aggie brothers & sisters.
You will always be an Aggie, my friend…despite what ANYONE does or says to you. And even though someone once told that that highway 6 should only run one way for me…the hell out of Aggieland… I stuck it out. And so should you. Continue to let your voice be heard. Rest assured, there are many fair minded Aggies, gay & straight, and there are countless GLBT alumni who support you. We are the Aggies. the Aggies are we. True to each other as Aggies can be.
Thanks for your cogent and logical argument on this. That changed my mind on the issue. You should consider, if you haven’t already, submitting this to the batt or getting someone else to if you wish to remain incognito
Robert.
Gay people come here because it’s a tiny vocal minority that does things like this. YOu really did yourself a disservice by not coming to a very fine academic institution, and it saddens me to see potential members of the Aggie Family turn away because of things like this.
Note: I am a straight, Conservative Christian. Doesn’t mean I hate gays, I think neocons have bastardized what conservatism is
“With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censored, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably.” (quoting Aaron Satie in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Drumhead”) People should just mind there their own business and not worry about what other people do in their own intimate relationships. The Aggie’s Student Senate should worry about school issues not writing senate bills that interfere in student’s personal lives. Student Government’s just seem to be as big of a pain as the Senators in Washington. Things get tough and the first thing they do is cut Arts, Writing, and any program that as any academic value, except for popular sports of course. But anyways to the writer of this article don’t stop being an Aggie just because some narrow mind intolerant students pretending to be a real professional politicians target you. Be proud of who you are no matter what, some day the tide will turn the other way. And all those people who support this hatred will look really foolish to every one.
I am what I believe to be the poster boy for conservatism as an Aggie. I grew up in Texas, Eagle Scout, attended A&M, member of the Corps, and now a member of the military. Even as conservative as I am, I still believe that this bill is in the wrong. Whether or not we agree with the lifestyle choice of our fellow ags or agree with their views and opinions doesn’t matter in the least. What matters is that we attended the same University, cheered the same, mostly awful, football team; we went to class, attended muster and sliver taps, and beat the hell out of t.u., together. We are a family. Now, I have a real brother who I cannot stand, but if he needed my help I’d fly back from Japan in a heart beat for him, because he’s family. It doesn’t matter that I can’t stand him or that he makes choices completely opposite of what I would do, because we are family.
Just like with my brother, Aggies are supposed to be there to support each other, no matter what. How many countless stories have all of us heard about some Ag in need running across another former student and getting whatever they need free of charge, no questions asked? It doesn’t matter what color, sex, religion, creed, or even sexual orientation we are, all our names get read at Muster.
All that being said, the Student Senate has never been a very good representation of the student body or taken care of all it’s needs. Some things they get wrong and some things they get really wrong. A&M is steeped in tradition, but new traditions are started every year. Maybe our new tradition should be a student body that actually takes care of all it’s students.
Diann,i strongly encourage you to go take a second look at the word of God!! The Bible is interpreted by each reader, for you to simply lag on about your, it your religious, viewpoint, continue reading the versuses, it is also said in the Bible that eating shelled fish or wearing the color red are considered punishable sins! Growing up in a very strong southern baptist family I understand these all too well. Please have legitimate arguments or just simply keep your opinion yours!! As a gay student on campus, I have had several circumstance that hance left me feeling belittled and worthless, but at the same time I’ve had just as many if not more circumstances that have given me the pride and joy of being a student here!
I may not personally care about the budget cus, but as afore mentioned, don’t cut budgets to simply create an opposition.
Its cumbersome to havee to deal with the daily struggles of being a student and a part of the GLBT community, but that’s life!! I did more choose to be gay, but I choose to live my life as it is!! Have some respect for another, I’m not asking for your approval, just the acceptance!!
Good luck to all those involved and God bless!!
Your not any less of an Aggie, but lets be frank. Do we need a GLBT resource center? Absolutely not. No more than we need a “traditional values” center. Waste of money from both angles.
Your gay? Welcome to Aggieland! Your “traditional?” Welcome to Aggieland! Now go forth, be productive, and study hard. Why is either “resource center” necessary to get your education?
Just be you, and do your best. The rest of the world will eventually appreciate the potential and eventual accomplishments.
@Trey: I hope we’ll be at a place one day where a GLBT resource center won’t be needed, but the fact is, for many of us, college is a social experience as much as it is an academic experience. There are limits to the “just be yourself” adage.
I want the poster of this letter to know that his voice IS being heard. Having finished my MA at A&M a year ago, and moved to the other side of the world, I had not heard of this bill being passed at all. However, I can assure you that people (even in Korea) who are aware of A&M, are aware of its history of fairly closed minded decisions.
However, this letter and the protests associated with the bill have received attention from internationals living all the way in South Korea. A man I know that is originally from Canada was the person to actual tell me about this. So, wrong or right know that the voices of Texas A&M’s GLBT community are being heard.
It’s unfortunate that budget cuts have to be made in these trying times. And it’s unfortunate that certain groups will suffer more than others as a direct result of these cuts. But I have to address a couple of the points made by our anonymous Aggie:
a. Why WOULDN”T there be a Men’s Resource Center to mirror the Women’s Resource Center? Seems to me a violation of Title 9, although I realize Title 9 dealt with sports. But there should be something akin to it to necessitate equal resources…
b. It’s sad that people feel worthless
I didn’t finish..
b. It’s sad that people feel worthless no matter what their orientation. College is a time of great enlightenment: spiritually, sexually, and intellectually. Lots of “kids” go into overload mode, possibly feel worthless, and REQUIRE guidance to get them through it. Sometimes it has to do with their sexuality, sometimes it has to do with their classes, sometimes it has to do with problems at home. We are all in need of help at times.
c. There should be ways to raise money for the GLBT Resource Center. If the funding is cut out of spite, as you allege, get out and raise money. You sound like an Aggie…you had the gumption to start two organizations on campus. You have received an award for your contributions on campus. Make this your “cause”. Host fundraisers, organize events, make your voice heard. This is important to you, and I’m sure it’s important to other GLBTQ, as well as thousands of “straight” Aggies. Don’t rely on the Student Senate to fund you. This can be done. This can be your time to shine. You’re an Aggie. It can be done.
just a comment, multicultural services represents you too.
The current system of funding resource offices at Texas A&M is highly unfair and subject to political manipulation. Political manipulation is demonstrated by this article. Regardless fairness, consider when I needed the support of the Thesis Office, I was directly billed for hundreds of dollars. However when other people need the support of the Women’s Center, they are not charged, and I am billed again on my student fee. It is double taxation.
Funding should be either:
1) ALL resource offices received funding from student fees
2) ALL resource offices are user-pay
The current system of political favoritism and unbalanced fees should be ended.
So proud of the courage represented in this letter.
Senate-don’t feel attacked or upset by the reaction to this bill. Know that you are being watched and heard. While you don’t represent the student voice (As you are 90% hetero, white, male) know that this is about resources/services. You don’t have to be accepting of the GLBT community…..but you do have to understand that your actions have consequences.
I would love to hear what this proposed Christian…oops, Family Center would do exactly.
I am a die hard Aggie, and there are lots of things in this article I would like to comment on, but will only touch on a few. Please think about the fact that you seem to claim GLBT needs more attention, yet you see no value in multicultural and diversity services. But you’re talking about equality? If you are upset about feeling undervalued for your sexual orientation think about others. MultiCULTURAL and DIVERSITY is about more than race. And being an Aggie is about more than FLOs and self-nominated awards. Please consider Senates decision not as a knock against GLBT but take it for what it is. I am a Christian Aggie woman and have lots of gay friends. Our different beliefs have never been an obstacle in our friendships. Please consider from the other point of view that we don’t all have to believe the same thing to show eachother love and respect.
I cannot even express how much I admire your bravery and willpower to share this with us.
To the hateful people in the comments: While you are entitled to your opinion, you should probably make sure that you can support it well before giving it.
To the supportive people in the comments: <3
Gig’em, my friend, gig’em 🙂
Words like these make me proud to be an Aggie.
Don’t feel like because some weak-minded people at this school say stupid, awful things that you can’t be an Aggie. You embody the spirit and pride of this school, and I am proud to say I am a student here because of people like you.
If anyone is “no longer an Aggie”, it is the group of student senators who voted yes for this bill, knowing they are a figurehead of students at A&M, even though not everyone shares their views, and knowing that they are clearly undermining the Aggie spirit.
Kim,
You totally took his letter out of context. In no way did he state that the Multicultural and Women’s centers have no value. He stated that if there is a Multicultural center why is there no White-American center? If there is a Women’s center why is there no Men’s center? The way the student senate is treating it is that there should be a “traditional values” center and cut the budget on the LGBT center to provide funding for this “traditional values” center, A.K.A. in there eyes there should be both, yet when it comes to race and gender centers there are no equal counterparts. That’s what he was stating.
Oops… I meant “their” instead of “there.” My bad…
Wow, as a non-Aggie from the East Coast (but with Texas family) I have to say this issue is pretty terrible for A&M’s national reputation. I’m ashamed for you all. Shit’s going public on the internet and everyone’s bashing your Senate for being so stupid. Who needs a traditional family resource center?? The whole world is a traditional family resource center! The reason that GLBT centers (and women’s centers – good point) exist is because there is so much prejudice against minorities and they need a place to feel comfortable for once. I watched the Senate meeting about this and I’d like to answer the question “Why should I pay for something I don’t identify with?” The answer is diversity. Just because you are a straight, white male doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate the needs and fears of LGBTQA people, minorities and women. Progressive Aggies stand up!
Texas A&M is a tremendous university and offers one of the most unique, fulfilling undergraduate experiences in the world. It certainly was not easy for me being a gay, closeted student and certainly the presence of a homophobic contingent did little to help…but still, I would not trade that experience for the world. Not on your life. Let me tell y’all something. When I finally came out to all of my buddies and all of my non-reg friends, I had a 100% success rate. No one abandoned me. They embraced me even more, even those who literally told me they were homophobic years prior. So, to those of you who are gay and looking to attend A&M (or those of you who know potential students), please don’t cheat yourself out of a phenomenal education and what has been one of the most influential, exhilarating times in my life. And please don’t cheat Texas A&M out of what you have to offer, what you have to teach your peers, what you can do to change the world for the better just by being a source of education and inspiration to people who genuinely need it and will one day thank you for it.
Diana: you have no voice, you are a woman, love and obey….stop talking. Obey me.
Kim: re-read what is written and do not put your personal spin on it. Take a course in logic, comprehensive reading and analysis.
Karen: then stop ALL funding, let every group raise their own money and reduce student fees.
Joel: true christianity! ! ! Show me someone that practices it. No one, so we must look at those millions of hypocrites that practice christianity as it is practicised, not as it is idealized.
Family Centre=Anti-gay….my brother is gay, I support and accept him, where do we fit in with “family centre”
Hey Trey…are you an Aggie? Looks like you probably are by your repeated use of the word, “your”…which you cannot seem to distinguish from the word, “you’re.” Something I learned long before I entered college.
Not a good testimonial to the educational abilities of Texas A & M.
I am an Aggie, and it saddens me that you had to go through this. I really like the sign being held in the picture, because that’s the truth. We should not show hatred to fellow Aggies. We should be spreading a message of love, acceptance, and unity. Truly I’m ashamed that people on the student senate would behave this way…..
I am glad I got to read all this comments. As a proud gay individual who is considering his options about what graduate school to choose to study a PhD (I have been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship), I think I have gained a much better perspective of what I can expect at Texas A&M.
I would have loved to attend this institution, and I am happy to read so many positive comments from people who is caring, loyal and supportive of GLBT persons, but I have also gained sufficient inside perspective to know this is not the right place for me to go.
I guess it is “Never an Aggie” for me.
Thank you for sharing this piece of valuable information that will help me make an informed choice.