5 Questions with Cathy Gonzalez
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Cathy Gonzalez, an information systems manager at the University of North Texas in Denton, is the sponsor of the UNT Ally Program. For more info, go to www.unt.edu/ally.
How and when did the UNT Ally Program get started?
It was started in 1999 by Dan Emenheiser and Mary Finley with the focus of establishing a Safe Zone program for LGBT people at UNT. The program’s goal is to achieve a culture where any person can study and/or work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment. Students, staff and faculty are educated through Ally training sessions. Participants receive an Ally certificate to display in their office, work space or dorm room.
How did you get involved with the UNT Ally Program?
My daughter came out to me in 2003 when she was being discharged from the Army under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Her coming out was particularly significant as she became a plaintiff in Cook v. Rumsfield (now titled Cook v. Gates). I was very lacking in knowledge about LGBT issues and, as a UNT employee, I went through Ally training to begin my education process.
How many people are in the program and how does it work?
There are more than 400 UNT and honorary Allies. Some of our most noteworthy honorary Allies are Coretta Scott King, B.D. Wong and Lupe Valdez. Training is every fall and spring. It consists of five hours of speakers, interactive discussions and activities. We partner with speakers from the Resource Center of Dallas, YouthFirst Texas and other LGBT organizations.
Has the program been successful?
In 2006, UNT was named one of the top 100 campuses for LGBT students in the “Advocate College Guide.” I beieve this status is directly related to the Ally Program’s efforts.
I understand you’ve become an activist for LGBT issues in general as a result of your daughter. What are some of the other issues/groups/events you’ve been involved with?
I am a member of PFLAG Dallas and was privileged to participate in the Pride parade this year. The response the PFLAG group received from the crowd was amazing and made me very proud to be a parent and Ally on behalf of not only my daughter but all the many young people I come into contact with at UNT. Recently I became involved with Equality Texas and am working in lobbying efforts for upcoming legislation, particularly with regards to inclusive language in school policies on bullying and harassment. Being an active church member in Plano, where I live, I also work toward acceptance and inclusion in the religious community. I feel I must continue to speak out whenever possible until the day comes when my daughter and others have the same choices to live safely and happily as any straight person.
Soundout is a weekly column featuring people whose jobs and interests have an impact on the daily lives of members of the LGBT community. It features those who often go unnoticed by the press and community. If you’d like to recommend someone to cover in this column, editor@dallasvoice.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition January 18, 2008