Rudenstine Attends Tea Held by BGLSA

President Neil L. Rudenstine yesterday visited a tea sponsored by the Harvard-Radcliffe Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Student Association, concluding National Coming Out Week on the Harvard campus.

Rudenstine and Radcliffe President Linda S. Wilson both made brief appearances at the three-hour tea, as did several professors and university staff members.

While Rudenstine deemed his attendance "merely a drop-in" as part of his effort to attend more student functions, the leaders of the BGLSA felt it carried much more weight. "He is very supportive of us," said co-chair Dennis K. Lin '93-'94. "The presence of so many faculty shows the level of University support."

None of the tension from last year's protest over commencement speaker Gen. Colin L. Powell, who supported the ban on gays in the military, was evident.

"Rudenstine's response and sensitivity during the Powell problem shows his dedication to making things work," said BGLSA co-chair Bob E. Giannino '94-'95.

In addition to hosting the tea, BGLSA spent the remainder of the week campaigning for student support of a Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Resource Center to coordinate student groups and activities.

While tabling for several hours on Tuesday and Thursday in front of Widener Library, as well as in dining halls on Thursday night, the BGLSA sought support for greater university recognition of issues pertaining to sexual orientation.

Members say their goals include establishing the resource center, more courses on the subject of sexual orientation, and a greater general acceptance of the gay community at Harvard.

"At Harvard," said BGLSA Co-vice-chair Natasha E. Litt '95, "the problem isn't so much homophobia as it is ignorance and indifference."

The group still managed to collect over 500 letters of support for a resource center with the tabling effort this week.

"We want to create an environment where all students feel like they belong. Students should be able to come to Harvard without fearing that they will not be accepted because of their sexuality," Giannino said. The resource center is a "crucial step for Harvard," he said.

Divinity School student Charles L. Outcalt, a member of the Leadership Council, which brings together representatives of all of the gay advocacy groups within the university, expressed confidence that the Harvard gay community would accomplish its goal of establishing a center.

"I think the administration sees the need for it," said Outcalt. "It is something that benefits all students, not just bi, gay and lesbian students."