Campus Organizations Ready for New School Year

The Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Supporter's Association (BGLSA) will be changing its format to better represent sexual orientation groups on campus and to suit the needs of a larger membership, group leaders said.

Political activity will be delegated to the newly-formed Queer Action Group (QUAG), while "the name and concept [of BGLSA] will be the same." It will remain focused on social and educational activities, said former BGLSA co-chair Nadia P. Croes '98.

Jonathan M. Harlow '99, who was elected co-chair Wednesday night, said BGLSA will effectively serve as "an umbrella organization," allowing "people with different viewpoints to have a place" to express them.

Off-campus student Ana Lara was also elected co-chair during the meeting, which was held at the Adams Lower Common Room and was attended by about 100 students.

Last year, the BGLSA's political chair, Joshua J. Oppenheimer '96-'97, led several controversial protests, including disrupting a class taught by Kenan Professor of Government Harvey C. Mansfield '53, Professor of Government Michael J. Sandel and conservative columnist George F. Will.

The new BGLSA will have monthly community meetings, which will have both a social and a educational component. "We will try to have a speaker at each of these meetings," Croes said.

Harlow said he hoped this year would be a "new time for BGLSA." He cited new group assets, including a new resource room and library in Holworthy basement.

Last year, the BGLSA demanded a student center for gay and lesbian students. They were eventually given space in the Holworthy basement.

"Our effort this year is to reach out," Harlow said, estimating there are more than 500 gay or lesbian undergraduates.

He said he hopes the BGLSA can encourage people to utilize confidential support groups on campus that deal with issues related to sexuality.