As I sit here in my GLBT Student Organization office (UNITY) where I am an officer, I begin to think about all the things not only I have done over the years, but what others have done to continue the cause of GLBTA’s across our state and nation. I look at the wall that houses our pictures and awards and think to myself... are we doing enough?

Some of you may wonder about what I mean. What are you talking about? Are we doing enough? Of course we are! We are being vocal. We are making people stand up and realize we will not back down. You may hit us, beat us, maim us, kill us, and knock us down, but we as a community get right back up and keep going.

If you don’t think we are doing enough, all you need to do is look at the Bob Smith’s, Kate Bornstein’s, Karen Williams’, and the Kate Clinton’s of the world to gain motivation. They are out there on the front-line of our battle for equality. We can look to University GLBTA Organizations, University Faculty GLBTA organizations, and even GLBTA Greek Life chapters like Delta Lambda Phi. But don’t forget the local, state, and national GLBTA organizations as well.

It is nice to say you support GLBTA equality. It is something totally different to actually get up and do something about it. The best thing you can do is to educate yourself and VOTE. I couldn’t tell you how important that is... for when you don’t vote, your voice is not heard even though it could be one of the biggest voices out there. VOTE VOTE VOTE!

In addition to educating yourself, educate others. Seek out local organizations that have educational opportunities and be part of education planning committees. Be part of national action days like National Coming Out Day, Pride, World AIDS Day, Transgendered Remembrance Day, and GLBT Awareness Month. Be out there, and be a part of doing something and making changes.

So what is the purpose of this little (or long depending on how you look at it) rant, you may wonder. It is to get you to realize that sitting on your couch and getting mad at the inequities you see on the screen, screaming at newsprint because someone got it all wrong, or just sit by idly while someone bashes someone else, and to actually be productive and DO SOMETHING.

Support the GLBTA community by being an ACTIVE member. Like the motto of my GLBTA Organization Unity says "Uniting the GLBT community with our allies". Passive is good for a while, but we get our voices lost in the passivity. Be proud to stand up and cheer “We’re Here, We’re Queer, We’re Fabulous, Get used to us!”

Jase ;0)

Jason P. Ruel
Editor, Gay Lesbian News @ BellaOnline

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