Created by Paulo J. Dumlao, Becca Beddingfield, Mallory Garcia, and Ross Nolan, Resident Assistants.

Word Count: 14

The room was aglow in rainbow colors. A poster on the wall displayed perspectives on Homosexuality from some major religions. Pamphlets and colorful condoms were scattered about the room. On the table lay a buffet including rainbow cake. Many might guess that a room covered in rainbows and condoms might have something to do with Homosexuality. The rainbow has long been a standard of the Queer identity. However, tonight this program was different, tonight this program sought to focus on one specific area of the Homosexual’s life. This area is Spirituality. Spiritually Gay began with an introduction of the panel. Student leaders Becca Beddingfield, from Residence Life and Joel Roller, from Associated Students, came out, while Professor William Herbrechtmeier brought a more educated perspective. Mark, a Lutheran Pastor and regular fixture on the UC Quad, spoke as a practicing Christian. At first the audience seemed shy, for no one had ever seemed to talk about Homosexuality and religion at the same time. After only a few “secret note” questions, which were written on paper and read by the hosts, the audience felt comfortable enough to ask their questions directly to the panel. Roller, who describes himself as a “Gay, left-handed Jew” said that religion can have a large part in any person’s life, but particularly for a person identifying as Homosexual or Queer. Herbrechtmeier, who specializes in both Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faiths, answered most questions concerning the Bible, helping to educate participants on the viewpoints of the largest religions in the world. Mark said that Jesus, his savior, offers unconditional redemption to all sinners. Beddingfield was able to answer current political questions, such as the argument for Gay Marriage. After about an hour and a half of questions and answers, the panel part of the program ended, giving an opportunity for the panelists and the other participants to socialize, asking more personal or specific questions to the individuals. This highly successful program helped to educate residents on the issues facing the Queer community and those who consider themselves religious or spiritual. Some religions seem to have a no tolerance policy for practicing Homosexuals, and yet others openly embrace all people as members. This program served as a forum that made participants more comfortable with Homosexuality and Religion, while serving to open a dialogue toward making positive change.

Word Count: 388

To educate participants on issues faces Homosexuals with particular emphasis on issues in Spirituality. Also to serve as a forum for questions involving religion and Homosexuality.

Word Count: 26

The lasting effects of this highly memorable program was that it inspired a dialogue amongst participants which then branched out into the residence halls. Participants were made to feel more comfortable talking about issues facing the Queer Community and Religions responding to the Queer Community. The program brought several important areas of University Life together with a Spiritual Leader, an RA, an Associated Student Representative, a Professor, students, and community members. This program paved the way for many more discussions and similar programs, thereby enriching the student experience.

Word Count: 88

I had a lot of fun creating and participating in this program. I think it largely benefits those hosting, those presenting on the panel, and especially the students and community members who came and participated. This program met a desire from the student body to question the major religions and their stance on Homosexuality, while asking questions about Homosexuality in general. I think this program could have been made better with more advertising, and a date that did not follow so closely behind Fall Break. This program could easily be made to suit more than the target audience.

Word Count: 98

Planners interested in putting on this program are encouraged to talk to leaders in local faiths and set a date early. The more people of varying faiths who are scheduled to come, the better. I also recommend asking one to three student leaders who identify as Queer or who are allies and familiar with the issues to come in order to bring a student perspective to the panel. Asking a professor from the Religious Studies or Anthropology Department is crucial, since it is usually this person who is considered the expert. To prepare the panel all a planner needs to do is to encourage the panel to speak honestly and clearly, but to remember to not be disrespectful. The audience is then told that the panel may be from a certain group or religion, but is only representing themselves in their beliefs.

Word Count: 142