With the rise of homosexuality here at Grambling State University, many acts of aggression have been made against gays and lesbians, simply because of who they are and their beliefs.
I wanted to understand how students feel about it, how they adjust to the environment, and how they deal with the aggressions toward them in their everyday lives.
Most people on Grambling’s campus are more closed-minded toward homosexuality because of what they refer to as “traditional reasons,” meaning it’s just not acceptable. However, there are a few open-minded people who are content with it and don’t mind providing acceptance to them.
“I think because it’s more prevalent now in today’s world it’s tolerable,” said Courne Davis. He also felt that people who make aggressive acts toward them and do what we know as “gay bashing” are insecure.
“A lot of us are insecure with who we are, but I feel if you were a man when I sat there and said hello, you will definitely be a man when I get up and walk away,” Davis said. “Just because you see me and know who I am, that does not mean that just because you are a guy I will have the urge to want to hit on you.”
While interviewing people I actually came to realize that this appeared to be a very touchy subject for some. Fellow Gramblinite Mare Carter expressed feelings of frustration with society and its views of homosexuality.
“Everybody wants to be accepted. We may say we don’t care, but we are human too. It hurts! People look down on us because of who we are. I’m gay because this is what makes me happy and not what society says who we are supposed to be.” When I referred to being gay or lesbian as a lifestyle, Carter explained why she does not consider it so..
“Many people refer to this as being a lifestyle and a social thing. But if you think about what you do, who you are and everything you do 365 days a year, you are living a lifestyle too,” Carter said. “If you consider my life as an ‘abnormal’ lifestyle, think first who are you to judge me!”