Is
SU queer friendly?
This
is a tough question to answer since the definition of a "queer
friendly" environment differs from person-to-person. In our
opinion, SU is, indeed, very queer friendly and here's why:
Despite the fact of being a Catholic institution the Jesuit influence
has had a profound influence on SU. This has allowed the school
to address GLBT and gender issues through events such as The
Vagina Monologues, Coming Out Week, Gender Awareness Week,
Sex in the Lobby, as well as hosting a year long Academic Salons
Program centered around sex and sexuality in the 2003-2004 Academic
Year.
In addition to this, many of SU's faculty, staff, and students are
openly gay and visible. It also helps that campus is located just
blocks away from Broadway, Seattle’s designated “Gay
District.” For all these reasons, SU has received a "gold-star"
in our book for queer friendliness.
Catholic?
Jesuit? What's the difference?
Jesuits
are Catholics but not all Catholics are Jesuits. The Jesuits are
a particular Catholic order, the Society of Jesus, founded by St.
Ignatius of Loyola. The Jesuits have a philosophy of contemplation
and dialogue in the interest of social justice. Because of this,
it is not historically unusual for them to have gotten into trouble
by the Catholic Church for addressing controversial issues.
Is
everyone at SU Catholic?
Nope.
Statistically speaking it has been found that only 40% of attending
students identify as Roman Catholic. See And by Campus
Ministry do you mean Catholic Ministry? for more.
How
does SU's Catholic Jesuit identity affect GLBT?
Granted,
being at any Catholic university limits opportunities for GLBT.
However, the Jesuit influence does allow SU to be more liberal.
Still concerned? See Is SU queer friendly if
you haven’t already.
I'm
expected to take Theology courses?
Yes,
you are. Worry not, however, because the standard core consists
of only two Theology courses. Not interested in Christianity? SU
also offers a wide variety of other religious theology courses.
See SU’s Bulletin
of Information for more details. Oh, and did we mention you
only have to take two?
Are
they going to convert me?
Seriously?
No.
And
by Campus Ministry do you mean Catholic Ministry?
Again,
no. In addition to cultural events, SU does a good job of offering
a wide variety of multi-faith opportunities. Campus Ministry has
its own Ecumenical Faith Minister as well as Multi-Faith Council.
There is also a multi-faith prayer room if you’re interested.
In a survey conducted by GSA member Ana Ybarra, Campus Ministry
came out like a shining star with regards to GLBT support. Campus
Ministry also does a retreat for GLBT Question and Allies called
The COLORS Retreat. Visit Campus
Ministry for more info.
What
happens on Broadway?
I
think the question should be, “What doesn’t happen on
Broadway?” Broadway is home to Seattle “Gay District.”
So, don’t be shocked when you see men in heals holding hands.
It’s a truly wild place, full of fun coffee shops, restaurants,
counter-culture boutiques, bars and clubs. Did they say clubs? Yes
we did. Broadway also has more then it’s fair share of clubs—both
gay and straight—many with 18+ admission.
Are
GLBT included in SU's Non-Discrimination Clause?
Yes.
Yes, it is. It’s unfortunately worded but it’s in there
as it should be.
Read it here.
I'm
questioning, what's up with that?
Questioning,
huh? We can help with that. It should be noted, however, we are
not certified medical health professionals—we’re just
students. We can talk about things but that’s about it. If
you have a hankering for someone with a PhD I would strongly suggest
visiting our Counseling
Center.
Are
there more resources? What about off campus?
Please
visit our links section. There are a large
variety of resources out there for GLBT. Many of which are conveniently
located near or on-campus.
I
have questions you didn't answer--what do I do now?
Contact
us! We love to hear from you. Our email address is gsainfo@seattleu.edu.
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