Good News for Morehouse College

They have fabulous, intelligent and progressive colleagues at their sister college Spelman. Lauren Harper, a Spelman student, had some issues with the Maroon Tiger article that we disliked and maybe sparked a little bit of controversy over.

Luckily, Lauren is the Associate Sports Editor for the Maroon Tiger and was able to be the voice of reason for what has been voted a largely homophobic institution. Check out her excellent article We’re Here, They’re Queer, Get Over It.

Thanks for being awesome, Lauren!

posted by babeuseless
Comments (View) -|- Tags: morehouse college, spelman college, homophobia, maroon tiger,
Morehouse College Trans/Homophobia Update

This is an e.mail I received from George Anthony Montgomery Jr. (National Co-chair: Youth Caucus):

“I have attempted to keep everyone up to speed on the article written by Mr. Gaynor of Morehouse College titled “Is Gay the Way?” Like I said I did write a lengthy letter to Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Gaynor expressing my opinions on his “opinions.” Well, on Feb. 23rd, Mr. Gaynor sent another article out to the Maroon Tigers webpage, and I would like each of you to read it. Apparenly Mr. Gaynor has yet to realize the error of his way, and I for one am tired of seeing his complete and utter ignorance put into print week after week. I, once again, encourage each of you to write Mr. Mitchell and the administration of Morehouse College and tell them enough is enough. Pass this link on to other LGBTQ communities, let’s make not only Mr. Gaynor and Mr. Mitchell, but the entire administration at Morehouse know that enough is enough!!!”

There is also a poll posted with this new article: “Do you consider Morehouse to be a largely homophobic institution?” Right now the results are 69% Yes, 31% No.

Want to express your outrage about these articles? We’ve made it super easy for you! Use the links above to e.mail Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Gaynor. Just copy & paste the following, put in the respective last name, add your name, and send!

Mr. ,

I find it very unfortunate that Morehouse College’s esteemed reputation is being marred by the article “Is Gay The Way” as well as it’s followup article. What is being defended as a mere expression of opinion is actually a direct and blatant attack on the LGBTQ community. These articles can seriously hurt certain Morehouse students and that is why I am asking you to stop providing a platform for fear and ignorance, and to please make sure that any further discussions of the LGBTQ community in the Maroon Tiger can in no way be misconstrued as homophobic.

Thanks for your time and consideration,

Or if you’d like to call to make your point the number is: (404) 681-2800

posted by babeuseless
Morehouse College transphobia and misguided stereotypes

Yesterday, Babe Useless wrote about our experiences with homophobia while we were in Atlanta for the Campus Progress Conference. Just the other day, a writer for The Maroon Tiger, the newspaper of Morehouse College where the conference took place, wrote an op-ed in the school’s paper asking the question, “Is Gay the Way?” and then again asking in The Daily Voice “When does gay tolerance go too far?” The writer, Gerren Gaynor, talks about the lengths of acceptance the college has gone through in order to make gay students feel safe, but Gaynor thinks the college has gone to far.

Over the years, despite social divergence on campus, the Morehouse community has done its share to both accept and adjust to the growing homosexual population. But don’t you think this has gone too far? A boy with a pocket book is far

Gaynor goes on to assume that every man who is gay wants to become a woman and fears the day when all gay men will undergo gender reassignment. Not only is this transphobic, but it’s also a misguided stereotype. I’m sure it never crossed his mind that big, manly guys can be just as gay as their flaming counterparts.

He then goes on to ask: “Is it fair for a straight male to come to an institution where he is forced to live in an environment that makes him feel uncomfortable?” PLEASE! What about all the queers who grow up in a society that makes them feel, not only uncomfortable, but scared for our lives?

My advice to Gaynor is for him to go make some gay friends. Maybe he can join up with fellow Maroon Tiger writer, Khadijah Robinson to talk to some of the gay men at Moorehouse that he so blindly stigmatizes. You will see that they are just like you… and that not all of them want to be women!

posted by scantron
Comments (View) -|- Tags: homophobia, stereotypes, transphobia, morehouse college,
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