'On the Other Side of the Desk'

While student members of the GLBT/Q community and their supporters have been vocal in discussing issues that concern them, faculty members have historically been less so. But a panel Monday night changed just that, as eight gay members of the Boston College faculty delivered a panel discussion on facing injustice from their point of view. The panel, titled "On the Other Side of the Desk: The Experience of Being Gay Faculty at Boston College," was presented by the Lesbian and Gay Faculty, Staff and Administrators Association at BC (LGFSAA).

John McDargh, a member of the theology department for 28 years, moderated the event, which had guests squeezing themselves into every corner of the room.

He explained that these faculty members had come together because they felt that it was finally their turn to step up and be heard. He said they hoped to create an angle of vision that that could contribute to the university's "mission in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition."

The faculty detailed their struggles with being gay at a Catholic university. They discussed the injustices that they have faced and the troubling emotions they have been forced to deal with because of the lack of acceptance of their sexual orientation within the BC community.

David Scanlon, a member of the BC community for 10 years and an associate professor in the Lynch School of Education, said that he and many of his GLBT/Q colleagues feel that they must act with caution when it comes to GLBT/Q issues. He noted that while there are many courageous members of the LGFSAA, they are also very fearful. Many members are uncomfortable meeting on campus, he said, and they "risk isolation because of association."

Ricco Siasoco, a professor in the English department, noted that despite struggling with being both Asian and gay, he tries to increase his visibility through his teachings and participation in programs similar to Monday's panel discussion. "We live in a very heterosexist society where we assume that people are straight … it's important for me to be a gay role model," he said.

Ruth Conrad, a technical supervisor within the theatre department for the past year, discussed the new uniques challenges that Boston presented. "I have encountered more discrimination in Boston than I have anywhere else that I've lived," said Conrad. But Conrad sees this as a chance for education. "Having so many students I interact with here, I have a great opportunity to teach students acceptance not tolerance."

All the panelists hope to create a community that makes it easier for students to come out of the closet. "I try to be a resource for my students because I know how hard it is to be a lesbian in our society and, even more so, how difficult it might be to be in a community that may or may not support you ... So I'm just here to support and relate," said Conrad.

A key issue the panelists addressed was the duality of their role at BC. While many said they love BC, they are also pained by their experiences and the administration's treatment, or lack thereof, of issues within the GLBT/Q community.

Chuck Morris, a professor in the communications department and BC '91, spoke out strongly against the BC administration and its treatment of GLBT/Q issues. "My complicity in the homophobic culture has made me a prisoner in my own body," said Morris. "The closet will not protect us … tenured faculty … must take the lead on the front lines to make BC a safe place for the GLBT/Q community."

In her 40 years at BC, Nancy Veeder, an associate professor in the Graduate School of Social Work, has struggled mostly with what she refers to as "the complete disconnect," between the values of social work at BC and the lack of support given to the GLBT/Q community. "Unfortunately, the social work professional stance in relation to GLBT/Q issues is at odds with Catholic teachings," said Veeder.

Michael Resler, a faculty member for 31 years in the German Studies program and current chairperson of the department, discussed his belief that the administration at BC can act quite hypocritically. Resler commented on how BC students and faculty have worked to end this. "But if the administration still doesn't get it … what has changed is our refusal to stand on the stage and play a part," he said.

All panelists agreed that the University and its students need to confront the issues facing the GLBT/Q community. Theresa Hammond, an associate professor in the accounting department and faculty member at BC for 17 years, said, "it's the silence of the good people that upsets me the most."