Group supports everyone in LGBT community

In the March 4 column "Finding an Identity," the anonymous author describes one of the many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual queer experiences at Duke. Gothic Queers understands how hard it can be for one to achieve a sense of identity while juggling the influences of the Christian faith--or any religion--societal pressure and one's own sexuality. We are saddened that the author does not feel he can find support in the LGBTQ community at Duke.

Despite the author's misconception, Gothic Queers exists to support all LGBTQ members of the Duke community, no matter what religion they are, whether they choose to date or to remain celibate and whether or not they are in the closet or out and proud. We are not here to judge other people, be they LGBTQ or not, nor do we expect to have judgment passed upon us.

Although many of us fall in the category of "gay people [who] are genuinely concerned about me, for they fear that my beliefs are causing me more psychological damage than anyone could bear," we are sure that the author has made the choices he feels are right for him at this point in his life; such decisions are personal, based on one's own experience with their spirituality and are not necessarily more valid than the open expression of sexuality, whatever it might be. It must be noted, though, that other Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu LGBTQ people have found ways to celebrate both their faith and their sexuality. Although the author believes that his homosexual desires are sinful, we maintain that in this country of religious freedom, no one set of religious mandates should govern us all. Social harmony and equality will only be achieved through mutual understanding and respect of all views.

There are resources at the LGBT Center in room 202 of the Flowers Building for those who feel uncomfortable contacting Gothic Queers. There are affirming LGBTQ people on this campus. Some of us are very out, and others are not, but we are here for support.

Kelly Quirk

Trinity '04

Brian Barrera

Trinity '04