Information on Sexual Orientation

Being a gay student at Xavier

How do people who are gay feel about being at Xavier?

While the community of out gay and lesbians at Xavier is small, they generally have felt very welcomed and accepted by their peers.
 

I want to tell my friends I'm gay,  but don't know how.

The process of telling people you are gay (typically called  Coming Out)  is different for each individual. Before you pursue coming out,  consider each time the following questions:

1. Why do I want them to know I am gay? Is it a matter of friendship? Am I living with this person?
2. Has this person expressed an objection to homosexuality to me or others in the past? If so, do they allow their personal beliefs interfere with their respect for the rights of a person to be treated as a friend?

If you have found it appropriate to inform someone you are gay, the following are some recommendations to help you:

1. Conduct the conversation in private. Make sure you have their full attention. (i.e. avoid doing it while either you or them is driving a car)
2. Tell them that you are gay and why you are telling them this.
3. If necessary, make clear that sexuality is something that doesn't just change.  You have your sexual orientation your entire life. You may or may not have expressed your sexuality in accordance with your orientation prior to this discussion.
4. Ask them if they have any questions. Try to make sure they are comfortable with the situation. Most people are unable to understand your situation and how they should deal with it without asking.
5. Make clear your wishes about the information you have just communicated to them. If you don't want them telling other people, explain that to them clearly and the reasons why to help them understand
    

I have friends who disagree with my sexuality. What do I do?

The line must be drawn between personal belief and imposing those beliefs on others. Everyone is entitled to have their own beliefs. There are people who both agree and disagree with homosexuality.

Care must be taken by all in adversely imposing their personal beliefs  on  others. As an institution of higher education, students, faculty, and  staff  are encouraged to engage in informative and thought provoking debate  and  discussion. In doing so, respect for the individual must be maintained.  Everybody,  regardless of their views, has the right to be treated as a person.

Verbal or physical abuse of persons with differing views does not respect  the rights of the individual and is morally wrong.

Continued verbal abuse or any form of physical abuse should be reported immediately to the office of campus police to be handled in accordance with University policies including Standards of Student Conduct, Statement on Sexual Orientation, and Xavier Employee Policies and Procedures.
 

What protection do gays and lesbians have from discrimination at Xavier?

In the spring of 2000, Xavier University approved the Statement on Sexual Orientation. Within the statement is the following:

Hence, this University states unequivocally that gay and  lesbian students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni are welcome members of the University community, and that any prejudicial thoughts or actions directed against them have no place within our community. Xavier University  commits itself to welcoming all members of the  University community,  including its gay and lesbian members, as the children of God they are.

Legally, the State of Ohio and the City of Cincinnati has no anti discrimination laws in place. Furthermore, in 1993 by a 68% margin Cincinnati voters passed Issue 3 which prohibits the City from enforcing the protections of the Human Rights Ordinance for gay men, lesbians and bisexuals and from passing any gay rights legislation in the future without a charter amendment.
 

I want to help someone who I believe is gay feel more comfortable about it. What can I do?

First, regardless of what you perceive a person's sexual orientation to be, they are the only one who knows for sure if they are gay or not. If they are gay, you can only help them if they want your help. Under no circumstances should you approach someone about their sexuality without them having requested your help.
 

How can I get involved in helping the community understand sexual orientation better.

Membership in Xavier Alliance is free and open to all  members of the Xavier   Community. Feel free to attend one of our meetings as listed on our homepage.