Open house opens minds at CSULB

By John Caldwell
Daily Forty-Niner

The smell of pizza filled the halls of the Faculty Offices 4 building as the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center hosted its bi-annual open house Tuesday.

Free food and drinks were offered to a jubilant crowd of gay-friendly students, faculty, staff and administrators. The open house was part of the LGBTRC's continuing effort to reach out to those who need support and to enhance communication between the gay community and the school.

"It's a wonderful resource for students," said CSULB President Robert Maxson, who attended the event. "I would encourage more students to take advantage of the center."

The LGBTRC provides a safe and comfortable place for gay and lesbian students to gather. By hosting workshops, conversation groups and joint activities with outside organizations, the LGBTRC has enjoyed an increase in visibility in recent years.

"I think it's important that people know this kind of support system is available on campus," said Lana Lott, a women's studies senior who came to show support for her friend. "It's a safe place for people to come."

Roshni Chabra took over this year as the LGBTRC's new program director. She worked hard to increase attendance at this year's event, sending out flyers to every department at Cal State Long Beach.

"I wanted to reach out to more people on campus," Chabra said. "It's obviously taking a risk because there are a lot of people who don't like us."

The LGBTRC has gone through some difficult times. Threatening phone calls and hateful literature have plagued short periods in its 10-year history, Chabra said. She worked with University police over the summer during an investigation into illegally posted anti-gay flyers on campus.

But the LGBTRC continues to educate and work for visibility. And a predominantly gay-friendly school environment is showing support.

"It's been really amazing this year," said Brandon Abraham, a graduate student who volunteers at the LGBTRC. "We've gotten a much higher turnout"

At Tuesday's event, Chabra and Abraham pitched the gay and lesbian speaker's bureau, which Chabra also heads. The speaker's bureau enlists panels of volunteer students, faculty or staff to talk about being gay, lesbian or bisexual in class discussions or sensitivity workshops.

"It's probably the most empowering thing you can do on campus," Chabra told the crowd. "You get to talk to students and answer questions."

Angela Bowen, faculty advisor to the LGBTRC, selected Chabra out of three candidates for the director's position. Bowen said she has seen the center grow out of obscurity, into having a real presence on campus. She said is encouraged by Chabra's efforts to increase visibility.

"I've seen several manifestations [of the center] since I've been here," Bowen said. "I think this is the one that's going to go."

In celebration of National Coming Out Day Wednesday, the LGBTRC will host an information table and picnic in front of the University Bookstore today, continuing Thursday.

The LGBTRC is located in room 165 in FO4, and is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.