Gay and lesbian support center helps with 'coming out'

The Cal State Long Beach Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Center is back in business.

The center, which was originally located in the Women's Resource Center, has now relocated to FO4-165.

Anthony Fox, co-facilitator of the center, explained that the biggest reason for the move, was to take a more personal approach in helping people come to terms with their sexuality.

"We wanted a safe place for them to come out," Karla Saldana, another facilitator of the center said.

Saldana pointed out that because the WRC deals with other issues besides sexuality, people might shy away from seeking us out.

"We want to help them come out to friends, family and co-workers," Saldana said.

Fox explained that the term "closet" is a metaphor that the gay community uses to describe a dark, secluded place where people hide.

"The main focus of the LGB center is to help people come out of the closet," Fox said. "We want them to realize that they're not alone."

The closet kills a person's spirit, causes low self-esteem, affects relationships, and a person may inflict physical harm to themselves and become suicidal, Saldana added.

Started by students a few years ago, the center receives no funding from the university and survives on private funds from grants.

"We're in the process of getting formal recognition from the university," Fox said. "We're working to become affiliated with Academic Affairs."

The center is starting a "Coming Out" support group which will have its first meeting on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in LA3-107.

The support group will discuss such issues as gay identity, homophobia, relationships and information on HIV/AIDS.

"The support group can help people become comfortable with themselves, destroy stereotypes and learn the protocol for dating in the gay community," Fox said.

When explaining the goal the support group, Fox described his experience of wanting to come out, but that there was no support group on a student level to turn to.

"But once you're out, you're not depressed anymore and you can concentrate better in school," he said.

Fox pointed out that there are many famous people who were and are homosexual. Some of these people include James Buchanan, 15th president of the United States, the late James Dean and singer Tracy Chapman.

"I just want people to know that you don't have to have a political stance or be famous to come out," Fox said. "I want them to know that there are people out there who lead normal lives."

Those interested in more information about the center or the support group should call (310) 985-4585.