Joni Coty ENGL 1102 Hinnant 02/24/2014

Proud of PRIDE: an Ethnography of UNC Charlottes Spectrum Club

Our next meeting will be Monday in Norms lounge from 5-6 pm. Please feel free to come by and get to know everyone! Those words floated in my head as I waited around on the upper level of Norms Lounge in the Student Union, peering over the balcony at the vacant tables and quiet pool players. I was early and eager. Coming to this meeting was something that I had wanted to do for some time, but the motivation to make time to do so had finally arrived. And as students donned in fancy dresses, baggy shirts, and plaid jackets began to trickle in to the valley beneath my view, I realized that so had they. When I came downstairs, I was greeted by a black-clothed table that showcased an array of colorful pamphlets, stickers, buttons, and handouts. Some said things like, Hate is not a family value, while other papers spoke out for Transgender rights, coming out, and same-sex marriage. Before I could look over the many rainbow-colored bracelets and pins, I was greeted by a friendly young man, Lee. He introduced himself as the organizations president and bid me a warm welcome to PRIDE Spectrum club. I. PRIDE: Diverse Background, Diverse Mission A club or group can provide many things for an individual and a larger community. It can bring about new friendships, romantic relationships, and people with whom to network within their career field. A group can provide hours of enjoyment through outings and fun activities. But besides the obvious friendships and group activities, becoming part of a physical gathering
1

of people as a club or group gives the opportunity for a person to find a sense of belonging. Not every club is the same in how it creates these types of experiences. Some are very private, focusing on intimate issues affecting members individually. Others push service learning, outreach, and community involvement. No matter how they function though, these groups all work towards a cause, on small and interpersonal scales to large and far-reaching ones. Spectrum, or PRIDE Spectrum, is the University of North Carolina at Charlottes oncampus LGBTQ, or LQBTQIA, organization. In the groups own words, from their Facebook, Orgsync, and Weebly website, Spectrum is a club designed to promote awareness, advocacy, education, and the culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, intersex, and ally issues to the UNC Charlotte community. It will be a safe place for all people. Breaking down the clubs own name, PRIDE - People Recognizing Individual Diversity and Equality, the clubs purpose is further examined. The goal of Spectrum is clear, but how does it enact such a varied and heavy mission statement? How do LGBTQIA clubs, specifically PRIDE Spectrum, foster a sense of acceptance, unity, and support for its members while facing stereotypes and ignorance? As with any club of this nature, it was easy to assume certain techniques that may be employed. But as I began to attend weekly meetings, the full picture of the clubs inner workings, effectiveness, and impact became and continue to become more and more evident. II. Signs of Equality: The First Meeting From the moment I stepped in to that first Monday meeting, Lee greeting me with a helpful and hopeful tone, I began to feel, not only welcome, but at ease and open. Nates was quickly filling up with a variety of people. There were students dressed very nicely, in ties and slacks, while others wore more alternative clothing paired with short, fun hairstyles. Many of them gave off an artsy vibe that helped to create a more relaxed and interesting atmosphere.

People were buzzing around, seasoned members meeting new comers like myself, and seemingly close friends exchanging jokes and classroom stories. The members were easy to talk to. Some seemed shyer or less open to strangers than others, people seemed to make friends easily, including myself. After all, everyone was attending a meeting that was founded on feeling safe in a diverse environment. After leader announcements and introductions, it became apparant that that night was unusual; there was an activity! Large, solid-colored posters were presented along with markers, crayons, and glitter. On each poster was a letter, one for every letter of the sexual minority acronym LQBTQIA. The posters were to be decorated and later written on so they could be posted around campus. Everyone broke in to groups and went about decorating, creating, and enjoying the company. I volunteered to grab the giant B that represented my own sexual orientation since no one else showed interest in grabbing it. Members were good about sharing supplies and joked and complimented each others work freely. After the activity was finished, the posters were presented. The first obvious sign at just how important representation and equality was to Spectrum, besides the inclusion of each orientation through the posters, was when members checked to see if the Q for Queer poster, which had been decorated to represent different definitions of queer, included a concept called non-binary. This showed that individuality and acceptance were indeed important to the club. By doing this fun activity, each group was given recognition, and in turn, acceptance. While I cannot speak for the other members, doing such a simple task already made me feel more a part of this specific community. I went up on stage to hold the B poster in a line up despite having been a new face in the crowd. This club activity encouraged unity by having others work on posters other than their own and by including anyone who wanted to belong. III. Picking Pronouns: Attention, Awareness, & a Chance to Learn in Meeting Two

The following Monday, members gathered in the regular meeting room, a smaller and more private room in the Student Union. The area had many windows and chairs, giving the impression of a place where important ideas were expressed, resembling an upper-level course classroom that was discussion-orientated and led by an important professor. This weeks focus was on Transexuality, transgender issues, and gender pronouns. Going around the room, as members formed a large circle with the chairs, we said who we were and what pronouns we identified as. Even though many members were not transgender, everyone became included as one community, as a whole group, by being acknowledged in a way that many of us would not have been recognized. That entire meeting focused on acceptance and support; members asked questioned with openness, without fear, and were answered honestly from members that strived to achieve acceptance and understanding. Questions like, how do I approach someone I think might be transgender? and why are gender pronouns so important? were boldly asked and met with bold answers. Many men and woman in the circle seemed enlightened and engaged, their heads nodding and their focus trained on the trans and agender members speaking. From the way the trans students spoke, it really seemed like they felt accepted, important members of the PRIDE family. Stereotypes were also addressed during that meeting. One trans female student spoke out about her desire for LGBTQIA members to respect one another and to stop perpetrating stereotypes from within. She urged members to stop calling girls or cross-dressing men with heavy makeup on, a hot tranny mess, noting how hurtful that can be to continue the notion that transgender women look a certain way, particularly a way that suggests ugliness or the idea of them trying too hard. It was a poignant moment in that evening to hear stereotypes addressed so honestly. Stereotypes are an important topic to the LGBTQ community, as they allow harmful judgments and discrimination to continue on. Out of the small selection of

members that I spoke with in regards to their opinions on the club, almost every member agreed in some way that Spectrum helped to address these issues. IV. Doing the Time Warp: How Events and Outreach Programs Effect Community During the meetings, simply listening to the announcements made me aware of different ways in which the PRIDE Spectrum club promotes unity and acceptance, while providing support for its members. For instance, there is a movie coming to campus called The New Black, a film about black families in the LGBTQIA community and issues dealing with religion especially. The announcer made a point of saying everyone is welcome. While simple, this film addresses minority groups that may already be facing discrimination. It also speaks on a very important topic religion, something that continues to be an issue in the community. Other issues, such a bullying and suicide, are dealt with through outreach. Members facilitate and participate in a day of silence and breaking silence. This event represents the victims of bullying, hate, and persecution that members of the community have faced, especially honoring victims of suicide due to bullying. With suicide rates becoming alarmingly high in LGBTQ youth populations, a day like this could be crucial for spreading awareness in others to prevent bullying and to prevent further self-harm and suicides. With AIDs, safe sex ignorance, and STD myths still plaguing youth and young adults today, Spectrum has strived to help with educating members and non-members while raising funds and awareness for HIV-related issues through an event called Scarlet Fever. Through an annual drag show and flyer driver, Spectrum members parade around raising money for Charlotte AIDs walk while encouraging onlookers to read about AIDs myths and LGBTQ issues. Along with Scarlet Fever, members also participate in the yearly SlutWalk, a public march that tackles modern rape culture, addresses gender discrimination, and gives victims of shame, rape,

and persecution a chance to step out and speak up. Gender norms and ideas are huge issues for Spectrum members. Many members are genderqueer or dress alternatively to persisting norms. And by supporting other women and identified woman through this event, Spectrum supports its members as a whole, creating a sense of community and togetherness. One of the biggest events that produces acceptance and unity, as well as bringing the community, LGBTQIA and non-members, together is The Rocky Horror Picture Show (RHPS) Shadow Cast Production. It is put on by members of Spectrum especially, but anyone interested can join. The show is free and welcome to anyone and everyone. The show, although a parody of its genre, touches on a variety of topics: love, sex, gender norms, trust, societal taboos, marriage, and camp stereotypes. The film removes some of the rigidness surrounding these issues, making it easier for viewers to discuss them with their peers. Originally, the LGBTQ movie fest on campus took place instead of Rocky Horror, but was lacking in attendees. The RHPS was brought to campus as a way to bring all types of people together and to provide a greater sense of community to LGBTQIA members and lovers of the cult classic. When I asked one member what they felt has been the most effective way that Spectrum has encouraged their self-esteem, self-acceptance, and their acceptance of others, they boldly answered, ROCKY HORROR! V. On-Campus Resources: Support through Connection The events and outreach programs mentioned above aid in bringing the inner community closer to itself and other members, and it works on bringing the outside members closer to them. But unity and acceptance are not built through fun and outreach alone. An effective organization must provide ways to support its members in various ways depending on member needs. The PRIDE Spectrum club has impressed me with its structure and dedication toward providing emotional, economical, and social support to the students involved. Connecting members to on-

campus resources is one way that Spectrum supports its members by helping them gain a sense of unity through school, by encouraging communication so they may have a better relationship with themselves and others, and by helping them connect with groups that will help support their hobbies, dreams, and occupations. During meetings, I observed discussion about several oncampus recourses and specialized meetings that were created to provide said support. Some of these events took place at various times of the week (which I was unable to attend), while others were made available during the regularly scheduled meetings. Finding a career environment that is supportive and non-discriminatory is important and a very real issue to LGBTQ students. Spectrum understands this. It collaborates with the University Career Center to talk about opportunities and internships that are safe, allowing them to be themselves in the workplace. They provide workshops that discuss being oneself and advocating for employee rights. Activities on campus also give students opportunities to be themselves and to feel fulfilled. One meeting, Lee mentioned an allied athletes program that is available for members to participate it or talk to, giving them a safe place to play sports and to build comradery with non-LGBTQ students who are supportive or open minded. Other organizations on campus connect with Spectrum to aid members. The Student Health Organization presented a workshop on The Joys of Gay Sex during the last meeting I attended. It was very honest and open, breaking down the myths brought about by pornography and a general lack of sexual knowledge. Instructors talked about anatomy and the science behind stimulation and pleasure. They also orchestrated a phone tag-like game which focused on the importance of partner communication, trust, and the understanding of ones own needs. As members failed to relay the correct message due to mixed signals, it became obvious to the group just how crucial proper communication was. Along with these topics and with the addition of the

end of the session, where the entire club passed around sex toys, learning about the different types and how to keep sexual encounters safe and sanitary, the subject of sex and intimacy became more open to members. It was less mystifying and tense. Despite the supposed awkwardness of sitting in front of an open display of vibrators, most of the members in the room were relaxed and in a humorous moos. They even swatted at one another playfully with certain toys that were less ridged. There were a few individuals that were caught off guard by the display, but it appeared that most of the group appreciated the chance to learn something new and leapt at the chance to tease some of the shyer members. Since sex, gender, and attraction is at the heart of the LGBTQ community, having a meeting like this is crucial for members. I heard many mutterings of new understanding and oh! moments throughout the session. Members were learning about their bodies, about how important it is to be firm when their boundaries are pushed unwontedly, and about the necessity of communication. Spectrum was able to provide members with knowledge that, when gained through trial-and-error, can sometimes end in heartbreak, frustration, and even danger. Not only do members receive support through topic-led discussion in sessions provided by UNCC resources and through general meetings, but they are also provided help by on-campus counselors through the clubs request. Trained counselors come in to the room, introduce themselves and explain the activity, and begin moving to different portions of the room to create topic specific help groups. The topics included family concerns, relationships, advocating for yourself and others, and life on campus. Students pick a group until half way through the meeting, where they can switch to another topic or stay where they are. I sat and participated with the family group.

Our counselor wanted us to discuss whether or not we felt supported by our families. As we spoke, my group members and I started to lead and carry the conversation where we needed it to go. Our counselor would add a question or two, but provided inspiration and help when we needed it and not necessarily at all times. The group I was in soon became closer as we related to one another about the struggles we faced, particularly in coming out to our parents and the fear of being found out while you are still in the closet. The discussion was easy and emotional all at once. It was amazing how great it felt to simply talk without feeling judged. Most everyone spoke up quite a bit, while one girl seemed very reserved when the questions were directed her way. Still, everyone was included and was given the opportunity to speak their mind. Exercises like that are amazing for providing support to the LGBTQIA students on campus who are involved in Spectrum. It gives students a chance to really divulge what is on their mind, what challenges they are facing, and any concerns they might be having in their personal lives and/or within other support groups. VI. The Buddy System: Members Make the Man, or Club Taking in to account every event, every outreach program, every way that PRIDE Spectrum has strived to aid its members, there is one element that radiates the most with me in terms of how effective and important it is. What element is that? That would be the members themselves. Observing the group, it became evident, through my perspective, that the members are the driving force behind being the wall of support that Spectrum creates. Sounding obvious to many, it still requires noting. The leaders do not drone on and create activities on their own. Members vote, members brainstorm, members participate in everything that goes on in Spectrum. They care about each other. They educate each other. Through meetings like the one which focused on Transgender topics and issues, members are able to find support through being

able to express themselves, but they inform others about their own needs and advocate for the needs of others. In that specific meeting, I heard the word respect several times. Members engaged one another with honest inquiries, and they were met with gentle answers. This attitude of openness and discovery creates a perfect environment for the cultivation of unity, acceptance, and support. In fact, members outside of specific groups make it a point to spread understanding and representation of others within the community. One member whom I interviewed clued me in on this idea right away with her complaint about the larger LGBTQ community, not necessarily Spectrum. She stated that she felt that most everyone [was] represented well. However, there is some erasure of asexuals. Though we don't have any known asexuals in the club, they are on the spectrum and should be recognized. It's extremely common for the A in the sexual minority anagram to be used as Ally rather than Asexual, or Asexual is forced to share. I find this wrong. This impressed me greatly to see how someone who is not automatically affected by asexual erasure still cared enough about the issue to make note of it. Another member mentioned the same issue despite not identifying as asexual. These issues seem to resonate with the inner groups, despite individual differences or identities. The companionship and like-mindedness is the glue that holds PRIDEs ideals together. Through common goals and themes, open discussion, member-led outreach events, and general friendliness, PRIDE Spectrum works towards its mission of providing a safe and cultivating place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual students at UNC Charlotte.

10

Interview Questions 1. Why did you decide to join PRIDE? 2. What do you think is the main purpose of PRIDE and clubs like it? 3. Do outreach activities make you excited, nervous, proud, etc? 4. How effective do you think outreach activities are in spreading the message of PRIDE? 5. Do you think the club has been effective at addressing stereotypes both within the group and outside of LGBTQIA members? 6. What has being in PRIDE club done for you? 7. What do you like the most about being a part of this community? 8. Do you feel like each group within the club is represented and respected well? Are you? 9. How do you feel about the involvement of allied members, and do you feel like the PRIDE club makes a point to encourage allies/non-LBGTQIA students to join? If you are an ally, do you feel like your role is valued and effective? 10. What has been the most effective way for you that PRIDE has encouraged your selfesteem, self-acceptance, and understanding of others?

Interview Citations (Last names are omitted to ensure anonymous responses) Ethan. Email Interview. 11 Feb. 2014. Jessica. Email Interview. 24 Feb. 2014. Kelly. Email Interview. 17 Feb. 2014. Kirstyn. Email Interview. 11 Feb. 2014. Shakira. Email Interview. 11 Feb. 2014.

11