LETTER: Pride offers chance to discuss sexuality

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by Glenn Levy

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This letter is intended as an open invitation to the Rice community with regard to a continuing aspect of Pride, the campus organization for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and their friends.

Last year there was concern that the business-like and public nature of Pride meetings prohibited truly personal discussions of sensitive issues.

In response, a number of students including myself organized a peer discussion and support group. The group met weekly last semester and was, in my mind, a success. This year we are continuing the group and would like to invite those interested to attend.

The aim of this group is to provide a semi-private setting where the personal aspects of one's sexuality can be talked about alongside the broader, more intellectual issues of having a non-traditional sexual identity in today's world.

The setting is intended to be one of acceptance, confidentiality and support, and the meetings are small enough so as to foster a sense of comfort.

Rather than having a discussion leader, there is a mediator who simply ensures that all have the chance to be heard and that there is always something to talk about. For now, I am this person.

The meetings are scheduled for every Sunday this semester at 1 p.m. in 107 Rayzor Hall.

If you are thinking about your own sexuality and have missed the opportunity to talk with others, this is a good option for voicing questions and meeting peers in the same situation.

This Sunday will be a general introduction to the group, but the discussion is always open to any topic.

Please join us if this sounds like a worthwhile endeavor for you.

If you have questions, please give me a call at 630-8280; I will, of course, keep your concerns strictly confidential.

This group is probably not for everyone, but all are welcome.

Glenn Levy

Hanszen '96

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the September 8, 1995 issue.

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