The Northern Illinois University Gay/Lesbian Union (GL/U) is the second oldest gay organization in Illinois and is one of the oldest in the United States. It was recognized by the NIU Student Association on April 12, 1970. The original name, Gay Liberation Front, was later changed to Gay Community Organization in order to reflect the dedication and involvement of the community. The name was finally changed to Gay/Lesbian Union as an indication of the union created between lesbians and gay men.

The Gay/Lesbian Union peforms two important functions. First, the G/LU provides opportunities for lesbians, gay men and interested persons to come together to share common interests and to find the support a group can provide. We seek to provide a comfortable, supportive atmosphere for the growth of self-understanding and self-esteem in gay men and lesbians in the university and the DeKalb community at large.

Second, the G/LU is an educational organization working to foster an understanding of homosexuality by informing members of the university and the comunity about the services of the G/LU. The G/LU seeks to bring this about by sponsoring various programs and events. This includes discussion groups, coming-out groups, support groups, Gay/Lesbian Awareness Week, speakers and entertainers.

Future goals include stepping up lobbying of legislatures through letter writing and phone-call campaigns; increasing education in the university and community; developing outreach programs aimed at rural communities; increasing interaction and coalition building with other gay and non-gay organizations.

The G/LU office is in room 256A of the Holmes Student Center and office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone is invited to stop by to browse through out library or to find out more about the G/LU. The G/LU library contains books on subjects from “coming-out” and relationships to AIDS and issues affecting the gay/lesbian community.

There are plenty of postions open. This is a great opportunity to participate in this great organization. You don’t have to be gay or lesbian. You just have to be open minded and willing to learn and educate others. Remember, everyone has their own unique qualities. If we were all the same this world would be quite boring.

For more information on upcoming events or if you’re interested in taking part in the G/LU, everyone is welcome to attend our first general meeting of the semester Wednesday, August 29, at 9 p.m. in room 506 of the Holmes Student Center, or call 753-0584.

Welcome Back!

Good luck in the ‘90-’91 school year.

Theresa Brown

Gay/Lesbian Union President

Theresa Brown is the NIU Gay/Lesbian Union President and writes to welcome students back to NIU.