Letter from the Editor - LGBT rights overlooked

By:

Posted: 11/10/03

In an article on November 3, 2003, the University News reported that the Women's Center's LGBT Initiative has been criticized "on the basis of moral beliefs" and goes on to cite two such critics who seem to imply that their "freedom of religion and speech" is in some mysterious way impacted by the University's decision to prevent heterosexist assaults on people with more diverse sexualities and genders. The old and tired accusation of "giving special rights" makes an appearance, as does the ominous word "agenda."

The LGBT Initiative provides a safe space for those of our human neighbors whose sexualities are not reflected and supported in a self-described mainstream heterosexual, patriarchal society. The University's recognition that discrimination against human beings because of their sexualities is not acceptable on our campus is an extension of the never-questioned right (or should I say privilege?) of heterosexuals not to be discriminated against because of their (publicly flaunted) hegemonic sexuality. What seems to upset the enemies of an active and activist human rights agenda is our refusal to permit them to engage in discrimination against their fellow human beings.

If I remember correctly, the Constitution of this country (as do those of most countries) guarantees people the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;" the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (co-authored, signed, and ratified by the United States) guarantees "the right to life, liberty, and security of person." Unfortunately, it appears that some members of our campus community are not familiar with the moral imperatives and legal rights embedded in these two documents and wish to have the privilege (now there's a "special right") to decide unilaterally from whom to withhold the Civil and Human Rights that protect them.

Since its opening, the LGBT Initiative has become an exciting space and an untiring organizer for campus-wide discussions about genders and sexualities - must I stress that that includes all sexualities? As a cultural anthropologist, I must insist that my students learn from all other human beings; I suggest that such learning should expand from my classrooms to include the events of the LGBT Initiative. UMKC is a place of learning - please do so.

Barbara Bonnekessen, Ph.D.

Cultural Anthropology &

Women's and Gender Studies

Co-signers:

Carole McArthur, Diane Beal , Elyse Max, Destin Morris, Sharon Portwood, Carrie Loafman Holsinger, Kristi Cathy Dobson, Maria Williams, Tena Bellovich, Derrick Cohen, Angela D. Bahner, K. Scott Baker, Walter T Boulden, Vanessa Pikler, Elizabeth Berkshire, Andy Barenberg, Rachel Haughenberry, Zauyah Waite, Audrey Hollander, Rebecca Bergman, Jennifer Tanquary, Pamela Shane-Dillard, Dan Mahala, Damian Torres-Botello, Rachel Magennis, Jim Wanser, Dana Collins, Lindsay Battles, Gena Hollon, Jessica Kiser, Allison Roodman, Michael Henry, Greg Crawford, and Paula Y. Wheeler.