Ally Program seeks to support lesbians, gays, bisexuals at UI

By Melissa Mitchell

For many faculty and staff staff members and students who
identify themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual, the UI
campus "does not convey a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere
that is necessary for successful and effective academic
pursuits," according to Terri Rhodes, a clinical counselor
at the Counseling Center at McKinley Health Center.

"Coming out" in the campus environment, which Rhodes said
"mirrors the larger society in that it oppresses and
devalues gay, lesbian and bisexual people," often requires
not only courage but support. To help provide that support,
McKinley's Counseling Center created the Ally program.

"It came to our attention that there were a number of
individuals who did not identify as gay, lesbian or
bisexual, but who felt strongly about ending homophobia and
heterosexism, and who wanted to find a way to contribute to
that effort," she said.

The Ally program was launched in the spring of 1994 to
enlist the support of such people. The UI's program is
modeled after a similar one at Ball State University, Rhodes
said.

Initially, the UI's program started small, with a campaign
that challenged Student Affairs staff members to " 'come
out' as Allies by wearing a button that would identify them
as supportive and affirming of gay, lesbian and bisexual
people,"she said. The button was a pink triangle with the
word "Ally" imprinted on it.

From there, organizers decided to expand the program by
creating a campuswide network of faculty and staff allies.
Rhodes said about 100 faculty and staff members are
currently part of the network.

"The Ally network is intended as a resource to both the gay,
lesbian and bisexual community of staff and students and to
the individuals identified as part of the network for
referral and information purposes," Rhodes said.

To become part of the Ally network, individuals must be
nominated by students, faculty, staff or others who have
"experienced them to be affirming of gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender issues," Rhodes said. Nominees then attend a
workshop that equips them with strategies for "combatting
homophobia/heterosexism" and for becoming effective allies,
she said. The workshop also addresses campus climate issues
and encourages participants to explore their own attitudes,
perceptions, beliefs and biases.

Rhodes said Allies are "invited to make an active commitment
to the network by working against homophobia/heterosexism by
placing their names on a public resource list and by
attending future Ally programs." Additionally, she said,
Allies are encouraged to meet periodically to "support one
another in their efforts toward making this a better campus
for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community."

The next workshop takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. April 21 in
407 Illini Union. Individuals interested in attending or
learning more about the program may contact Rhodes at 333-
8360.