University of Northern Iowa - Old Gold Yearbook (Cedar Falls, IA)

Page 30 text:

(JNI-GLO’S BLUE JEANS DAY Students Feel Forced to Acknowledge Gay Stereotypes and Civil Rights T A he group's request seemed simple: wear blue jeans on Thursday. February 21 to show support for civil rights of all people, including lesbians and gays. Blue Jeans Day, the key event in a week of activities organized by UNI-Gay Lesbian Outreach (UNIGLO) stirred up a great deal of controversy. Blue Jeans Day was the culmination of a week of activities. UNI-GLO showed the film. The Word Is Out-' on Monday. The movie featured interviews with several gays and lesbians, exposing the viewer to a cross section of their opinions. After the film Jim Chalgren. an adviser in the Alternative Lifestyles Office at Mankato State University, spoke on the topic Hometown Gay: The Rural Gay Experience and Homophobia. Wednesday the group sonsored Pink Triangles, a film chronicling the history of discrimination toward lesbians and gays during the past forty years. Nazis required gays to wear pink triangles on their clothing as Jews were required to wear yellow Stars of David. Gays were forced into concentration camps where many were tortured and exterminated. The pink triangle is now a symbol of solidarity among gays and lesbians. UNI- GLO also sponsored an information table in the Maucker Union Wednesday and Thursday. UNI-GLO's two co presidents. Nancy and Doreen, explained the concept behind Blue Jeans Day. We asked for support of our civil rights; we were not seeking any kind of approval of our lifestyle. They chose blue jeans as a symbol of support for several reasons. Jeans are the mainstay of most students' wardrobes. We wanted people to make a conscious choice that day about civil rights; we wanted them to think about the issue. The group had considered using armbands or buttons instead of jeans but rejected the idea. Mona, a member of UNI-GLO, pointed out. Buttons or armbands are easily ignored but you don't walk out of the house without your pants.” Blue jeans were chosen because those who did not support civil rights by wearing jeans had to make an effort to change from their usual attire to dresses, suits or sweatpants. The organizers claimed that such a small change for one day would give students some idea of the changes in behavior many lesbians and gays are forced into daily as they pretend to be straight in order to keep their jobs or homes. I could be evicted from my apartment or be fired from my job simply because I am a lesbian, and I would have no legal recourse whatsoever. Gays and lesbians have no civil rights. That's what I think Blue Jeans Day was all about. stated a lesbian UNI students who is not a member of UNI-GLO. Other students felt quite differently: Blue Jeans Day ... is an opposition to human rights, particularly the freedom of speech (i.e. the right to wear whatever, whenever). UNI-GLO members obviously care little for human rights if they must complained that he was a victim of Blue Jeans Day because he was forced to wear something other than jeans. He felt that UNI GLO was depriving students of the right to wear what they wish. United Students of Iowa and Students for Peace entered the controversy as well. They joined with UNI GLO in calling for campus wide participation in Blue Jeans Day. A spokesperson for USI stated that the group supports civil rights for all people and therefore supported Blue Jeans Day and added. It is only those weak minds and hearts that are threatened by equal rights. In general UNI-GLO felt that the second annual Blue Jeans Day was successful. Our group was very happy with the support we received, and we feel that students have started to change their attitudes towards homosexuals quite considerably Continued on Page 30 step on others to advance their own cause, asserted Mary. Another student. Duane. “B,„ Jeans Day had an educational func- t i o n which benefitted all students. It was a real consci- ousness-raising activity. Students are learning that it is not okay to be homophobic.” — Joe Wells, Asst. Professor Human Relations 28

Page 29 text:

Compete European Style Rugby is a tough game. There is a lot of action, and the play is very aggressive in spite of the fact that the players aren't pro tected by pads. Wells, who is an imposing six footer and weighs over 200 pounds, acknowledged he plays the game mainly because. I like the contact. The CINI Soccer Club operates much like the Rugby Club. It receives some funding from the university but is rather self- sufficient. The team formerly belonged to a league but is present- ly independent and plays against such clubs as ISU, Minnesota. Dubuque, and St. Louis. Since 1980 we've had winning seasons. said co-captain John Quinn. However. Quinn pointed out that the team wasn't terribly strong this fall. We had an inexperienced team — a lot of freshmen and sophomores. In the spring, the team improved with the addition of some good players, including several foreign players. We had guys from Germany. Malaysia. Vietnam, and South Africa. stated Quinn. Soccer is played in most of the countries of the world, and Quinn himself learned to play as a foreign exchange student in South Africa. Quinn felt that, Soccer at CJNI could have been a powerhouse if they would have gone NCAA, but the money went to football. However, the university pays for balls, goals, and recently pur- chased new unifroms for the team which, remarked Quinn, are real sharp. The team plays inside the (JMl Dome and on the field north of the softball diamonds. The games are open to the public free of charge. Of the indoor matches Quinn commented. It's fast in the Dome. I like to play there. Soccer is quite different from both football and rugby. There's a lot more emotion than in football; the clock is going all the time. commented Peter Pape of Germany, an instructor and stu- dent at UNI. Pape also likes the fact that for soccer all you need arc shorts, a ball and to be able to run. Quinn added. I like the running and teamwork — and the friendships. Citing two other reasons he likes soccer. Quinn stated that there are fewer injuries and it is individual, yet very team oriented. It's like a combina- tion of wrestling and basketball.” — Pete Beurskens Preparing the team (or competition. Coach Richard Lind explains the goals of the team. Stopping the ball in mid-air with his chest. Joe Heinrichs works the ball downfield. 27 Rugby.'Socco

Page 31 text:

C England 29 UNI GLO sponsored a table In the Union to help promote Blue Jeans Day. Working lor the group are Tony Salli», publicist. Gary Thomas. Lori Miller. Doreen sicholos. copresident, and Mona Potter.