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

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questions, I have to really examine my feelings about all kinds of topics. It helps me to know myself better.” Joe Wells, professor of Human Relationships and Sexuality, commented. The panels have a very positive impact on the students who attend, according to the feedback we get from them. Wells remarked that a large percent of students have never met an open lesbian or gay. The panel lets them see that gays and lesbians look just like anyone else and that they have similar values. The students see that they are human beings. Tony, (JNI-GLO's publicist, pointed out that the panels also have an impact on those people who recognize panelists but did not realize that they were gay or lesbian. A lot of people get to know you first and then when they find out you are gay. they realize you're still the same person.” he said. Wells felt that panels help to erode the stereotypes and misconceptions that many students have. The panels give students a chance to interact with the individuals. People have myths about any minority group until they come in contact with someone from that group. Whether you are aware of it or not. someone you know is lesbian or gay. stressed Mona. According to studies by Masters and Johnson, ten percent of the population is gay or lesbian. This means that there are approximately 1.100 gay lesbian students at ONI. People might have a brother or sister who is gay and will need to know how to deal with it. said Doreen and Nancy, or they may have a child someday who is gay, so education and awareness are important. — Cindy Salyers Expressing their appreciation for oil those who helped and participated in Blue Jeans Day ore Doreen Nicholas and Mona Potter.

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 ... I don’t remember the exact moment that I understood that Nazi Germany had destroyed hundreds of thousands of homosexuals solely on the basis of their Gayness. But I know that the fact will haunt me all my life, for I can never trust my citizenship, never take for granted that my neighbors will not stand idly by while I am killed for my way of life. The Holocaust will be with us forever. .. .. . You can never trust them (family and friends), for whether they choose it or not, they are allied with the Nazis as long as a gay family member has to lead a secret life on account of fear.” — Judy Grahn, Another Mother Tongue Blue Jeans Day Continued since last year’s Blue Jeans Day. The co presidents remarked that they learned from the experience of last year. This year they had much more publicity and strived to make it clear that wearing jeans was a statement of one's stand on civil rights, not of one’s sexual orientation. Clif. UNI-GLO’s secretary treasurer, added that perhaps because this was the second year for Blue Jeans Day. the shock value of the subject of homosexuality must have worn off. The reaction was not as dramatic this year. Although there were no overt threats of violence, no rumors of ’’queer bashing' parties as there were last year, evidence of hostility still abounded. Swastikas were drawn on UNI-GLO posters. Graffiti announced that Gays were freaks of nature: deformed, warped, sick; DIE. Clif noted that while most people seem to be either supportive or indifferent, there is a small but vocal minority of people here who are extremely prejudiced. (JNI-GLO tries to combat this prejudice through education. They reach the greatest number of people by appearing in various classes or panels. Panel discussions allow students to ask questions about the gay lesbian lifestyle in a fairly nonthreatening environment. Originally, gay lesbian panels appeared only in the Human Relationships and Sexuality classes. However, last year’s Blue Jeans Day triggered a tremendous demand for panels in a wide variety of classes. The number of panel discussions mushroomed from six to twenty three in one semester. In addition to panels for UNI classes. UNIGLO has sponsored panels in Marshalltown. Decorah, and Waverly as UNI-GLO was founded three years ago to provide for the development of a positive self-identity and support for the gay lesbian community and to educate the university community on lesblan gay Issues. Membership Is open to all who are supportive of lesbians and gays and Is not restricted on the basis of sexual orientation. well as one at Cedar Falls High. Clif explained why he aggreed to appear on panels: I hate stereotypes and myths, and I want to dispel them. Being on a panel is also personally rewarding because in order to answer the 30

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Birth Control — the Facts Sex Role Stereotypes Dating, Mating and Separating Rent-a-Bod UNI'S N. CumixrUod H. C« Working to impress the bidders. Kevin Sampson sells hr bod to the crowd as part of the sex week activities. s». wm