Going Against Gender Norms

There is an organization on campus that goes by a Greek name. It is not governed by the IFC and one does not need a bid to get in. Its members do not all don matching Sperry Topsiders or brightly colored Croakies. There are no grueling Rush activities or ridiculous bouts of hazing. Furthermore, there is no “frat castle,” though you may find a queen or two.

Lambda of Texas State is a community service-based organization that continually makes an effort to be seen as a benefit and asset of the Texas State University campus. I chose to find out more about the gay community through Lambda, as I felt that the organization could open my, as well as the public’s, eyes to the truths about the often stereotyped population.

Upon sitting in on the first Lambda meeting of the spring semester, I was not so much surprised at how nice everyone was, but rather delighted at the variety of individuals that chose to attend. Lambda’s president, Scott Schoenmakers, welcomed everyone by first introducing the officers and then asking everyone to make a circle around the room for an icebreaker.

It seems as though the media often paints the homosexual picture of a flamboyant, outrageous, in-your-face society. Truth be told, however, I could just as easily have been among members of ASG or the Advertising Club. As the prospective members passed around a beach ball and stated their names, classifications and majors, it became obvious that Lambda is just as academically diverse as it is physically. Among the future political scientists, fashion merchandisers and psychologists, there were graphic designers, pre-med students, business management majors and even an aspiring botanist.

The next night I attended Lambda’s Spring Kick-Off event at George’s. I had the opportunity to speak with Lambda’s vice president, Jeffrey Gronke, who was happily gulping down a 32-ounce Monster Energy drink. Jeffrey told me that the most important role Lambda plays at the university is creating a safe community for those that “know for themselves (that they are gay) but are unsure that there are other people out there just like them.” He also explained that it’s okay to “be out, be loud, be yourself,” even if the common stigma says you are supposed to keep quiet. At that moment, a drag queen hit the stage in a fabulous yellow evening gown, booming out Beyonce’s “Halo.”

I think that there will always be an opportunity to write a story about the gay community. Specifically to Lambda, one could cover the many events they host, including the upcoming concert series in the LBJ amphitheater and the ever-popular biannual Bobcat Ball. Other coverage might include the origin of Lambda or similar LGBTQA organizations on different campuses. As for the community as a whole, there are many stories to be told about each gay individual’s experiences with stereotyping, discrimination or harassment, as well as what it took to overcome those obstacles.

Thea Setterbo