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

The Art of Listening

All it takes is a little time to listen. The most amazing stories come from regular people who have done extraordinary things.

Sometimes the subjects themselves don't realize they have such interesting stories to tell because seldom has anyone taken the time to listen.

Who has an interesting story: What about folks who have been around a long, long time? How about immigrants who are new to this place? Whose story hasn't been told? Whose story has been overlooked?

Go someplace you've never been and discover a story you didn't know existed.

Listening Post: The Assignment

This assignment is about listening to the community and getting ideas for stories that will resonate. Too often journalists rely on the same old sources and same old places for stories. Let’s go some place new.
You will do this assignment with a partner from class. Each of you will participate and write your own, individual report to submit in class via our class blog.

Listening Post: Make your choice

Here’s the set of criteria for your choice of listening post:
1. It must be a place you are not likely to go otherwise.
2. It should include a group of people who are poorly understood and/or poorly covered by the media.

3. It should offer a window onto a “community” of people that might provide information on the group beyond the people who come there.

Listening Post: Answer these questions

You will write a report to submit to the class blog, so answer these questions while at the listening post:
1. Who comes here? How does this place and the people represent a segment of the community that receives little media attention.
2. What can I learn about the community from this place?

3. What stories might I do about this place, the people who come here, or the things I’ve learned from looking around?

4. How might the people I encounter here fit into my (and my organization’s – the media’s) everyday coverage of other beats?

Observe

While you are at your listening post, take note of what you see. Read the posters on the wall. Check the stack of reading materials. Capture a mental image of this place. (And take a few notes, too, so you don’t forget the good details.)

Images: Photos & Video

We are a visual people. We like to see the story as well as read about it and hear it. Take photos or a video at your listening post. Be respectful of the circumstance. For some listening posts, photography might be commonplace, such as a bingo parlor or a VFW hall, but other places may not be comfortable with photography or have prohibitions, such as a children’s shelter or the jail. Some places, it’s a matter of asking permission, explaining your purpose. Just about every place should at least permit an exterior shot, but most places will permit even more if you ask.

What to write?

Write a few paragraphs about your experience, incorporating the questions listed in the assignment. Include your observations. You may write it as more of a journal entry or more journalistic.

Images: Post your photos/video.

Links: You may add links to your blog entry if you think it would be appropriate and would help us better understand the subject.

Length: 200-300 words is plenty long. The Internet may be infinite, but we still prefer to read no more than a screenful of information.