Letter to the Editor

2/13/08

Dear Editor,

I recently was reading an article in your paper entitled “‘Ally’ what is it and who are they?.” I found it quite informative, considering its length. Though why I am writing is in response to one sentence in the article. “Unfortunately, the only way for new faculty to find out about Ally is through word of mouth.” I consider this quite a problem for many reasons. One reason is the Ally program is for members of the faculty, staff, and the Lyndon State community at large to have understanding and trained people to talk to individuals struggling with Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and/or Transgender issues. It is also formed to distinguish members of the community that are willing to talk with others to help advise them in most needing of times. Though the problem I have with this is that whenever I see a sign posted on a door around campus, I don’t know whom that person is and might not be inclined to ask around in fear of embarrassing myself. So what I would like to propose is that someone in the community or the people involved in this program make it more well known and present themselves as “Allies” in the community. This would thereby incline members of the community to take advantage of this program as well as promote newer members of the community to consider being involved themselves.

Thanks,
Micheal Hannan