LGBA calls for family openness

Jeff McGloughlin was a parent's dream. He was president of his high school. He never drank. He got good grades. He won a scholarship for college. McGloughlin thought telling his conservative, Catholic family of his homosexuality would change their opinion of him. But McGloughlin's mother came to accept her son's sexuality after time and extensive discussion. During a forum last night, McGloughlin stressed that interaction as a fundamental part of National Coming Out Week at Penn. Interested students and members of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Alliance listened attentively as several representatives from PFLAG -- Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays -- addressed issues of family and religious conflicts with homosexuality and bisexuality. "Families must know that they can't blame anyone for being gay," he said, referring to his journey of guilt, morality and the fear of AIDS. "I strived to be perfect in high school, so why would I choose to go to the epicenter of the AIDS virus? It is all genetic -- not conditional." Philadelphia PFLAG representative Susanne Cassidy shared her son's coming out experience with students, and the difficulty she suffered within her family and the Catholic Church. "It is very difficult to deal with this situation through the church," she said. "I learned a lot from talking with students and helping them learn that there are places where they can go outside of their families to talk about this -- sometimes it gives us a different perspective on the matter." The LGBA has sponsored a variety of events this year to present different perceptions of American family and religious life, according to LGBA Co-Chairperson and College senior Maria Gonzalez. Culminating National Coming Out Week, students are planning a trip to view the AIDS quilt in Washington, D.C. this weekend. The group will also sponsor a candlelight vigil tonight in support of people who may not be able to come out of the closet, Gonzalez said. "People will be able to share their coming out experiences, which will hopefully help those who are having difficulty," she added. The Rev. Beverly Dale, director of the Christian Association, addressed specific religious concerns gay and lesbians may have. "There is often a myth about organized religion that the church is God," Dale explained. "Many people feel that homosexuality is condemned in the Bible, but God isn't employed by the church, and it is important to know that there are gay and lesbian religious figures who are open to homosexuals." Dale also explained the importance of a nurturing and accepting family. "Real family is where you are accepted. If you are not supported by your own family, you must build a new family that gives you the space to grow," she added. "There is a bigger reality out there, and not everyone can accept it." Each speaker also stressed that keeping the lines of communication open is imperative in family relations. "It is important not to stay silent," Cassidy said. "Although every family is different, you have to be as accepting as you can."

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