Students welcome gay-straight alliance
By Barbara Simpson, Sarnia Observer
Great minds certainly think alike at Lambton College.
Students Jaylene Poirier and Crystal Fach were separately interested in starting a gay-straight alliance when they discovered they each had the same vision this spring. They’ve now pooled their efforts to create the college’s first organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) students.
The Gay-Straight Alliance will host guest speakers, offer nights out and be a support system for LGBT students.
Fach, who recently completed a work study at the college’s counselling department, said there’s a real need for the club.
“You get to hear a lot of similar stories,” said the 32-year-old social service worker student. “There’s a lot of students that are out…”
Fach, who identifies as a lesbian, can appreciate the struggles faced by LGBT students. She came out after having two children with a common law spouse.
Fach said the college’s staff and students have been accepting for the most part.
“They’re super supportive about the club,” she said.
Poirier, who identifies as straight, said she felt compelled to help start a GSA after completing a year-end project on the LGBT community. She is also involved with local suicide prevention efforts.
“I feel like the two are related – not all the time – but they’re definitely related,” the 26-year-old child and youth worker student said.
So far, the GSA has started a Facebook page and attracted 41 friends. It plans to hold weekly meetings during the school year.
The GSA will also host a pub night with the theme “Tight and Bright” on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Lions Den. DJ Phat Fingers is set to perform.
For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/groups/234395626672906 or email lambtoncollege.gsa@gmail.com
barbara.simpson@sunmedia.ca