September 26, 2014
Everyone should sign the Out and Ally List. Before I start explaining why, I will allow one exception. If you are in a situation in which signing either list would cause a substantial problem in your life, then please do not feel obligated by what I’m about to say. I was privileged enough to grow up in a household, community and even attend a religious school which supported the LGBTQ community. But not everyone did, and I can recognize that people in those situations have very valid reasons why they cannot sign. As for the rest of you, listen up.
The two main arguments I hear for not signing the list are about its purpose and its perception. People wonder what the point of the list really is, and whether or not a possible perversion of the list negates its purpose. The list has a very clear, important goal, and I do not believe that any potential misconstruing of it should deter people from signing.
First, the purpose of the Out and Ally List is to help raise awareness for members of Hamilton’s community who identify as LGBTQ about the presence of other LGBTQ people and supportive, vocal allies on the Hill. It is a physical manifestation of the message that you are not alone. At a school where, like most of America, the majority identifies as heterosexual and cisgender, it can certainly feel isolating for a student who does not. You cannot definitively identify an LGBTQ person by his or her appearance, so there is no easy way for someone who feels alone to find someone to reach out and talk. The list is a tangible way to find support. It demonstrates that there is a community who empathizes with LGBTQ individuals’ experiences and supports their struggles. It gives nearly a thousand names to the idea that there are understanding and supportive individuals out there.
Next, there is the argument that the Out List is just an easy way for anyone on campus to see who is LGBTQ, and this potential misuse of the list undermines its purpose. This argument comes back to the age-old question of “Is it the medium’s fault or is it the user’s fault?” I believe that the medium can have qualities that make certain problems more likely, but that it is ultimately upon the users to act appropriately. In this case, I will head right for the users.
Unfortunately, I have to remind people that being LGBTQ is nothing to gawk at or speculate over. It is not strange or bizarre; it should not suddenly change the way you interact with or perceive a person. Certainly any part of someone’s identity will influence some of his or her behaviors or feelings, so having that information can and maybe should affect your perception of them in certain, select ways. But this is 2014, and someone’s sexuality or gender identity is ultimately their business. If people are scanning the Out List just to verify a hunch or supply evidence for a judgment, I implore them to reconsider how bigoted, small minded and shallow that would be. Whenever this argument is posed, I hope it is an exercise in playing devil’s advocate and not truly something people do. Even if this does happen, it is hardly a valid reason to stop publishing it. The Out List should never cave to the hateful, immature vices of a small minority of this campus.
Another argument I have not heard yet on campus, but hear a lot in the social media and activism world is “This is just a cop-out way for people to feel involved without actually making them do anything.” Signing the Out and Ally List is certainly a small gesture, but it is a visible, conscious gesture. If the school published a statement saying, “We support all students!” then those chiming in afterwards and calling themselves allies would be lazy and piggybacking, but if people are willing to consciously sign a list and volunteer themselves as a defender of something, that is very different. No, the list is not protesting against DOMA and, no, it is not calling attention to the struggles of trans individuals, but it is something. It is asking people, both LGBTQ and not, to look outside themselves and act on bettering the world according to their values. It is a demonstration that their feelings are genuine, thoughtful and something they actually believe in. The simple action of signing the list is a manifestation of individuals’ morals and a powerful, important way to foster a sense of personal integrity and compassion for others.
I know the list is not truly that controversial, but every year I ask people if they signed, and a few people always hesitate. Not because they are homophobic, but because they have doubts and questions. For anyone on the fence, I hope I have explained the lists’ merits and convinced you to sign. Let your peers know they are not alone and help create a community where we are all asked to stand up for what we believe in and help our community.
The deadline to sign the fourth annual Out and Ally List is Sept. 30. You can sign either list at:
https://docs.google.com/a/hamilton.edu/spreadsheet/viewform?usp=drive_web&formkey=dDZwMzRLSnhmZHNld3g4ZFl2ejIxaHc6MA#gid=0.
Contact dmc@hamilton.edu with any questions.
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