ECU Student Organizations
Gay-Straight Alliance
About Us
Due to student demand, the East Central University Gay Straight Alliance began in Fall 1997 as the Sexual Youth Minority Assistance League. Rich Alford, professor of sociology, agreed to sponsor the group. In Fall, 2001, the name was changed to ECU GSA to emphasize a more inclusive stance. Both queer and straight members of the ECU community, and the Ada community at large, are encouraged to attend our weekly meetings. Throughout our history, this group has been an important support group because it provides a safe and fun environment for both straight and queer people to fully express themselves.
Our goals are to:
- provide support and advocacy for all gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trangendered individuals, and gay-friendly heterosexuals within the university and the surrounding communities
- increase positive awareness of the GLBT community within the larger community of the East Central University
- provide educational information on issues concerning gay, lesbian, and bisexual people as a means to curtail homophobia
- create opportunities for safe and supportive social gatherings that strive to minimize the fear of harassment
The ECU GSA does not promote any particular orientation or lifestyle and we do not try to change anyone.