March 2010

It's a whole different world for the queer youth of today than it was when I was growing up in Pueblo. And that's a great thing for the community as a whole here in our little city. I can remember a time when it wasn't even remotely socially accepted to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.

I lived in the closet for my adolescent years, as did many of my now openly gay friends. It was scary and intimidating to be gay. I'm not saying that those same fears don't still exist with the latest generation, but in my view, things have changed for the better.

Working at Colorado State University-Pueblo, I am surrounded by an amazing group of LGBT youth and their allies, a student organization called Prizm. I have been their staff advisor for nearly two years now, and I have to say the ambition, pride and overall sense of self that these students possess, leaves me in awe most days.

During one of the weekly Prizm meetings, it was suggested that we hold a Queer Prom on the campus. It was a student's idea to include the youth of Pueblo and surrounding cities. Because there are no Gay Straight Alliance groups or clubs in the Pueblo high schools, and as of right now, no gay youth group, Prizm wanted to reach out to these students and give them a night to remember and be proud of, a night to feel safe to be who they really are.

In fact, during the Pueblo Pride event, held every year in August to celebrate the LGBT community, the average age of people attending is probably 16. It is so great to look around and see these kids, smiling, laughing and truly enjoying themselves with their friends. The Southern Colorado Equality Alliance, whose board I am a member of, has discussed the need to restart a LGBT youth group in Pueblo. We have struggled as a non-profit to find the means to accomplish this.

Then recently, I met an ambitious and compassionate college student who was looking for help on her senior project for a class she is taking at CSU-Pueblo. She had decided to take it upon herself to start an LGBT youth group for Pueblo, or even to jumpstart the organization of Gay Straight Alliance student clubs in the high schools here. She was the answer that we, at SCEA, had been looking for. Right now she is in the beginning stages of contacting the proper administration individuals to get the programs moving. I couldn't be more proud!

The Gay Straight Alliance Clubs are a huge missing piece when it comes to supporting the LGBT youth in our community. When I walk through the halls of the high schools in Pueblo, I see young, same-sex couples holding hands and even kissing each other, right in front of teachers and other students. The first time I experienced this, I was shocked, amazed and proud of these young students. But even more so I was surprised by the lack of reaction from the teachers and other students in the halls. Not even a second look was given to these students, accepted as a normal part of the school community.

But these young students are often on their own when it comes to understanding and accepting their own sexuality. We all know how hard it is to be a teenager. Imagine if you will, being a gay teenager and not having any support, except, perhaps, a few good friends. GSAs, as they're called, give young students a chance to get together and talk with other students just like them. It is the hope of many in the LGBT community that our youth will soon have the support they need to safely grow and succeed with self-confidence.

I'm not here to say that Pueblo is a shining example of what an LGBT-friendly city should be, but judging just from the comfort level of the LGBT youth in this community, I can honestly say that we are on the right path. I am continuously beaming with pride, whether it's the students from Prizm reaching out, or a queer youth having the courage to hold their partner's hand in public. But also, I feel pride for Pueblo when the community can understand and support these youth for being just who they are.

If you would like more information on starting a Gay Straight Alliance Club in your high school, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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