Study of sexualities minor changes name to LGBT

DENTON, TX - The study of sexualities minor at the University of North Texas will now be given an alternate name, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) minor, starting in the Fall 2009 semester when students will be given the opportunity to choose the name of their minor, either the study of sexualities or LGBT.

Dr. Marilyn Morris, a history professor and the director of the study of sexualities, believes that universities must have public discourse about differing sexualities in order to further the cause of universal human rights, despite the controversy that may ensue.

“Some students and faculty will be unhappy about the name change, but others will be overjoyed,” said Dr. Morris.

Brandon Prince, a history junior, was unaware that the study of sexualities existed as a field of study at UNT, but is conflicted about the idea of an LGBT minor. Although he recognizes the large community of homosexuals and other groups of differing sexual orientation both at UNT and in Denton at large, he is hesitant.

“It seems as though this name change is pandering to homosexual students,” said Prince. “People can do whatever they want, I just don’t want them to force their philosophies and lifestyles on me,” he said.

Other NT students are excited about the opportunity for an LGBT minor.

Diedrick Brackens, a fabrics junior and President of NT’s Gays and Lesbians Against Discrimination (GLAD) organization, believes that this change shows NT’s interest in the growing LGBT community on campus.

“The gay community at UNT is very open and friendly. We are really active in academia and other university organizations because we take pride in our school and the opportunities it affords us,” said Brackens.

Ironically, the study of sexualities will not be the only one to change its name. Also beginning in the Fall 2009 semester, NT’s GLAD will change its name to GLAD: UNT’s Queer Alliance. 

“We are changing our name to be more inclusive of others in the community. We don’t want anyone to feel ostracized,” said Brackens.

Brackens feels that GLAD’s name change may cause some hesitation because of the connotation of the word “queer” but ultimately feels that it is necessary in order for the word to be reclaimed as an educational term. 

The study of sexualities minor has been educating students interested in exploring the questions of gender and sexuality at North Texas for 10 years by investigating the history of sexuality and its relation to economics, politics, society, belief systems, literature, art, and culture.

Dr. Morris said that when she created this minor at NT there were the beginnings of a more accepting political environment towards the LGBT community. 

“There was a sense of acceptance despite the introduction of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policies in the military and the passage of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that declared marriage rights regarding homosexuals invalid due to “the full faith and credit” clause.”

Dr. Morris believes that the name change shows that the focus of the program will be more about educating students about the idea that sexuality is a fluid concept, not a dichotomous one.