GLOW
GLOW stands for "Gay, Lesbian, or Whatever." GLOW Discussion Group is an activity offered at Lancaster since 2007. It is a safe space where people can discuss issues pertaining to GLOWiness and basically have an awesome time. These discussion range from GLOW in the media, to coming out to parents, to raising awareness.
GLOW is not just for LGBT people; it is for also for allies and anyone who wants to listen, learn, and discuss. It is a space to speak openly and it is an actual safe space, where "All questions are welcome, but not all statements are." This line (originally created by Gabe Murchison) opened every GLOW in LAN.08.1, 08.2, 09.1, 09.2, 10.1, and 10.2. It is followed by introductions, which are followed by the actual discussion period.
History
The GLOW activity was first offered during LAN.07.1 under the title "LGBT Awareness." It was created by RA Casey Reed and RA Sean Rist. Because of the name, many CTYers were under the impression that it would be a lecture, as opposed to its actual discussion format. So, attendees of the first activity decided upon the name GLOW as a more fitting name. Stephen Rosen initially suggested the name, after the new name of his home GSA. "GLOW" was seen as friendlier, more inviting, all-inclusive, and, after all, who doesn't love things that glow? By the second activity period it was offered, GLOW's popularity had tripled and its awesomeness spread through the site by word of mouth.
The next summer, both Casey (now SRA of North Ben) and Sean returned, and GLOW continued, with a new 3rd RA, Shae Fitzgerald. During LAN.08.1, it was decided that GLOW should be offered on two specific days a week, designated as Tuesday and Thursday. The success of GLOW has been incredible. At the first meeting there were only about eight people signed up, but in LAN.08.2, there were so many signed up one day (42!) that the activity was moved from its usual location in Thomas Lounges to the larger Schnader Lounge (but the next activity period was back in Thomas, because the Thomas lounges are home to GLOW!)
GLOW became so popular, that even the staff fell in love with it. So many RA's wanted a chance to attend GLOW that during LAN.08.2, Shae and Sean weren't allowed to attend every meeting so as to give the other RA's a turn.
In 2009, GLOW continued to grow in size and popularity, becoming arguably the most popular activity (after AI). Although Sean and Casey did not return, Shae continued to lead it and many other staff members joined in as well. The last GLOW meeting of second session had 80 students signed up for it. At the end, GLOWers got sent home with a definitive list of LGBT literature, movies, TV shows, websites etc., compiled by Shae (thanks Shae!).
In 2010, GLOW followed the previous year's success and further grew. The number of students signed up became so large, over 170 on the last meeting of session two, that it had to be moved from it's regular location in Thomas Lounge, first to Shnader Lounge, and then to the area behind the Ware House building (the area near Weis, a kind of alcove). Just like the previous year, GLOWers were rewarded with Shae's (and others') fabulous LBGT abridged handout.
In 2011, a number of changes were made to GLOW by the site administration due to concers that GLOW was becoming a type of therapy session, as well as the fact that some attendees were feeling pressured to "come out" as gay. First Session students accepted the changes and GLOW began to fade away and numbers of students declined. However, during Second Session, a number of attendees who were deeply attached to GLOW, either due to anger or a belief that they could reverse the changes, began harassing certain staff members. For the first time, administrators considered GLOW for cancellation. The 2011 Holder of the Duck, Dennis Cowan, represented the interests of the GLOW attendees in negotiating with the site director and, ultimately, prevented GLOW from being canceled, as well as ending the harassment campaign against the staff, thereby ensuring that GLOW continues.
Memorable Events
During LAN.08.2, GLOW decided to hold their version of a Pride Day. The idea transformed into CTY Loves a day to promote diversity and acceptance regardless of race, religion, gender, etc. Posters were made during a GLOW activity, and many could be spotted walking around that Saturday adorned with rainbows or LGBT symbols. One of the most memorable had to be RA Dermot Curtin's large Russian Orthodox crucifix dangling off of his lanyard.
During a GLOW meeting in LAN.08.1, Rachel Larrowe had mentioned how every ten days, her school's GSA would have cupcakes. Some GLOWers took to this idea, and thought that GLOW should also have cupcakes. This did not happen first session, but a few GLOWers double-sessioned. One of these GLOWers made it her mission to have cupcakes and a giant group hug on the last day of second session's GLOW. Julie Leghorn pestered RA's Shae and Sean for cupcakes at every meeting 2nd session and brought it up in discussion when it seemed fit. And, at that last 2nd session GLOW activity, there were cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles (along with other treats) and a giant group hug (treats thanks to the Paleobiology TA Melanie, a regular at GLOW). In 09.1, Melanie provided cupcakes again, despite the presence of approximately sixty bajillion students (or 50), because she promised, and because she is fantastic.
