GLOW

What The Kunkel Is "GLOW"?

GLOW stands for "Gay, Lesbian, or Whatever."

GLOW Discussion Group is an activity offered at Lancaster. 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 thought up by Gabe Murchison) opened every GLOW in LAN.08.1 and LAN.08.2. (And is followed by introductions around the circle and then discussions.)

The activity was first offered during LAN.07.1 under the title "LGBT Awareness." It was thought up by then- RA Casey Reed and RA Sean Rist. Because of the name, many CTYers were under the impression that it would be a lecture, not the discussion group that it was. So attendees of the first activity decided that the name GLOW was a better name for it. Stephen Rosen initially suggested the name, after his home GSA had changed its name to "GLOW." "GLOW" was seen as friendlier, more inviting, all inclusive, and come on, who doesn't love things that glow? By the second activity period it was offered, its popularity 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, they were 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 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!)

Julie tried to bring GLOW with her to Princeton by asking multiple RA's to make it an activity. Many RA's responded that it was a good idea and someone wanted to do something like it for an activity, but it was never put on the schedule. Julie is planning on bringing it to the site she RA's at in the future.

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 no matter race, religion, gender, etc. Posters were made during a GLOW activity, and many could be spotted walking around that Saturday with rainbows or 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 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 1st session, but a few GLOWers double sessioned. One of these GLOWers made it her mission to have cupcakes and giant group hug on the last day of 2nd 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).