The University of Calgary has an abundance of groups and clubs in which its students can participate. The Gay and Lesbian Association of Students and Staff (GLASS), has been a vital part in creating a gay space and presence on campus for over twenty years. GayCalgary.com met up with Co-Chair Paul Sereda and member Paul Theriault at their new office in the Professional Faculties building to talk about the organization and it’s role at the University.

Sereda, who has been co-chair since 2001, told us "GLASS started as a social support group for gay and lesbian individuals on campus and was very active in the late 80’s and early 90’s (then called Gay & Lesbian Academics of Student and Staff). Then it wasn’t as active until 2001 when we had a resurgence. We are a campus resource – when Professors request it we will go and speak to their classed on gay topics. Our Peer Support program is important, having people in the office for students to come and talk to."

"Just existing is a big thing," Theriault added. "We meet one another and talk, just to know there are other gay people, and the organization can be a big help. Coming out my first year on Campus, it was a great help to have people here."

There have been numerous media reports that gay students find life difficult at some educational institutions, but both Sereda and Theriault have found U of C to be a positive environment.

"Frat boys are not incredibly common, so that stereotype isn’t numerous here. Most [people] on campus are indifferent. This university is good in that being gay isn’t a huge issue, and those [who do have an issue] don’t say too much about it," said Theriault.

GLASS’ most vital function is its role as a social and support group. For a freshman on their own for the first time, the idea of University is daunting enough – never mind being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans-identified. For these individuals, it can be a relief to see an active group of similar people on campus, and have others to talk too. Members of GLASS actively participate in events like the AIDS Walk, (for which they raised over $1300 this year), as well as a letter writing campaign in support of gay marriage. They also host a number of social events throughout the year, such as coffee nights, skating nights and discussion groups on relevant topics. GLASS’ biggest event is the annual "Gender Bender" held on campus.

"The Gender Bender is our big fundraiser for the year. It is a drag show on campus at ‘The Den.’ We bring in drag queens and kings and have a party," said Sereda. "Seeing the reaction at the door...it is priceless and worth the ticket price alone. We make sure, at the door, [that] they know what is going on. There are a few straight boys who walk in and realize they are in over their heads rather quickly."

The organization also contributes to the "Positive Space" program, run by the administration.

"It’s primarily a staff and university administration movement that was designed to enshrine non-discrimination policy in staff guidelines and handbooks. The program ensures that GLBT people are treated with equality, and it is run out of the Sexual Harassment office of the administration. One of their current initiatives is to perform an audit of the forms and paperwork produced by the University to ensure it is not gender biased and discriminatory towards trans-identified individuals," said Sereda.

As the school year draws to a close each April, GLASS’ members converge at the Annual General Meeting to decide who will be responsible the following year. Sereda talked about how to become a member and join the executive.

"The executive committee does all the planning of events. They are elected at the AGM in April and serve the term of the next year. Membership is $5 for the year and that is how you can participate in the events. You don’t have to be a student to be a member, but most of our members are. We are governed under the Student Union Rules that 2/3 of our membership must be students, so the other 1/3 doesn’t have to be."

Although the word "Staff" is a part of the group’s name, faculty isn’t so much involved in the social aspect - instead they take on more of a support role.

"We have a number of connections with faculty. They aren’t members in the traditional sense, they wouldn’t come out to all events and socialize," Sereda said. "Faculty generally want to socialize with other faculty, which is quite understandable. We know who to talk to if we need support, and who the professors are that are gay or gay friendly, but most aren’t formally members."

The last few years have been a gradual rebuilding process for GLASS. They fill a vital niche in the school environment and it is important that they continue to exist in the future. Sereda would like to see more people involved with the group and concluded by talking about the current state of the organization and its future.

"If you look [at our group’s] membership... and the generally accepted figure of 10% of the population [being] GLBT, there should be 2500 GLBT undergraduate students on campus. We have approximately 100 members so far this year, which is a significant improvement from recent years – but we are missing 2400 students. We are trying to implement some strategies to ensure that we continue to ‘rope in the new blood.’ A lot of the executive members are in 4th and 5th year and are not far away from graduating. We need to entice some newer members into executive and leadership roles in the club. We want to continue to grow and expand the club by providing a vibrant interactive social environment for the members so they want to have a reason to join and come out to events. We have grown by 50% each year in the past four years so thus far we have been successful."

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Community | GLASS |