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Posts by Kevin

Dec 1

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Hi’s and Bye’s

Ever since I’ve come to Middlebury, I’ve been keeping a running tab of all of the things that are different about Middlebury and home (small-town Louisiana, for those interested).  However, the one thing that gets to me the most is that people at Middlebury generally don’t like to say hi.  Have you ever noticed that?  I’m sure you have every time you’ve walked on the sidewalk.

The general consensus I hear on why people don’t say hi while walking on the sidewalk is because they think of it as “creepy” or “pointless.”  But this is really interesting to me because back home, it’s only natural to acknowledge someone walking near you with a greeting.  I’m unsure if it’s just a courtesy or culture–maybe it’s both.  Whatever the reason, though, you can’t deny how warm it makes you feel–and possibly the other person–to say a simple hello when you see someone.  It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; a simple smile would even suffice.

It’s almost winter… Let’s spread the warmth a bit more.  And while we’re at it, feel free to share your opinions on this.

Oct 17

Coming Out Week and MOQA

National Coming Out Week recently passed and I’d like to send a huge congrats to MOQA and the Queer Studies House on a job well done with their events, activities, and the week in general.  One of their activities, for example, was tabling at Ross and Atwater dining halls.  The tables were just set up to distribute rainbow ribbons in order for anyone who wanted to show support for the queer community or Coming Out Week to do so.  However, it seemed that many students were against the idea of the tabling or Coming Out Week; the reactions and faces given to the table volunteers were not the most welcoming. 

I know that many members of the queer community prefer a more low-key approach to sexuality, which is understable considering that sexuality is an intensely private aspect of an individual’s identity.  The same can be said of many straight people in regards to approach to sexuality.  Does this, perhaps, factor into the reactions that were received by the table volunteers?  Or is there just a general uneasiness surrounding Coming Out Week?  If so, how do you think the queer community can show support for itself and its allies?

Sep 19

Queer Studies House

Last Friday, the newly created Queer Studies House (QSH) hosted its inaugural party.  Although many are under the impression that the House will simply be a place where queer students live and hang out, that assumption is far from the truth as there was a diverse swath of people who were mingling and enjoying a crowded room full of people dancing to the likes of “Paper Planes” by MIA and “Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigne (who doesn’t like trashy pop music?).  All in all, the party went well by all accounts, and I believe that the queer community and its allies will now have a place where all feel comfortable enough to simply be themselves.

However, it is a tad bit early to crown the QSH a total success yet:  the House’s duty this year is to really show the Middlebury community that there exists a special need for such a place.  From putting on events that discuss queer issues to being a safe space for all who need it, the QSH definitely has its job cut out for it.  Though, all of the supporters of the House are definitely excited for the upcoming year because the house residents include an all-star cast of movers-and-shakers on Midd’s campus.

What are your thoughts on the QSH and what would you like for it to do this year?