¡Uly 20.2001 »
“As a faculty member,” says Martha Van-
Cleave, mathematics department chair, “1 have
found that the work of the members of Fusion
has improved the climate of acceptance for gay,
lesbian and bisexual individuals.”
For more information send e-mail to Karin
Lamberson at klamber@linfield.edu.
C hecks and
. B alances
High school reaches out as well
by J onathan
than five years ago, strives to educate and
members to interact with each other and the
inform the campus community about sexual
larger student body. Each year, Fusion partici
minority concerns, including harassment, dis pates in a week of sexuality awareness activi
crimination and personal dignity.
ties during which it plays host to speakers,
“Fusion provides a safe environment for stu shows and dances; distributes safe-sex kits; and
dents of all sexual orienta
tions and allows people to
“Fusion provides a safe environment for
expand their horizons and
escape their sheltered little students of all sexual orientations and allows
bubbles,” student Karin Lam- people to expand their horizons and escape
berson says. She notes that
their sheltered little bubbles”
when Fusion was founded,
college trustees didn’t think
— Karin Lamberson
the school needed a gay-
straight alliance because they thought no sexu organizes coming-out panels. The club also
regularly works with faculty and other campus
al minorities were on campus.
In addition to regular meetings, the club organizations to promote visibility and accep
offers guest speakers, films and other forums for tance of sexual minorities.
K ipp
dozen students at McMinnville High
regularly show up to Counter Balance
meetings after school. The 6-year-old
group is a comfortable place to talk and share
feelings and experiences, adult coordinator and
advocate Susie Alin says.
Two students have told her they are alive
only because of the support they received
through Counter Balance. Others have decided
to attend college because their mentors served
as such strong role models.
Generally, students who attend the meetings
are local, but some come from out of the area.
Realizing the region needed more support for
sexual minority kids, Counter Balance started a
youth group in Newberg.
Local college students are trained to work
with the teens as well and help keep the pro
gram afloat during summer months. Alin, also a
counselor at McMinnville High School, says
A
Counter Balance is funded by
donations and periodic grants .
The group needs money for food
it serves at meetings , emergency
housing and counseling .
the bond of friendship and personal support
between the youth the college leaders has been
inspirational to witness.
Counter Balance is funded by donations and
periodic grants. The group needs money for food
it serves at meetings, emergency housing and
counseling.
Alin also is hoping to acquire a computer so
sexual minority youth can write their own sto
ries and communicate with others across the
country. She says that most high schools don’t
allow students to use their e-mail accounts for
such activities but that it is a safe way for them
to connect with peers going through similar
experiences.
For more information or to make a donation send
e-mail to Susie A im at salin@ msd.kl 2 .or.us.
jn
TOM STEVENSON is a Portland free-lance writer
and a full-tim e Portland State University student
who can be reached at ruraltom@ yahoo.com.
TIMOTHY K r a u s e lives in Portland and works as
managing editor o f a national trade journal for the
recycling industry.
JONATHAN K ipp is a Portland free-lance writer.
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