Reaching out with love and understanding Voices at BYUH say unclear policies, lack of a support and stigmatization lead students to stay ‘LGBTQ silent’ BY NOAH SHOAF
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ecause of a lack of knowing the university’s policy, LGBTQ students feel isolated and choose to hide their true selves, said members of the BYU-Hawaii Ohana. Students, faculty and staff interviewed for this article said greater knowledge and Christ-like love would help members of the LGBTQ community feel part of the diverse environment in Laie. Aspen Schend, a senior from Washington majoring in communications, identifies as a part of the LGBTQ community and said she has come out to some of her friends on campus. Although Schend is open about her sexual orientation, she noted she does not know the 16
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school’s policy for LGBTQ students, which she said is nerve-racking to her. “I don’t even know where to find the policy because it is something not talked about. I know the church's stance, but I have no idea what BYUH follows.” Rebekah Walker, an anthropology special instructor at BYUH, said in her Anthropology 105 course, she teaches a section on “Gender, Sex, and Sexuality.” After teaching the unit on LGBTQ, Walker explained every semester students will approach her, and she said she feels their burden that they can’t talk openly about their identity. “They are afraid to come out on campus. I wish students could know how many people support their efforts to stay in the Church. I
think until we have this open discussion, we miss out on being able to love and be their support group,” said Walker. Walker said in her Anthropology 105 course, she shows “It Gets Better,” a video produced by the USGA. In “It Gets Better,” it says 74 percent of LGBT students at BYU have contemplated suicide, and 24 percent have attempted suicide. “Those numbers break my heart,” stated Walker. Jared Anderson, a bishop for the Laie Park YSA Ward and a BYUH employee, said he understands the importance of showing love to the LGBTQ community because he as a parent faced this situation.