There's been a lot of interest lately in the issue of same-sex marriage.  Governor Paterson has been talking about it, the media has been covering it, and our campus LGBT student groups have provided info and awareness-raising events about it.  This theme continues to come up in many ways - the recent (and rather contradictory) election results in Maine and Washington State, news that the District of Columbia may legalize same-sex marriage, even the bill recently vetoed by the governor of Rhode Island that would have allowed gay and lesbian people the right to plan the funerals of their deceased partners.  Information, opinions, and ideas abound.  Discussion of marriage isn't all that new, though.  Here's some food for thought, from the beloved 20th century philosopher Grover, and his pal Jesse:

On Friday October 23 at 6 PM at Buffalo Street Books in downtown Ithaca,  I’ll be celebrating the publication of Doing Gender Diversity: Readings in Theory and Real-World Experience, my new book with co-editor Rebecca Plante.   Whether you are:

• Back from break and ready for new ideas and discussion
• Looking to meet like-minded people on campus and in the community
• A fan or aspiring fan of IC associate professor Rebecca Plante
• Wondering about this new book that you keep hearing about
• Plotting your next opportunity to enjoy free cheese, fruit, and other goodies, as well as food for thought

Or, if you've simply been meaning to make the trek downtown, but have been waiting for the perfect reason to do so, then come downtown to celebrate the book's release!

What is gender diversity? Doesn't diversity often mean a focus on people who vary from typically gendered people, like intersex people and drag queens? What would it mean to talk about gender diversities?  Come find out more!  In our book, we demonstrate the multiple ways in which the universe of gender is socially, culturally, and historically constructed. The book focuses on both hegemonic and transgressive gender development, roles, identities, and practices.

For directions and information on the event, contact Buffalo Street Books, (607) 273-8246 or email BuffaloStreetBooks@hotmail.com. Buffalo Street Books (formerly known as Bookery II) is the city's largest and oldest independently owned bookstore and is located in the DeWitt Mall, in the heart of downtown Ithaca. This event is free and open to the public.

October is GLBT History Month, and throughout the month a video highlighting a different historical figure each day will be available from a special section of the LGBT Center website on the GLBT History Month Featured Videos page.  A new video will be available at this location each day during the month of October.

These 31 historical figures, nominated by leaders of state, national, and international LGBT organizations, achieved success within their respective fields of endeavor, were national heroes, or advanced LGBT civil rights. This year, several people selected to be recognized during GLBT History Month have spoken on our campus or been highlighted by campus events in recent years.

The LGBT community is the one of the only communities worldwide that does not always learn its history at home, in the public schools, or in religious or other institutions. GLBT History Month teaches our heritage, provides role models, builds community, and educates about our unique national and international contributions.

This week's highlighted historical figures are:

October 1: Alvin Ailey, Jr., choreographer
October 2: John Amaechi, professional basketball player
October 3: Tammy Baldwin, congresswoman
October 4: John Cage, composer
October 5: Ruth Ellis, activist
October 6: Rainer Fassbinger, film director
October 7: Michel Foucault, philosopher
October 8: Harry Hay, activist
October 9: Magnus Hirshfeld, social scientist
October 10: Zora Neale Hurston, author

GLBT History Month videos and other materials are made possible by the Equality Forum, a national and international GLBT civil rights organization with an educational focus.

It's Constitution Day - and in observance of this day, the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Department of Politics will host a Constitution Day Presentation on same-sex marriage next week on Wednesday, September 23 at 7 pm in Textor 102.

To learn more - to download printable text of the Constitution, learn fast facts about the Constitution, listen to Constitution-related podcasts, or take a quiz to discover your inner Founding Father, visit the National Constitution Center.

Or, celebrate by singing along with the Preamble:
 

Me? Pass up the chance to blog about research in a journal with 'economics' in the title? Never!  And an article in an economics journal, about sexual orienation and student success in college - how fabulous is that?

The article, Sexual Orientation and Outcomes in College, in Economics of Education Review, is the first study of gay, lesbian, and bisexual college student achievement. This research design utilizes the Harvard College Alcohol Study (CAS) – the only large, nationally representative source of data on college students that asks directly about same-sex sexual behavior – to explore ways a student’s sexual orientation may impact college outcomes. Measures of college success included academic achievement, employment while in school, social capital/connectedness, time use patterns, and attitudes about the importance of participating in various extracurricular activities.

The findings of the study are interesting and highlight key, but complicated, links between sexual orientation and college outcomes.  And for those of you out there interested in research methods and design, check out the novel way this data was collected and cross-tabbed.

The bottom-line -

• LGB students can and do succeed in educational environments - in some instances more so than their heterosexual peers;
• college “success” can have multiple meanings – leadership in student organizations, the arts, or politics on one’s resume can be as compelling to potential employers as grade point averages.

Study hard.  Then don't forget to play hard out on the field, try out a student organization or two, and take in some of the many opportunities the campus has to offer.  You have a lot to offer, and our campus is a better place because you are here!  Don't be too cool for school.