USAToday.com announced this week that Louisiana State University has piloted a new course of studies this fall offering, for the first time, a minor in LGBT studies. The program, established by School of Social Work associate professor Elaine M. Maccio, hopes to fill in the gaps left behind by more traditional heteronormative studies while keeping the 154-year-old school competitive.
“A few years ago, I recognized in LSU’s curriculum a paucity of courses on sexuality in general, and a gap regarding LGBTQ – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer – topics in particular,” Maccio was quoted as saying. “Since a number of colleges and universities around the country already have courses, minors, majors and even entire departments and research centers dedicated to LGBTQ topics, I knew LSU needed to have something similar if we wanted to remain competitive.” Maccio went on to note that, “We can’t examine sexuality and gender identity in a vacuum. Everyone claims multiple identities, and it’s that intersectionality that adds to the richness and complexity of who we are as individuals and communities.”
The reaction among the diversity of the LGBT student body has been overwhelmingly positive. Jordan Krebsbach, a senior communication disorders major, says she was excited to see a university-sanctioned program tackling LGBT issues. Krebsbach, who identifies as a cisgender lesbian (a person born into and accepting of their own sex), says the program presents a learning opportunity not only for students who identify as straight, but for LGBTQ students as well. Krebsbach is currently enrolled in Introduction to LGBTQ Studies. “The class is absolutely amazing and so educating,” she said. “As a member of the culture, I’m amazed at how little I knew about LGBT history.” Krebsbach also says the discussion-based course offered a formal space to discuss LGBTQ issues, combat ignorance and broaden student perspectives.
Courtney Murr, a sophomore natural resource ecology and management major and secretary of Spectrum, agreed that the program could help dispel confusion surrounding LGBTQ communities. As a bisexual, cisgender female, Murr says she is particularly hopeful that the program will enlighten students about the fluidity of sexuality and gender. “If someone has been in an environment where there is only an emphasis on being straight or gay, or male or female, learning about non-monosexual, non-binary identities can be confusing,” she said. “I think having the discussion in the first place is important.”
