GLBT parents find 'beacon'

Diversity does not stop at gender, race, ethnicity and culture; diversity also includes the ability of all community members to feel safe and secure in their own neighborhood. Fortunately, the Bloomington Beacon Community Center is soon to open on East Third Street thanks to three rooms of space offered for rent by the Center for University Ministry.\nBloomington Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays hosted an open house in celebration of the new Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning community center Wednesday night. The organizations framework was established when the Bloomington City Council unanimously voted to support and protect the human rights of GLBTQ individuals within the community in 1994, based in part of the outreach efforts of the Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Coalition. The BBCC is the only resource center of its kind in Southern Indiana.\nIU operates a GLBT office and support center for students, although many of the services and benefits the center offer are only available to students, faculty and staff. The BBCC, however, is open to any and all GLBTQ community members. \nBoard member Frankie Presslaff believes respect and tolerance are the common threads given and demanded of all people who pass through their doors. \n"We all know what it is like to live in a world of silence, to turn to someone and not know where to go," Presslaff said. "We are here for you. Come to us and tell us what you need. Here are the services we provide. Here is where you can go to seek additional assistance." \nThe BBCC also encourages young people to seek help and ask questions before poor decisions are made, especially in situations in which the decision may effect the direction, course and outcome of a young person's life. \nBoard member Kelly E. McBride outlined several goals and ideas the BBCC hopes to initiate.\n"We want to create and develop a library, establish a youth program, work with the Bloomington visitors' center, distribute housing referrals, provide entertainment options, communicate links to GLBTQ friendly social service agencies and establish a gift store," McBride said. "We would also enjoy the opportunity to train area professionals: police officers, educators and service providers, in methods which serve the best interests of the Bloomington GLBTQ community. We want to promote a high level of professionalism."\nFriends, family and caring others of GLBTQ community members are also invited to take advantage of the resources the BBCC offers.\n"Everybody is welcome here," board member Daniel Sotto said. "Heterosexuals, and especially people who want to know about how to help out others." \nThe board is especially concerned with GLBTQ young adults who find solace in sex, crime and drugs in order to cope with difficult questions of sexuality.\n"Schools are not always the safest place. It's always risky for a young adult or adult to come out," Presslaff said. "We offer resources to make you feel less alone, to maintain good relationships with your parents and friends." \n-- Contact staff writer David A. Nosko at dnosko@indiana.edu.