GLBT organizes new group at Kelley

“Come out, come out, wherever you are” is the slogan for the new Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender organization Out at Kelley, which is trying to spread support for GLBT students.

The organization is “geared” toward Kelley School of Business students who identify themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, but is open to anyone.

Out at Kelley, or O@K, will provide its members with networking opportunities, professional experiences, social events and support services. GLBT students at Kelley are notorious for not coming out due to fear of scrutiny from employers, said Out at Kelley President Wayne Levinson.

“We want to inform them that’s not the case,” Levinson said.

Many employers are looking for GLBT students, including Fortune 500 companies like Ernst & Young, Levinson said.

FARMbloomington, Out at Kelley’s main sponsor, was also present and provided food for the meeting.

“Bloomington is such a diverse community,” said Farm’s event manager, Tracey Walker. “We are big supporters of the gay community.”

FARMbloomington will also provide space at their restaurant locations for future Out at Kelley events.

The organization expects the number of sponsors to increase as the club grows.

“Bloomington is very progressive,” said sophomore Chris Foster. “It is light-years ahead of other towns.”

Discussions of creating Out at Kelley were triggered by Gen. Peter Pace’s controversial comments on homosexuality and him receiving Kelley’s Poling Chair award.

Statistics instructor Deane Lahre is transgender and is not offended by what Pace had to say.

“Well, I’m a big proponent of free speech, and if we get rid of people who offend us in any way, we would have nobody around us,” Lahre said.

Lahre, who grew up in the Vietnam-War generation, appreciates Pace’s servitude in Vietnam as well as his management of millions of U.S. soldiers.

“Very few people can do it,” Lahre said. “He could walk into this room, and lives would be changed both ways.”