Straight ally support and diversity are two strengths of Spectrum's new executive board, according to president-elect Gary Nelson.
"I have been around long enough to see three executive boards," Nelson said. "This is the first time I have seen two straight allies on the board."
Former president Christi Johnson said it is important for the organization to have straight allies whether on the executive board or not because they serve as liasons between gay and straight people.
"When you are a straight ally you have to be comfortable being related to gay people." said Nicole Moore, Student Government Association representative-elect. "People will automatically assume you are gay and you have to be ready for that."
The main goal of the organization is to provide a safe and confidential environment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and allied students to associate.
+â-è "The No. 1 goal is to educate people," Nelson said. "It's also important for closeted people to be around gay people."
Billie Laverghetta said having a place for students who may be unsure of their sexual orientation or students who just need to talk and want it to be confidential is one of the main goals of the organization.
"We are thinking about officers taking a shift to be in the office past hours to answer the phone in case people need to talk." Laverghetta said. "Or possibly having an anonymous screen name and setting up a chat room for the same purpose."
Students are encouraged to call the Spectrum office in the Student Center any time they need to speak with someone.
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