Under new leadership this semester, Boston University's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender group Spectrum announced Tuesday it will drop its political agenda to focus on social events and campus outreach.
"We want the group to be a comfortable place for people," Spectrum President Stephen Henrick said. "That includes liberals and conservatives.
The 23-year-old student group held its first meeting of the year Tuesday, followed with the second-annual GLBT reception Wednesday in the Warren Towers cinema room, sponsored by the Office of Residence Life.
Spectrum's new agenda gears the group away from gay-rights activism and moves the focus of the club to more social aspects so members can participate unbiased to their political views. The group will still keep discussions on GLBT political issues, but will remain politically neutral.
"In the past, we have endorsed gay marriage, and the club itself is not going to do that anymore," Henrick, a College of Arts and Sciences sophomore, said.
This new agenda will let the group expand social opportunities for its members, Henrick said. The move comes amid efforts by organizations such as the Massachusetts Family Institute to ban gay marriage through a constitutional amendment. Same-sex couples have been able to marry in Massachusetts since May 17, 2004.
Spectrum aims to help individuals feel comfortable, no matter who they are or what their sexual orientation is, as well as bolstering the presence of the GLBT community on campus.
Henrick said the changes will bring the widespread different interests of the GLBT community together.
Dean of Students Kenneth Elmore said it is important for students to be able to connect on a social level.
"It's important to find meaningful ways for people to connect with each other," he said.
Elmore applauded Spectrum's initiative to restructure their organization, emphasizing the importance of being able to respond to the demand of students to get together and socialize.
The group alternates between discussion sessions and social events. Past events have featured bisexual activist and speaker Robyn Ochs, volunteer work at MassEquality and an annual trip to The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Harvard Square. The group also collaborated with performance group Bacchanalia to produce "Cabaret," a showcase of student talent.
Spectrum plans on continuing old group traditions as well as creating new ones. The group's first social outing will be a night of clubbing on Lansdowne Street for those over 19.
"We are really excited about the upcoming year, and also always looking for more ideas," Henrick said.
Spectrum holds weekly office hours in the Student Activities Office. The office contains supplies, books and other GLBT information. Henrick said it also provides a safe atmosphere to hang out.
Students have expressed interest in social events that combine different colleges and universities. Spectrum's Public Relations Chair Karen Jackson said intercollegiate social events make a lasting impact.
"My freshman year, I remember meeting up with the queer groups from other Boston schools for a night of pool and conversation, and it was a really good time," the College of Communication junior said.
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