For the past several years NUBiLAGA (Northeastern University’s Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Straight Alliance) has “chalked” the campus in the fall for National Coming Out Day on October 11th. This is a great chance for us to get together as a group and chalk positive slogans like “Support your gay friends,” and “Be an ally, be a friend.” It has always been a well-received tradition. People send us emails and phone messages to tell us how wonderful it was to walk on campus and read all of the chalkings. This is one of the ways that we let new students know that they have support on Northeastern’s campus, which has always been a welcoming and safe community for all students, no matter who they are.

This year we went out on October 9th to chalk. But as we walked to class on Thursday we saw something that was very disappointing. Some of our chalkings had been vandalized and altered with slogans such as, “Straight is Great, Get Back In the Closet” and other offensive messages. This was quite a shock to all of us, especially the older members who have never seen anything like this before at NU. That is the reason for this letter. We want to let all new students on campus know that the majority of students, staff, and faculty support gay rights.

We welcome all those interested in showing their support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) rights to pick up an Ally magnet or sticker in our office at 240 Curry Student Center. These symbols say that whoever displays them is a safe person to talk to and an ally for gay rights. Northeastern has a history of being a safe campus for GLBT students, staff, and faculty. Help us continue that tradition.

-NUBiLAGA Executive Board Members