let's Talk it OUT.
Friday April 6 - 8:00 PM
Bentley Theater

Dear Members of the Dartmouth Community,

"The life and work of a Dartmouth student should be based on integrity, responsibility and consideration. In all activities each student is expected to be sensitive to and respectful of the rights and interests of others and to be personally honest. He or she should be appreciative of the diversity of the community as providing an opportunity for learning and moral growth."
--The Dartmouth Principle of Community

Back in the fall term, there was a very public incident of homophobia that took place on the Gender Neutral Program Floor. That incident called the campus into action, resulting in a wave of discussion and activism throughout many areas of campus. The amazing discussions and passion that were ignited in the wake of such a campus event should not and cannot be allowed to fade as the terms move on. We are all a part of an amazing community at Dartmouth and it is important to ensure that everyone feels like they are welcome, accepted, and, most importantly, safe on this campus.

One of the difficulties in addressing homophobia at Dartmouth is that many of these incidents are so normalized that many do not even consider them acts of homophobia. The use of derogatory terms or hate speech is much more common than is generally acknowledged, and physical threats or acts of violence fueled by homophobia are also a part of the reality that LGBTQ students are faced with everyday. Open and honest dialogue regarding the reality of these experiences is the mode through which we can truly uphold the Principle of Community for all students.

This Friday, April 6th, at 8PM in the Bentley Theater, PRIDE Week at Dartmouth is hosting a new event entitled Talk it OUT. Talk it OUT will bring four of our fellow students together to share their experiences with homophobia at Dartmouth. Come listen and support them as they shed light on an issue that is rarely discussed but frequently experienced. Talk it OUT will create a safe space in which students who have experienced homophobia may come forward and illuminate the problem as it stands today. Their stories will not leave the room, but it is the hope and expectation that the call to action spurred by their words will leave the room and reverberate across this campus inspiring positive change.

This event cannot have the impact that it promises to have if our campus does not unite in support for it. Please make an effort to engage yourself in this community issue of homophobia by attending Talk it OUT. We all have agency and power in creating a community that is safe and supportive for all Dartmouth students.

Let's Talk it OUT.