"As a country, we're more uncomfortable seeing two men holding hands than holding guns."
Chalked in bright letters on the pavement in front of the Chapel, this statement was one of many intended to amuse, shock, and provoke onlookers during this year's Outweek.
Outweek, a series of events sponsored by the Bowdoin Queer Straight Alliance (BQSA), kicked off on Monday, promising a number of lighthearted activities centered around the issues of gender and sexuality while also prompting serious dialogue on acceptance at the College.
The first event of the week was Gender Bender Day, a new addition to this year's schedule of events. According to Outweek co-organizer Sylvie Piquet '08, students were encouraged to dress as a different gender to remind the campus that gender is a performance.
"The idea is that gender is a spectrum, as well as sexuality," Piquet said. Although only a few students besides BQSA members participated, Piquet said that it was still a success, since "the idea got a little further than the participation."
On Wednesday, the week's co-organizers sponsored a forum to discuss the question: "Is Bowdoin queer friendly?"
The forum consisted of a five-person panel, which included student leaders, athletic captains, and student group members. The forum aimed to define "queer friendly," and sought to initiate dialogue on what gay and bisexual students experience at the College. The discussion was facilitated by Associate Dean of Multicultural Student Programs Wil Smith.
Each panelist had three minutes to present his or her opinions on the subject. After the panelists had spoken, the floor was opened to others interested in speaking. Bowdoin Student Government (BSG) President Dustin Brooks '08 set the tone for the discussion.
"As Bowdoin College has official policies of being anti-hatred and against bigotry, the answer is 'yes,' Bowdoin is queer friendly," said Brooks. "But when you look at the subtleties and assumptions and language used, things get more complicated."
Others agreed, saying that while Bowdoin is ostensibly a gay-friendly community, in practice things are not what they appear. Panelists came to the consensus that there are underlying issues that need to be faced, including casual and off-color remarks made by Bowdoin students without forethought.
Nicole Willey '08 noted that while life in the "real" world might be different, Bowdoin students should be held accountable for what they say.
"Life in the real world is not rosy, but Bowdoin needs to be held to a higher standard," Willey said. "People need to push the limits of discussion and make things uncomfortable in order to make progress."
Smith also expressed his concern for the lukewarm acceptance of students outside of the heterosexual majority.
"Tolerance is too passive. It is a great word, it is a beautiful word, but in action it is almost despicable," he said.
According to Piquet, the forum, which was a new addition to this year's Outweek, was an important step toward increasing discussion on campus, for students of all sexualities.
For Piquet, Outweek is about more than fostering a safe environment for coming out.
"At the same time, it's about starting a dialogue around the issue of sexuality and what their sexuality means to them personally and publicly," Piquet said.
"Thinking about queer issues and sexuality is something that is part of everyone's identity," she added.