College can be a difficult, transitioning time for many students. The situation may be doubly difficult if you happen to reject the status quo given to young adults as a script for ordinary living. While undergrads may not be as narrow-minded as students in High School, certain preconceptions about the choices others have made manage to weave their way into the student population. Because of this, college has the potential of being a somewhat difficult time for those following alternative lifestyles, or those who have friends that fit this definition.
Plymouth State’s Alternative Life-styles Support Organization, or ALSO, is just what the name implies: an organization centered around those following alternative lifestyles, or those who wish to provide support to them. Everyone is welcome to take an active part in ALSO, an organization labeled by its 20 active members as being just plain fun.
This year marks ALSO’s 25 Anniversary here at Plymouth State College – a surprising fact considering that acceptance in the 1970’s may not have been as widespread as it is now. Overall, it seems that the club’s presence on campus is generally well received. Members are simply there for others; offering support in “coming out,” or just being in a place where one can feel they belong. In recent times, the club has gained a reputation with inside members as having somewhat of a nitpicky environment, but this is making rapid change. Secretary Valerie Lamarre says, “The atmosphere is much more relaxed now that we’ve changed the basic structure of the group.” The organization hopes that changes such as these will draw the attention of potential members here at Plymouth. A casual atmosphere complements annual events throughout the year, such as this year’s spaghetti dinner. This pilot fund-raiser, in addition to a raffle, will benefit the Dr. John K. Walsh scholarship fund, which just received a $5,000 endowment this spring. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who exhibits leadership skills with respect to advocating the rights and activities of lesbian or gay people. Another activity that ALSO takes part in is an annual discussion forum at Tufts University for similar organizations, as well as individuals leading alternative lifestyles. Guest speakers also make visits to the meetings, and the group occasionally takes trips together.
Prejudices against gay and lesbian people have long been an issue in our society, yet tolerance has made enormous leaps in the past decades. More and more support organizations are appearing on campuses nationwide, and the issue of coming out seems less intimidating. However, as with every other issue, people do have the inherent need to belong somewhere. This is the fundamental basis for ALSO: to provide alternative-lifestyle students with a place where they can feel comfortable. Many members already experience the same amount of acceptance and belonging outside the organization, but being with others who have been in the same situation does help.
Anyone interested in joining should visit one of the meetings, held in HUB 125 on Wednesday evenings, 8 p.m. President Frances Page can also be contacted for information, as well as ALSO’s office at extension 2796.