Only a small percentage of homosexuals are 'out,' however. 'Out' is
a phrase that is usually used to apply to people who don't care what people
say about them. This is a misrepresentation of reality in many cases though
- homophobia and small-mindedness always hurt, no matter how 'out' you
are, but for many such close-mindedness is the biggest hurdle between leading
a secret double-life of closeted thoughts and negative overreactions, and
coming to terms with your sexuality.
SAL's aim is to provide support to ASU students at whatever stage in
the process of coming out at which they may be. Some students, for personal
and private reasons, wish to remain relatively anonymous. Many of these
students choose to use the ASU_SAL@hotmail.com
address to keep in touch with a supportive network of people almost all
of whom have experienced similar difficulties.
Others choose to attend the out-of-town meetings; happy to be out when
far away from negative pressures.
Finally a smaller number of about forty students regularly attend bi-monthly
SAL meetings and socialise, discuss current issues of concern, listen to
informative speakers, and plan awareness campaigns.
Whatever your stage of being 'out,' SAL aims to provide a supportive and friendly environment to help you. Talk to us, we don't bite.