Dr. Morris opened the evening's forum with a discussion of the social construction of heterosexism, the assumption that heterosexuality is superior to the lifestyles of gays and lesbians. Using an analysis of racism by Kwame Anthony Appiah, Harvard Philosophy professor from Ghana, Morris crafted a parallel model for understanding the root causes of discrimination towards gays and lesbians. Data, examples and explanations can help change an extrinsic heterosexist's mistaken assumptions. He focused on constitutional protections that are taken for granted and how these protections are not enjoyed by sexual minorities. The university community also affords a unique opportunity to interact with people from other backgrounds.
People look to today's university students for tomorrow's leadership.
Hopefully, the upcoming generation will not base their opinions of other groups on ignorance or stereotypes, but will base their world view on fact and understanding. After reviewing current issues concerning the gay and lesbian community, the forum turned its attention to the past, with an examination of noted Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, who was openly gay throughout the 1950s. When I was asked to participate on this panel and comment on Allen Ginsberg's 'Howl,' I saw this as an opportunity to take another look at a challenging poem. The 'Howl' obscenity charges provide a unique perspective from which to view recent literary history and investigate Ginsberg's unique perspectives on sexuality and politics. She explained that there is a very practical need for many people to be more educated and aware about gay and lesbian issues, if only for the sake of enhancing our effectiveness in our chosen professions.