Representing Rainbow Alliance  

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When you decide to participate in a public event of Rainbow Alliance, you will be seen as a representative of the group.  This doesn't have to be scary, and it can be a great opportunity to use your visibility to help further the cause of LGBTQ understanding and rights!

It does help to be prepared, however, so that you are comfortable and that those who talk with you get the best possible impression of Rainbow Alliance.  Remember these pointers:

Smile!

People are more likely to approach you and educate themselves if you seem friendly, and smiling is the easiest way to do that! You do not have a responsibility to "come out" to anyone, even if they ask you directly "Are you gay?"

This is a reasonably common question, and not necessarily malicious - people are naturally curious.  If you feel comfortable coming out as an LGBTQ person or straight supporter to the asker, use your best judgment to do so.  If you do not want to, a good response can be, "I'm an ally of LGBTQ people, and have friends who are [gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender]."

Oftentimes this question is a way of asking why you're involved.  Keep reading!

Prepare a brief response to the question "Why did you join Rainbow Alliance?"

Make your response personal - take some time to think about your reasons for involvement.  Some of them might include:

• Support the rights of an LGBT family member or friend
• Work for social justice
• Learn more about the challenges of being LGBT

Know an answer to the question "What is Rainbow Alliance?"

We are an official, award winning, St. Norbert College student diversity organization.

The group has agreed on an identity statement: " Rainbow Alliance focuses on education and advocacy in support of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) individuals and issues at St. Norbert College, as well as in the local and larger communities.  All students are welcome and encouraged to participate in Rainbow Alliance, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."

You don't need to memorize it unless you want to, but be familiar the main points.  You can read more detail on the About Rainbow Alliance page.

Be careful with your terminology

Many people use rather outdated language when discussing LGBTQ issues.  Make sure you've read through the Terms and Symbols page to familiarize yourself with the modern, accepted terminology.  Model respectful behavior and language!

Don't try to be an expert, unless you are one!

If you don't know the answer to a question, don't make one up - just admit you don't know, or involve another person in the conversation who might know.  Just because you are a Rainbow member doesn't mean you have to know all things LGBT, and that's OK!

Stay positive!

If someone disagrees with you or the group, don't lose your cool, and try to disagree peacefully.  Even if they don't understand the need for greater support of LGBT people now, that person is now one personal contact closer to understanding.

Have fun!

Our meetings are a fun, relaxed time, and we'll make the best impression on the campus and the community if we visibly enjoy representing the group!