Where is the love?

As an LGBT ally and the girlfriend of a male Duke student with a disability, I would like to express my feelings on the Love = Love T-shirts distributed on the West Campus Plaza on Coming Out Day at Duke last Friday, Oct. 9. Last year’s shirts, which pictured a heterosexual couple and homosexual couples of both genders effectively conveyed the message that equal love is felt between people in a relationship, regardless of sexual orientation. This year, in trying to be “inclusive” by depicting a student with disability dating an able-bodied person, the message was convoluted. In fact, the shirts make inaccurate and isolating assumptions about other peoples’ relationships, which is the exact attitude it’s trying to combat.

I have, and will continue to identify us as a heterosexual couple, not one that belongs in a special category just because one person has a disability. I am saddened that the latter assumption was made and portrayed on the shirts. Student organizations producing paraphernalia can show whatever they would like about their group, but it’s frustrating that other groups were included but not consulted on the design. This oversight has propagated false stereotypes, which is counterproductive to creating a unified campus which respects all people.  While it is hurtful, my hope is that this situation can be turned into an eye-opening experience which promotes honest and open dialogue in the Duke community.

Lauren Blake

Trinity ’12