Appendix 3:
A Full Listing of Respondent's Comments

What follows are the respondent's comments to the Survey of the Campus Climate for Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals at The University of Arizona conducted in the Spring Semester of 1992. 

Comments were written in response to individual questions, in the General Comments section at the end, or in the margins. We have clustered them ' by general topic area for readability. Comments by respondents identifying as gay, lesbian or bisexual marked by an asterisk *

Discrimination on Campus (questions #21, 35, 36, 37)

· I do not believe anyone should be harassed because of their sexual orientation. I don't think Affirmative Action or Employee Relations is really on the side of the employee. They are here to protect the UA and the State. If someone was fired because of their sexual preference the department would say it was for something else (not performing duties, etc.). · None that I have personally witnessed although I'm certain gay bashing occurs on campus from macho fraternities and homophobics. · But I'm sure people think up other reasons to fire/pass over gays/lesbians. It's very hard to show sexual orientation was the sole reason. · But they don't really work [Affirmative Action statements]. · I know of students who have not felt comfortable. · You can see it [discrimination] in student attitudes. · The most serious I've witnessed has been comments in the classroom derogatory to gays or lesbians, made by students. · Student harassed by prof. · Student in mailroom was insulted for being gay. · The gay frat had a lot of resistance to work past, and does every time it asks for funding. Why are there no lesbian sororities? · I have been harassed some years back (age 14) by a male teacher who was gay. I also felt harassed (due to my naivety) at a bar once, and when I was hitchhiking once (by a gay male in each situation). · Most of the bias comes from the students not the faculty. · I think it might happen [g\l be fired] and the legal recourse would be difficult. · Some other excuse would probably be used [fire" or pass over].
· [Would report harassment to University Police] if - harassing means person is being assaulted or threatened or teased. · The University is part of a society that regularly discriminates against individuals and groups based on gender, economic class, physical attributes, as well as race, creed, and sexual orientation. Such discrimination occurs on campus on a daily basis. · [been target of harassment] By homosexuals. · [would report discrimination or harassment to] no one, they deserve it! · You only address issues of harassment/discrimination toward gay/bisexual persons - how about those issues perpetrated by gays/bisexuals? This also happens (as it did to me). · *A special event was planned so that department could laugh at "kiss-in" on the mall. · *Director frequently makes reference to faggots, AIDS, etc. · *Student workers are openly mocked and passed over for promotion as student leaders because of sexual orientation. · *I personally find very little hope of intervention - the degree of discrimination is so prevalent that I have seen it occur on the highest level of the Administration - quite surprising considering the educational background of the people involved. I've been questioned by an Associate Vice President on why I'm not married. A Director asked me what a gay's favorite place besides a gay bar was - answer, a sperm bank. A truly intelligent and professional comment from someone making $45,000 a year. The administrators have openly encouraged them (other employees) into writing their names in off-color graffiti as in "Jack is a queer" on elevator walls - they're not even cleaned off - the gays themselves have to remove the disgusting garbage. But personnel and employee relations are no support whatsoever. You can depend on them to take the safer "administration" stance when dealing with complaints. Thanks for being there though.

Domestic Partner Benefits (questions #15 and #17)

· If they're "family", same as for heterosexuals. · Depends on how you define "committed" of course. · if gay, marriages were recognized in this state we wouldn't have this problem. If this is made available to heterosexual partners as well. · If they are dependents. · Define committed. · Only if married. · Only married partners. · Not just casual relations. · If it meets the legal requirements. · If they're family = same rules as for heterosexuals. · Committed is hard to define; I would endorse legal partnerships (marriage) for homosexuals, and feel that university benefits should be extended to spouses in such relationships. · With proof of commitment. · Who's to define committed? · If married. · Does this mean they're married..?? No if not married. · Only if they can be legally married as hetero couples are. · Not unless they are MARRIED. · I can't imagine how you would measure committed. This would be impossible to regulate in both cases. · Must be married, ie my girlfriend wouldn't be covered. · Cohabitating is a sin. · University benefits should not be extended to domestic partners in hetero relationships if they are not legally married.

Curriculum/Training (questions #16, #22-34)

· In this time of budget crises, extensive new programs seem unlikely. · We don't currently offer hetero courses. · Certain depts. are more supportive of lesbian-gay issues than others. · Issues too broad- mixes costs of expanded benefits for medicine costs with discussion of politically correct speech. Too unfocussed! · Not voyeurism [after a yes response to question about GLB classes]. · Yes, ( support idea] but I don't support mandating what professors should teach in their courses. · With budget problems, I'm not sure separate courses would be a high priority for me. [i.e. include other diverse groups]. · As an advisor, I would like to know more about the issues affecting and concerning non-heterosexual individuals, but feel that attending meetings for gay, lesbian or bisexual groups is inappropriate. Are there opportunities I am not aware of? · Depends on interest and availability of funds - as it is, the budgets for other courses are being slashed drastically. · Offer, not require. · No, due to budget considerations only.

Broad human rights emphasis in orientations and curriculum (questions #16, 22-24)

· Not explicitly - Only respect for those who are different, i.e. religion, ethnic groups, sex. orientation, etc. · I believe in equal rights for all people regardless of religion, race, sex. orientation, physical condition, etc. However, I do not believe in promoting special attention based on any one of these categories. · I think I object to special focus on l/g rights without concurrent emphasis on other civil rights too, and cultural differences. · Respect for civil rights of all beings. · And women and Hispanics, blacks, etc. · As part of a broader class. Not just g/l, but extend to non-conventional groups. Include heterosexual and family issues. · Of all people in general. · All encompassing. · Only in context of all persons, civil rights, no discrimination based on gender, religion, race or sexual preference. · Should be for all people without regard to sexual orientation. · For all civil rights of everyone! · I think that emphasizing homosexual and bisexual rights is defeating the cause of civil rights for everyone. Practically everyone considers themselves part of some group which is or could be discriminated against. · Not specifically - doesn't now for any other specific group. · Again, not specifically. Should be done for all protective groups, not just one, and not one for each group. · Think the University has larger issues to worry about and should educate/orient its community on the rights of all people, not just gay, lesbian and bisexuals. I do not care what your sexual orientation is, I care whether or not you perform your job duties and how you treat others. · If you include all other groups, YES. Otherwise - presentations for respect of all people in all walks of life. · All minority groups should be represented equally. · Not done for other minority groups. Why should one's sexuality be any different?! · Broad human rights emphasis (general comments) · U of A FSGLBE (Equity) should meet with all other groups concerned with discrimination and a supportive environment at the U of A to discuss the commonality of their concerns and with their combined influence work together to bring about positive change within administrative policy and U of A society as a whole. · I am supportive of all individuals regardless of race, religion, handicap, age or sexual orientation. · I believe in equal rights for all people- regardless of religion, race,' sex. orientation, physical condition, etc. However, I do not believe in promoting special attention based on any one of these categories. · People. are people and discrimination of all kinds should be wiped out. · Include heterosexual issues. · Equal rights should be given to all as we are committed to all minorities. · I do not necessarily (completely) approve of homosexuality in any form, but on the basis. of my belief that all people deserve protection of their rights, I cannot in any support discrimination towards anyone. · Sexual orientation is only one of the myriad of issues which need to be dealt with on this campus (& others) I don't feel it should be singled out and treated differently from the harassment/sensitivity issues which affect all minority groups and Women. · Many of these issues could be potentially problematic, as these would be similar to encouraging similar respect for racial groups (which is fine) ... i.e., why focus on sexual orientation and not racism?

Religious Influences (question #10)

· I believe God loves the person regardless of sexual orientation. · It [religion] influences my emotional but not intellectual response. · Relevance of sexual orientation (general comments, questions #27-32) · I think the whole lesbian, gay, etc. issue is overwarmed. Keep you sexual life behind, doors and do what you want. Don't make it public. · Just because it's a big deal to you, don't assume that it is to everyone else. It's not. · I don't feel the issues you have identified are occurring at the U of A. · I'd be curious to know just what problems do exist on campus and how extensive they are. All the people I work with are very accepting of diversity. We even have a special course that highlights diversity issues - so I don't perceive the problems as- pervasive or serious. · If everyone would live their own life everyone would be fine. But there are too many crybabies and busybodies. · Since I rarely have sex with my colleagues at work, this issue is a small one compared to others on campus. Also why did you put the instructions at the end, trying to be different? · I have compassion for gay, lesbian and bisexually oriented people. Everyone should be treated with respect and dignity. Sexual orientation should not be the focus of anyone's attention. It is always a choice which has consequences. But all choices have consequences. I suggest character building as a worthy objective. Why shout from the housetop what is done in the bedroom? · If you don't flaunt it, no one will care. · I don't see the need to label people as Gay, Lesbian ... etc., why can't we just respect people for themselves? · Sexual orientation is not an academic matter. This questionnaire has a number of items that area highly biased in their wording. · I do not think that someone should be considered or promoted for a job based on anything but their ability to do the job. I am obviously opposed to homosexuality - I do not support it at all, but as far as being able to do a job, nothing but a person's ability should be a factor. · Sexual orientation is only important to me if I am seeking a sexual relationship with another. For all other interactions, I don't feel that one's sexual preferences are important at all. · I feel that there sometimes is too many considerations made based on sexual orientation and whether you're gay or not is your business and I personally do not feel you should expect all this special treatment. Your sex life should be kept private. · I, and the University have limited time and resources to devote to many issues. I want to see an open tolerant environment. I find activism in this area to be tedious and as offensive as I would find it to have people spending large amounts of time engaged in public discussions of their heterosexuality. There are simply better things to do! · I do not approve of homosexuality, but do not believe that any sexual preference should be an issue in the workplace - sexual preference is a private matter for all preferences and should be. kept out of workplace. Promotions based on preference are immoral and unethical regardless of my personal and private views on homosexuality. · People's sexual orientation is not something I concern myself with a great deal, nor do most of the people I associate with. Therefore I'm not aware any incidences, or really even of people who are gay, lesbian, etc. So I can't do a very good job answering your survey. Sorry. · Not relevant, it's a private issue: (sexual orientation = sex). · I don't support these issues because public display of personal sexuality is inappropriate. · I feel -sexual orientation is a private matter. What one does in one's bedroom should not be brought up in the workplace. It is inappropriate. · Sexual orientation should be kept at private. It is not an issue for school or work. · Sexual preference is a personal and private issue. The university doesn't need to waste time and money dealing with it. · I feel that sexuality is a personal issue and should not be flaunted as it is now on campus! · Sexual preference either hetero or homo have no place except in our private lives. It is not necessary to flaunt either lifestyle, they simply both exist. · I feel the sexual orientation of anyone is a very private matter that is why I marked #5 the way it is [sexual orientation unidentified). It is no one's business except my own and those whom I associate with. I don't believe in P.D.A. · Absolutely irrelevant, keep your personal life to yourself. · I see- NO reason why ANYBODY - hetero or homo - has to come out of the closet, i.e., flaunt their sexual preferences. Who cares? I object to ANYONE getting physical in a blatant manner. This display should be a private matter. · I have a lot of trouble with this issue. I don't understand why anyone's sexual orientation should be announced. Why does a person's sexual orientation have to enter the workplace? It seems it should remain at home. I don't discuss my sexual habits at work. I know a couple of women who have maintained a long- term relationship together, but it is never an issue in their public life either. · Consenting sexual activity between adults ought to be private. Sexual preference and activity ought not to be for public consumption. · Academia [unequal sign] personal life! · A person's sexual activities is very personal. What I do behind my own doors and the life I choose to live is my own preference and should not be aired in public. I feel this way about everyone else. · You don't have to broadcast your sex life. I don't believe this issue is worthy of University time any more than how much sex, type of sex enjoyed, etc. I am not prejudiced or biased, but this is a personal choice issue, not civil rights. · It hasn't been a subject of conversation. · Sexual orientation is not something our office discusses. · Your sexual preference is private and not be o en to anyone. Ditto for personal lives. So long as my personal life does not interfere with my job, it is not the UA's business. · Sexuality should be private. Personal lives are personal. Although I am tolerant of any views offered in this questionnaire, it is difficult for me to see any possible relevance these views could have in a classroom, other than to make it less legitimate academically.

Negative

· Why does this survey have such a misleading/euphemistic title? It seems your survey is not comfortable coming out of the closet. Why no questions about AIDS and people's fears about AIDS and casual contact? I would not harass a person for being homosexual, but when asked how I feel about it, I have to say that I honestly do not think it's right. · The university should not involve itself with Gay and Lesbian matters. · I believe homosexuality is absolutely wrong and harmful for our society · However, I feel a person’s decision about such things is independent of how I treat them. · I think homosexuality is a sin. I do not think it is a lifestyle choice. God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. · I don't like the lifestyle of the gays, lesbian, and bisexual individual, however, I am very, very, concerned about their souls when they die. There is a real Hell. If they don't change that is where they will go when they die. [signed] In Christ, a friend · The issue of civil rights is all inclusive, not just a sexual preference issue. In fact, incompetent employees have used homophobia as a means to scare supervisors into not terminating their employment. And that is wrong. · I don't believe that it is an appropriate lifestyle, but I don't believe in gay bashing either. · We don't need more admin. units. I'm against women's studies and black studies. · Accept as people- don't accept/approve lifestyle. · Anti-hate laws violate constitutional right of free speech. · Gay and Lesbian are [sic) a disease not lifestyle. · Most gay relationships don't last. · No representation for hermaphrodites. Why not? Self centered? · It is a waste of time. Homosexuality is a sin. Jesus died to save sinners. God loves sinners and wants to forgive & change them. · What a waste of paper! · I think this is a waste of time for a University that is supposedly short of funds. · There is a falacy [sic] that homo and bisexual people must teach the world ' that they are normal. Are they normal? In my opinion, putting your penis in another man's mouth or anus is not normal. It serves no biological function except for stimulation, I suppose. You see, I don't even know exactly what two women do with each other sexually speaking, but I do know that a woman and a man are able to create another life through the act of sex. I suppose I accept homo and bisexual people on a human level, but I would not condone these practices or support them in any way. Everybody is plenty aware that they exist,' but that doesn't mean they accept, and definitely don't teach that this behavior is normal. I think most homos and bi's are insecure about their sexuality and much @ like loud, obnoxious heteros (usually men) they think they have to shout about it. · Get real! · Who cares? · I don't accept the implication herein that sexual orientation is somehow the same as other civil rights and needs to be protected. I believe homosexuality to be a disorder that needs personal -counseling - not an orientation that is normal or should be openly accepted. · Fags make great targets. Dikes are ugly. Bisexual bashing is fun. (name cited as queer killer) · If people are homos they should conceal it so as not to discust[sic] & sicken the rest of us. · The fags & queers area part of the cause of this nations [sic] problems. We claim to be one nation under God, well God calls homosexuals an abomination Lev 20:13. · These groups [g/l/b] do not respect any rights of straight people either. So why should they receive special treatment? · All of these groups [pride, equity, etc.] should have the training in respect for · civil rights of others. G-L-Bs are entrenched in various departments, making it impossible for straight people to work there due to harassment. · Homosexuality, Lesbianism, and Bisexuality are sin! · We all hate fags. · And they should stay in the closet and stop spreading AIDS. · Gays and lesbians are abnormal! They are brain damaged. They should all., burn in hell! · What's the big deal with queers? What makes them so special? This is Arizona. Faggots belong in San Francisco. So quit wasting time and money. · You omitted 0, send the queers back into the closet [in response to #7]. · Here we respect all human beings and eliminate all queers, faggots, and lesbos [sic]. · Sexual orientation does not make one a member of a protected subgroup under the US code: no legal recourse. [#13] · Orientations are already torment. · These constitute semi-official endorsement of homosexuality by the university as an acceptable lifestyle. Arizona and divine law do not share this view. [#22-24] · The homosexual rights issue is not one of diversity and openness as it is often portrayed. It is one of morality. Such a violation of sacred divine prohibitions is a spiritual illness. In mentoring /counseling positions where one is an example, I could not comfortably trust my loved ones to the care of one in violation of these laws. This also includes out-of-wedlock heterosexual relationships. For these reasons, I would personally have to support restrictions on filling certain positions for those involved. With the exception of gross harassment, this is a matter between the two parties and I would not interfere. If reported, to Affirmative Action. Gross harassment is, to me, the kind of treatment which no Christian could condone against anyone for any reason. Civility and manners are de-rigeur for everyone.

Choice of Tactics

· I feel discrimination is wrong, regardless of the nature. I support all efforts to end discrimination. I'm just not sure I would approve of banging on doors and making a lot of demands. · Tread lightly; most people in administration are probably not too receptive. · You will gain more by not forcing your ideas on people. Allow people to learn for themselves - teach by example, not by forced education. · You can't change people's attitudes. · They won't work. · You can't force the issue and win!

Supportive

· I am supportive of these issues only because I feel every person has a right to do whatever turns them on as long as it does not harm any other person and has no undo [sic] influence on children to [sic] young to really understand his - own sexual preference according to nature. · I strongly support gay rights! · I support diversity for all human beings in my teaching. Most artists I know do. · Civil rights is everyone's fight. It takes education and time. This education will come through future generations. · With exposure comes understanding, respect and eventual acceptance. · No, [didn't know code of conduct prohibits g\l discrim] but I'm glad it does · Thanks for the questionnaire - I learned something! · Please publicize more so that I can know more about you!!! · Problem reflects society attitude about personal control of one's life. We need understanding and acceptance. · I think of myself as open minded regarding other's orientation, but I am not an activist regarding this issue. · Insightful questionnaire - allowed me to think of issues I had not thought of previously. · I teach relational communication . Homosexuality is not a topic on my syllabus, but we discuss differences in hetero-and homo- relationships as they are relevant to topics we do discuss. · I'm glad you're doing this. Good Luck. · Several relatives are gay and my best friend in school was a lesbian. · I appreciated the letter written by Bruce Fowler for the Lo Que Pasa a couple months ago and will pass it on to friends. · I support these issues and believe they need to be addressed. However, they do not affect me personally. As is true of most people, my time and energy go toward issues that have a personal effect on me. · I'm passively supportive - that's all. · I think it's important that gays get the same health insurance for their partners as heterosexuals do. · I am on diversity training committee in Library and we do not know how to approach this topic in our training. We would appreciate any information you could share with us. Thanks! · I am working on diversity issues and I am interested in knowing if your survey is a success. · *Yeah!