University Votes on Same-Sex Homecoming Couples

The University of North Texas's Student Government Association wants its student body to decide whether same-sex couples should be allowed to run for homecoming court.

By Christopher Mangum

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS X390 (FAIR USE) | ADVOCATE.COM

The University of North Texas's Student Government Association wants its student body to decide whether same-sex couples should be allowed to run for homecoming court.

By a 22-1 vote October 21, the Student Senate approved a measure calling for a referendum on the question, reports The Dallas Morning News.

Earlier this year the Student Senate had voted not to allow gay couples compete for homecoming court. That decision led to protests that caused the Senate to lift its ban and allow the student body to vote on the issue.

"I'm just glad that the Senate was able to reconsider the issue and let the students decide," said Dakota Carter, president of the Student Government Association told the News. "We showed we are willing to listen."

Voting is scheduled to take place online from November 16 to 20 on the student government's website, www.untsga.com. This year's homecoming court was already crowned at UNT's homecoming game October 17, but if approved, same-sex couples would be eligible to compete in 2010.

POST COMMENT(4) EMAIL PRINT RECOMMEND

3 readers have recommended this story.

‹‹Previous Article in Category | Next Article in Category››

Reader Comments

Back to top Post a Comment
Name: LC
Date posted: 11/16/2009 7:25:32 PM
Hometown: Denton

Comment:
I am a UNT alumni and very disappointed by the same-sex homecoming vote. Siince I can't imagine that two guys or two girls would, with sincere intent, run for homecoming court King and Queen with a respect for the tradition, it only leaves the purpose of the issue as a short-sighted statement, an easy target as it were. It's unfortunate that such young brainpower and resolve were not spent on more challenging and lasting things like research, hunger, public service, or international human rights. But hey, you only are 20 years old once. The watch party will be a doozy! It's just too bad...
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: JM
Date posted: 11/4/2009 2:34:37 AM
Hometown: DFW

Comment:
I am a gay student at UNT, but I am unsure about this. I don't see why a boy would want to be Homecoming Queen and a girl Homecoming King. It's more gender bias? It just seems like they are wanting attention in the wrong places. I'm all for gay marriage and rights. but this isn't a Gay right in my book.. this is causing a ruckess about nothing. And none of the gays I know goes to any of the Homecoming stuff anyways? It's whatever. All sounds high school-ish. I'm not voting for or against it.
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Jake
Date posted: 11/3/2009 5:04:04 PM
Hometown: Denton, TX

Comment:
I'm excstatic about this mention. No matter how much progress UNT has made in the effort to produce a more welcoming, accepting, and inclusive campus for the LGBT community, there are still areas that could be improved upon. I'm happy that we as a minority can voice our dissatisfaction with the SGA's initial vote down of the Homecoming Equality Bylaw through the school newspaper, through peaceful protest (though loud), and through informative tabling on campus. We have an ally program for students, faculty, and staff. Protections for gay students on campus. A yearly LGBTA prom on campus. One LGBT & one bisexual-specific org. On and on. More can always be done. For more info, see video at http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=48038@ktvt.dayport.com & visit the blog of Glad, UNT's student-run LGBTQA organization on campus since 1988. Hopefully this and the recent news from William & Mary will help spark new discussion on how to make the homecoming tradition more inclusive nationwide.
Back to top Post a Comment
Name: Michael R. Stratton
Date posted: 11/3/2009 4:31:52 PM
Hometown: Denton, TX

Comment:
This is my alma mater (class of 2007), and while I'm proud there were protests that led to the ban being lifted, I find it ridiculous that there need be a vote on the matter. Is anyone else of the same thought? This campus is full of people studying liberal arts, and has quite a visible and vocal gay population. Unfortunately, there are also the likes of fundamentalist Christians and political conservatives who oppose this matter, but are more than willing to send students off in a game of "catch the illegal immigrant." I realize this is Texas, but that doesn't mean all Texans discriminate or devalue the voice of the minority, be it racial, religious, or sexual orientation in respect. I sincerely hope the student body will vote to allow same sex couples, because it will mean I spent my six years in college not wasting my time or my money (or the government's money) in receiving an education that I value as highly as I do.

PREVIOUS 1 NEXT

More Online Only

Art Artist Spotlight: Que Duong

A fortune-teller told Que Duong's mother he would amount to nothing — which is why he gives everything he has to each photo he takes.

News Features What Gays Need to Know About the Census
This year’s 10-question census sheet still present some gray areas as far as answering properly. We tell you some key facts on how to most accurately fill out your form.

Music Thicke and Juicy

Sexy soul singer Robin Thicke opens up about his Precious wife, homophobia in the music industry, and the gay men who’ve shaped his life and love since childhood.

Internet Herman on Why He Wants to Stop H8

Fitness trainer, Real World alum, and marriage equality advocate Scott Herman took some time between crunches to tell The Advocate that his concern for gay rights isn't manufactured, and he doesn't mind men checking him out.

Theater In Rehearsals for La Cage With Nick Adams

Broadway performer Nick Adams heads into rehearsals for the Broadway revival of La Cage Aux Folles and brings The Advocate along for the ride.

People Life on the G List: Gyms of L.A.

For an actor in L.A., which gym you go to is almost as important as who represents you. Which is why out actor David Moretti goes to almost all of them.

News Celebration of Courage Not So Courageous

Advocate contributor Michael Lucas says the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission needs to be doing more to stop violence against gays and lesbians in countries "oppressed by Islam."

Entertainment News The Trouble With Johnny

Johnny Weir will always be an attention-seeking brat who loves to wear fur. But he’s also the best thing to ever happen to men’s figure skating.

Commentary A Prom Canceled, A Preschooler Expelled

Columnist Kim Stolz wonders if banning a lesbian high-schooler from prom — and a preschooler with lesbian moms from kindergarten — is just a sign the Catholic church is gasping for air.

Television Who Wants to Marry a Millionaire?

Millionaire Douglas Donahoo is looking for the perfect man (who is also eco-friendly). Will matchmaker Patti Stanger deliver?

Commentary The Truth Behind Her Name Was Steven

Advocate contributor Eden Lane says CNN's Her Name Was Steven will help raise the visibility of trans people on TV, but the most compelling part of Susan Stanton's journey was left to a title card at the end of the film.

Television Laverne, Surely
I Want to Work for Diddy alum Laverne Cox leads a trio of transgender ladies in VH1’s Transform Me, a new makeover show that flatters her hooker-heavy résumé.

Music Cherie’s Jubilee
With The Runaways, the new film about her life with Joan Jett, pioneering rock star Cherie Currie is enjoying a renaissance ... with a little help from Dakota Fanning.

Washington D C View From Washington: Universal Stagnation

As Democrats struggle to push through health care reform and LGBT legislation, some gay activists are suggesting the administration's failings are a product of incompetence.

Activism Sex-Ed Student Turns Teen Activist

When sex education classes at Danny Sparks's high school failed to address the issues important to him, he took matters into his own hands ... and became an activist in the process.

Photography Artist Spotlight: Ryan Colford

From his "candy shoppe" line — sweet treats made oh-so sexy — to his black and white studies of the male form, photographer Ryan Colford exposes the beauty of the male body.

DVDs Hot Sheet: Matt Damon, Alicia, Almodóvar
This week Matt Damon finds himself in Iraq, Alicia plays MGM, and Almodóvar's genius finds its way to your DVD player.

Commentary What Massa Could Learn From Ashburn

COMMENTARY: Matthew S. Bajko says Republican California state senator Roy Ashburn deserves praise for coming out of the closet despite his antigay voting record. Now, if only former congressman Eric Massa would follow his lead.

Music The Truth About Tracy and Kim

Don’t be tardy for this party! DJ Tracy Young comes clean — mostly — about her rumored lesbian relationship with Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak.

News Kids Say the Darndest Things

Micah Schraft and his boyfriend, John, were filming Micah's family at Thanksgiving when the 5-year-old son of a family friend wanted to know if the two were husbands. The result is a video you have to see.

Commentary The Importance of Being Counted

With benefits from boosting hate-crimes and marriage equality laws to simply letting legislators know gay Americans indeed exist, the 2010 Census is a chance to stand up and be counted.