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.

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Reader Comments

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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.

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