GLBT-SA. Racism. Two words that should not appear side by side. As an organization that addresses the needs of sexual minorities, the GLBT-SA fails to fully address the needs of people of color.

When asked, “What have you done for LGBTIQ-identified people of color lately?” the executive board of the GLBT-SA could only respond with silence. Yet many wonder why so few people of color are not more active in the group.

Even though the GLBT-SA is an active and involved organization on campus that holds many successful events, very few of these events accommodate the racial minorities within the organization. Many times, people of color are not even familiar with the speakers and types of events that are being held. The cultural differences between white members and people of color have caused a huge rift within the GLBT-SA.

The need for an organization that addresses the needs of LGBTIQ-identified people of color has become so great that a new group was formed. This new organization, Queer People and Allies of Color (QPAC), will create a safe space for LGBTIQ-identified people of color.

Our main goal is for LGBTIQ individuals within communities of color on this campus to be embraced by the racial minority community as a whole. Events will be held that will be of interest to this specific group of people. But one question remains – should the GLBT-SA and QPAC split?

The views are differing and the issue controversial. If people of color leave, we will leave behind an organization full of white faces, white voices and white views. If people of color stay, we will continue to be silenced.

What would happen to the GLBT-SA if all the people of color left to go to a safer space where what they said really mattered? In my opinion – nothing. The GLBT-SA would remain the same, holding the same events and pursuing the same ideas.

The group would continue to follow the same empty diversity pledge, which states that “the GLBT-SA is committed to be mindful of diversity beyond sexuality and gender, and we strive to be relevant to and inclusive of all peoples.”

It seems to me that the GLBT-SA is overwhelmingly relevant to white, gay males. Perhaps that is all they need. There is no need for people of color to remain token members of the group. The time has come to address our needs. We have spoken and now action must be taken.

“(The) GLBT-SA has become the organization that no one wanted it to be,” said Treasurer Zach Howell, but nothing is being done to change it. Some people of color may continue to work with the GLBT-SA while also building QPAC. Others may not.

Would it be a bad thing if there were two separate organizations – one for white individuals and one for people of color? Is this not necessary? If other options were available, they would have been taken at this point. This is the last resort. Different goals should logically breed different organizations.

If you are white and feel you would benefit from QPAC – come right over. If you are a person of color and feel that the GLBT-SA is where you need to be – you are more than welcome to take part. However, there are now two spaces to make sure that everyone on this campus has a place where they can openly be themselves.

The white men of the GLBT-SA can continue to self-congratulate. It is time for queer people of color to represent themselves. No longer should we be silenced and depend exclusively on the GLBT-SA to be our voice or support system. No longer should we put up with “hidden racism.”

QPAC meetings are held Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Dey Hall room 209. The GLBT-SA meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Student Union room 3205.