By Erin Rosenking, Statesman Editor

A few weeks ago, an LGBTA member suffered a biased attact by an ary recruiter while both organizations were tabling in the Student Union.  The soldier, who was accompanied by other recruiters, offered prejudiced remarks to the gay person, who was at the table alone.  In addition to referring to him as a "freak," the army recruiter accused the LGBTA member of being an AIDS-infested bastard."  The gay man refrained from defending himself out of fear for his safefty.

The remarks earned the Army suspension from the campus with their future here pending.

Regardless of the incident, the LGBTA is not retreating back into the closet.  According to club president, Steven Youngstein, the club is enjoying increased attendance since the incident, which warranted press on campus as well as of.  The Long Island Voice wrote an article on the incident.  "People seem to be more concerned with our sucess now,"  Youngstein said.  "Our members are more confident and more attentive noe.  They are stronger, happier people, And people are more willing to support us," he said.

The history of the LGBTA has seen it's ups and downs.  Youngstein said that the club used to be a strong presence on campus, but that it died down over the years as a result of bad management.  This semister, in addition to the bias incident, the club had a setback with a frozen budget.  Their funds have now been unfrozen and Youngstein has big plans for the organization.  "We really want to fix up the room and make it more comfortable for our members,"  he said.  He is also excited about next year.  "We have plans to make this big," Youngstein said.  "Next year is going to be the Gaylennium"

To spur the club's growh, the LGBTA will be hosting an open house next Thursday, November 18.  Following the open house will be the Trauma Dance, to be held in the End of the Bridge free of charge.  "It's our first dance of the year and the name has nothing to do with the emergency room or anything lethal," Youngstein said.  The name actually refers to a club in the city.

The LGBTA and its activities are open to all.  "We welcome everyone, gay, straight, four legs, five legs, anyone," he said.  Youngstein stressed the importance of support.  "We want membership to increase but we want people to know that their anonymity is safe if they join," said Youngstein.  "You can be discreet and still be a member," stressed Youngstein.   He also stressed the importance of non-gay support to the club.  "It's not just for gay people."

The LGBTA has meetings Tuesday nights at 8:30pm and Wednesdays during Campus Life Time.  Their office is located in the basement of the Union in room O45A.