Student Leader Profile

Greta Spoering '08

President of Skidmore Pride Alliance, Head Peer Advocate
of Center for Sex + Gender Relations

Question:  Can you talk about your role in the Pride Alliance and what role you play as the President?

Answer: The role I play as president is that of a coordinator or conductor. Gender identity and expression, as well as sexual orientation are things that are fluid through all cultures and religions – and people are at all different stages of the coming out process so we – the executive board – try to incorporate a range of activities and events that are as inclusive of as many people/interests as possible – most of which are the ideas of the executive board. The best ideas for small meetings, lectures, dance themes, etc. are formed by our executive board – I just keep everyone on track and aware of up coming events, and help with some of the necessary communication. I think I – as well as the executive board - also serve as a type of informant for a large body of students about policies, institutional reactions, etc. regarding issues that could potentially effect the queer community or that are related.

Additionally, I think that it is important for students to see their peers on campus who are out and proud – it helps normalize their lifestyle in a world that is heteronormative. I think that any empowered student is a powerful role model and it is not exclusive to my role as president.

Question:  Does your role as head Peer Advocate for The Center tie in at all with what you do in SPA?  What are the big challenges you face in those organizations?

Answer: Yes - but for the most part indirectly. It helps with Co-sponsorship simply because I meet different people through the two organizations and therefore I feel like I have a greater amount of resources, and also more knowledge to some of the events that are taking place/being organized through departments and administration. As well - It makes me more aware of all of the resources that LGBT students do not have. For some reason, sex and the issues surrounding it are still viewed as taboo today and the information that the community does recieve about sex is heteronormative. Rather than affecting my role as President of SPA I see it factoring in more with Center Events where I making sure that it is some what LGBT inclusive. We need people on this campus or from the area that can talk about safer sex for queer individuals. Beyond sex though, my role in the center also has opened my eyes to how heteronormative health care in general is, as well as the discussions on more difficult issues such as DV or assault.

Question:Any events coming up that you want to promote?

Answer: I am happy to say we have a semester packed with a range of awesome events! In February we will be hosting a drag show -- we are still looking for student performers so if you are interested contact Amanda Izenson or Jacob Navarrete.  We will be having another ally training, and then in April, we got the small gym back for our Spring Dance!!, Leslie Feinberg will be coming to Lecture,  and there is the Day of Silence on April 25th.