I never thought I’d ever be doing this…

I remember receiving my Frosh Guide a few years ago; it was my first glimpse into life at the University of Guelph. It was, like this one, filled with articles on all kinds of student groups, downtown clubs, and tons of advice. But the article that stood out was the one on being queer in Guelph—which is quite odd since at the time, if you’d have asked me, I was a heterosexual.

What happened? Was it the university student’s freedom to discuss sexuality in terms that would make most school board trustees blush and fume? Was it misplaced homesickness? Was it experimentation gone awry? Was I recruited by one of those Queer mentorship programs?

I think it had to do with moving away from my hometown to a place where I didn’t know anyone. It’s a lot easier to come out when you’re not constantly reminded of awkward attempts at breedership back in high school.

It didn’t just happen immediately though, I was here for two years before I decided to make the leap. During that time I would go downtown to sneak a copy of Extra (Toronto’s Lesbian and Gay bi-weekly also available at Talking Trees, a very Queer-positive used bookstore in downtown Guelph) or if I was feeling really brave, head bowed, I’d quickly purchase a copy of The Advocate from the Bookshelf ("Would you like a bag for that?" "Can I get it in a locked suitcase?").

I haven’t met with much resistance coming out in Guelph. No physical threats of violence. I thought I heard some mutterings about eternal damnation but I think that was just a Reform candidates election campaigning.

Actually coming out in Guelph was easy--so pleasant that I would really recommend it to anyone. If you’re already out I would suggest you go back in, then after a few months tell everyone you’re queer – it’s fun! Watching straight friends fumble with the right words was the best part. Most of them wanted desperately to be supportive but tried to temper their enthusiasms with a cosmopolitan air of "it’s normal—we’re all born bisexual."

Another advantage of being queer on campus, you are afforded much more political currency, allowing you to openly criticize the political elite. They consist of a small band of ‘radicals’ that monopolize and squander all dialogue—their raison d'être a "you stupid, we smart" kind of arrogance that only children of privilege could muster (one warning to straight and queer alike, don’t let these bullies pummel you into a state of apathy).

Guelph Queer Equality (a university group), OUTline (a campus support and resource line for lesbian, gay, transgender, bi-sexual and questioning people), CFRU (your queer-positive campus community radio station that is always looking for more queer programming), The Ontarion (in it’s first few summer issues it’s already managed to cover the Inside Out Festival, local pride celebrations and the city’s denial of funding for OUTline) these are just a few of the organizations you can get in touch with to find out more info on queer events in Guelph.

Coming up in September and October, Ed Video an artist run film and video organization will be presenting two queer programs consisting of screenings and workshops.

And there is always GQE’s Queer Static night at the Trasheteria on Monday nights. It’s been going on weekly for a few months and I hear it will be continuing through the fall with better DJs.

You might happen to be walking around campus and see someone who looks a lot like Sky Gilbert (queer playwright, filmmaker, author, activist and co-founder of Toronto’s Buddy’s In Bad Times Theatre). Well, Sky is returning again this year as an instructor in the Drama department.

Anyway, the real struggle for queer people in Guelph seems to be creating a community. The big disadvantage of being in such close proximity to Toronto is that it seems that not too many people are really interested in trying to sustain a strong, consistent community group here in Guelph .There is G.Q.E. but their mandate is limited to the university students – ignoring the townie queers. Guelph has had three queer bars, all of them were financially sustainable but eventually all closed. Some blame mismanagement, others queer in-fighting.

Since you’re frosh, odds are you’re moving into residence this year. I never had that opportunity so I don’t know what to tell you except the food is expensive and the number one pick-up line in the weight room in the Athletic Centre is "I’m not a fag but…".

I hope that you’ll rest easy knowing that there are some resources for queers in Guelph.