Queer Literature is a course in its infancy at Fisher that lends a voice to an enormous population that is often marginalized and made invisible.

You do not have to identify as gay in order to be a member of the class. I enrolled in Queer Lit needing credit for my Women and Gender Studies minor. I found that Queer Lit is something I have always wanted to take in college.

The instructor, Professor Cunningham, never has to pick on her students to rouse a discussion. Classmates are eager to share their opinions on readings, contemporary films and novels. Most literature comes from personal accounts and true stories. I have never taken another course where I can debate openly with peers about hot topics that are of personal interest.

Reactions and responses to Queer Lit are varied. Some think that I am calling a class queer, as in its stupid or a waste of time. Others are unaware of its existence on our campus.

I think of the word queer as an umbrella for describing the LGBT community. At the beginning of the semester I referred to Queer Lit with its title, English 261, to avoid comments or side glances. I was bashful using the term, afraid of offending someone in ears’ distance.

The course is not just about tolerance, but understanding. I often hear with straight males that they do not have a problem with homosexuals, unless they become interested in them. This standpoint is an insult in that it assumes that gay men desire anyone of the same sex with a pulse.

From taking Queer Lit, I have realized missing gaps in our society. For instance, think Valentines or anniversary cards. Where are the greeting cards for same sex couples? I work at Hallmark and can vouch that I have never stocked such a card. Tell me that is not a coincidence.

I am leaving the course knowing much more about intersexed, transgender and transsexual issues. Previous to the Queer Lit class, watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show was the closest I had ever come to learning about the diverse trans community. Who knew that one in 2,000 babies are born with ambiguous genitals?

Queer Literature is a worthwhile course that should be incorporated in other disciplines. I am glad I go to a private school that offers a queer theory course, has an annual drag show and gay straight alliance, Fisher Pride. Who decides which sexual preference is the norm anyways?