A bit of background first. I work at a school in the South East which has a plaque from Stonewall in the entrance hall, proclaiming our affiliation with them as well as a large, prominent display about LGBT issues (posters say things like, "Some people are gay. Get over it.") I have always been proud of this aspect of our school. I am not myself part of that community but have a number of friends who are and would consider myself a Straight Ally.
A colleague who is herself a lesbian wishes to start a group for the LGBT students. Given that we have 1500 kids, it would be reasonable to expect that 100 or so are other than heterosexual. Not a militant group, just a group for fellowship, support and a little fundraising for the local charity which does sterling work in helping LGBT youth in our area. No intention of demanding anything, just to provide support, help those in need of guidance and generally let people know that it's just fine to be whoever you are.
So far so good. However, she has been told that she cannot use the initials LGBT in the group name, as it implies that some people are not welcome. I have no idea where this came from as I, a straight female, have already been told that I will be welcome and that my support will be valued. It's a group for the support and fellowship of LGBT youth but it can't say so in its name? AIBU to find this bizarre?
My friend is now beginning to question the whole set up. A plaque from Stonewall- is that just for show? (The Healthy Eating School ones are bollocks, that much we knew, but we did think the Stonewall one meant something.) She is afraid that, if she lets the name thing slide, other things will be expected to slide. Would the fundraising for a very reputable local charity be allowed? Would the display of a rainbow flag? Would we be allowed, for example, to make rainbow themed cakes as a fundraiser? Who knows.
We both feel so disappointed that the whole LGBT thing seems to be largely for show. What can you even call a group for LGBT youth without calling it a group for LGBT youth? I suggested the Kenneth Williams Memorial Group in a flippant moment, (not as flippant as all that, really. He lead a tortured existence being unable to be who he really was in public.) or Turing in a more serious moment. DH suggests The Group That Dare Not Speak its Name!
Not entirely sure what my AIBU is anymore. Its worth doing the group, isn't it? We can do good even if the face of such fuckwittage? And they are unreasonable to not let my friend call the group what it is?