“A different way of thinking” is Albright College’s overused motto that the majority of the time is the butt of the joke. No joke however, in regard, to the treatment of gay couples in the community and the benefits they receive. Openly gay Albright College students feel a great sense of concern for their future, in respect to being allowed the same rights (in a marital sense) than others.
In the wake of Washington, D.C. legalizing gay marriage there is a rift in tolerance of gay marriage along the I-95 corridor. Vermont, Massachusetts, and now D.C. have legalized same-sex marriages. Leaving a gaping hole between those New England states and the nation’s capitol is the Keystone state.
Students at Albright College believe that change in regard to the presence of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania is on the horizon.
“Eventually I hope to marry in a couple of years,” said Albright junior Matt O’Neill, an openly gay student. “If I had to, I could travel to get married.”
O’Neill admitted that he is very active in the cause, attending gay pride parades and also listening to speakers. He specifically noted that Philadelphia speakers in particular show activism.
Nevertheless, there is still some obvious concern about the Pennsylvania gay marriage law, as O’Neill clearly doesn’t feel same-sex marriage is a done deal over the next couple of years.
Aside of the gay marriage issue, O’Neill believes college has been a more supportive atmosphere than in high school.
“I was kind of threatened in high school,” said O’Neill. “It [makes] a big difference being in an open community.”
From a student’s standpoint, Albright College is a supportive atmosphere. One Albright student, who is lesbian and was married, feels Albright is a solid place as well. [Check out Jen and Erika Kalias’ story in the posted video section below].
Albright is also supportive of gay partners from an employer standpoint, according to Timothy Steinrock, Associate Vice President and Director of Human Resources.
“We have already adopted, as of last year, a healthcare policy that includes coverage for domestic partners,” said Steinrock. “Many other colleges have done it. For Albright, it has not been all that long, but in our efforts we are trying to promote a family friendly policy.”
So in a way, by being ahead of the state in regards to its handling of domestic partners in relation to healthcare coverage, Albright does exemplify its motto of “a different way of thinking”.
Nevertheless, for the GLBT community, much progress is still needed in terms of gay marriage and treatments of gay couples in regards to benefits. Albright is ahead of the game because it is an individual policy owner – and it is in the minority.
As the Kalias’ said – “in Pennsylvania being married means nothing, it is just a Facebook status”. Until that response starts to change, gay rights advocates have their work cut out for them.
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