Homophobia at UCONN

Those were the words screamed by the student behind me at the game last week. This was his way of encouraging our kicker as he trotted onto the field in the third quarter for a field goal. I really didn't appreciate the remark, but I let it go. It wasn't worth the trouble that would ensue. I knew it would only make the rest of the game miserable for me. Of course, after a few of his buddies laughed at the comment the student was encouraged. He decided if one homophobic chant was funny, then five or six more would be just hilarious.

Just as our kicker was about to finally go for the field goal my emotions got the best of me. I disdainfully turned and shouted for him to "shut up." Granted it wasn't the best means of getting my point across, especially to someone who was drunk. However, in the heat of the moment it was what came out. As I expected, an onslaught of homophobic chants and loud conversations ensued. I stood in silence and took it for the majority of the third and fourth quarters. After every comment I really expected another fan to step up and ask him to just shut up. Of course the help never came and I was left there to just take it. Twice I let loose explicative laced requests for the ignorant individual to be quiet, but to no avail. The fact is, I only received two attempts at assistance. One was my friend's kindly encouragement to just let it go and to remain calm. The other attempt at help came from one of the drunk's friends. Of course his idea of help was to tap me on the shoulder and say "You aren't gay are you? Cause if you aren't, then just be quiet since it isn't your problem."

Finally, with three minutes to go in the game I pretended to go to the bathroom in order to seek out a police officer. Upon finding a UConn Police officer I asked him to please ID the student and file a report regarding a breach of the code of conduct. Being a brand new graduate student, I have no idea if such a code exists, but I figured it was worth a shot. The officer gave me a strange look at first, but then politely asked me to point out the student creating the disturbance. The officer then removed the drunken student from the stands and told me that I was no longer needed.

At first I was happy to be rid of the remarks. However, now I can't help but wonder what the point of all this was? Did the student really learn anything? Did the officer actually file a report? Is the student going before a hearing board in the coming days? My bet is the officer decided that, like the rest of the silent fans, that it was easier to just let the student go. I am grateful that the student was escorted from the stadium and if the officer did process the student, I commend him. The thing is, the officer never took my information or ID. How could a campus judicial body hold a hearing without any witnesses? So again I ask, what was learned?

Over the last few days I wonder what if a similar situation arises at the West Virginia game this Wednesday? Should I stand up and say something? Well the fact is it isn't just a problem at the stadium. Similar derogatory statements are made in society all the time, especially in guy's locker rooms where it just isn't cool to be gay growing up. The real question is, why is it OK anywhere? Would a crowd of people be silent if someone screamed, "You suck, Jew" or "You suck, n-?"

I certainly hope such comments would not be met with silence. So why should we be silent when someone shouts, "Nuzie, You suck you f-ing [homosexual]!"

Anytime someone is hateful to another is one time too many, especially if no one discourages it. It was good people who thought, "I'm not Jewish, so it isn't my problem". That silence cost millions their lives during the holocaust. Do not wait until hate and prejudice come looking for you because if you wait too long you may find that no one is left to speak up for you. Stand up and be heard, if not for your sake then for those that you love.

Respectfully,

Jeff Busch
UCONN Graduate Student