1 Year Anniversary of Marriage Equality for All New Yorkers

Last June, Governor Cuomo signed into law the Marriage Equality Act, granting critical rights, benefits, and protections to same-sex couples that they were previously deprived of under state law. 
  
Marriage equality went into effect on July 24, 2011 — one year ago yesterday — and in the year since, more than 10,000 same-sex couples were issued marriage licenses in New York State.  That means that more than 20,000 people were finally afforded the rights, privileges, benefits, and protections that marriage offers.  These include health care and hospital visitation rights, pension benefits, property ownership, inheritance rights, and safeguards against the loss or injury of a spouse.

In addition to reaffirming our state’s progressive spirit, this landmark law has boosted our economy since going into effect. As a direct result of marriage equality, our state has seen a rise in visitors, hotel bookings, and wedding receptions – a Crain’s New York Businessarticle reported yesterday a $259 million economic impact in New York City alone.

New York has always stood proud as a leader in civil rights and equality for all.  Today, we can stand prouder knowing that devoted couples all across our state are finally able to enjoy the full protections and benefits of marriage under state law

Planning for LGBT History Month

For the past few weeks, GLASS has been working hard with student life in preparation for LGBT History Month this October. All of us on the LGBT History Planning Committee are deeply excited for the prospects of the upcoming program at Baruch! We will be sure to keep you posted as not all the events are set in stone, and plus we wouldn’t want to spoil the fun.

Interested in volunteering? Have some fresh ideas you think would be great for LGBT History Month?  Shoot us an email at baruchglass@gmail.com.

-Jason Robertson

The Bernard Baruch Awards

This last week, GLASS received the honor of being nominated twice for the Bernard Baruch Achievement Awards. Receiving recognition for Best Recurring Event and Program, as well as Best Diversity event. Although GLASS did not end up taking home an award, we have come a long way from previous years where we had not even received a nomination. This in itself is recognition of the hard work and commitment our members have put in to make this organization succeed.  I believe that I can put it no better than our Treasurer of GLASS, William, who stated, “We always keep raising towards higher goals. That’s what makes us so special. Always reach higher.”  Thank you everyone for your hard work and making this a great year for GLASS. Let’s look forward to reaching farther and to greater heights.

-Jason Robertson

Why Straight Marriages May Not Benefit Society More or Less than Gay Marriages

On Friday, during a campaign stop at William Woods University University in Fulton, Missouri, anti-gay Republican presidential nominee Rick Santorum said: “Two people who may like each other or may love each other who are same-sex, is that a special relationship? Yes, it is, but it is not the same relationship that benefits society like a marriage between a man and a woman.”

While this is not surprising at all, it brings up some important points. One, it is a flimsy statement if used in the practical sense. It may be a valid argument that same-sex marriages do not benefit society in the same way that straight marriages do. After all, we can’t have children without outside help or adoption. That’s about it. But then a counterargument can emerge where one says that we do benefit society in that sense because we are adopting children that may not be adopted if there wasn’t a relationship.

The second point is that straight, American marriages are definitely a great strain on society. Though it is frequently heard that 50% of marriages in the US end in divorce, this is not 100% accurate. Surprise! It’s worse, and though the numbers vary, they are pretty close, going up for second and third marriages.

Divorce has an economical and social strain on our society. First of all, it's expensive for both parties in terms of time and money. Second, it tears apart families.

Kim Kardashian was married for 72 hours, and Republican presidential nominee Newt Gingrich was married 3 times. How is this beneficial to society? In addition, marriage is federal civil right, as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. I don’t know anyone who would vote for Rick Santorum. Do you?

David Tejeda (Secretary)

First GLASS General Meeting

Hello fellow Baruch students! Thursday February 9 will be our First General Meeting for the Spring 2012 semester. It will be held in our regular meeting room in VC 4-190 and refreshments will be served. This will be a chance for new and old members to meet, get to know each other, and have fun. The meeting will include:

• Introductions
• Upcoming Events
• Event Ideas
• OUTC
• Q&A Session
• Ice breakers and games
• Mingling

We'll see you there!

David Tejeda (Secretary)