Life After SXU

By Amanda Holmes

As a senior, I cannot seem to escape the question, “What’s next?” As the year continues I’m sure I’ll spend a few blog posts answering that question as my own situation develops but I thought it might be interesting to see what someone else has done since graduating from SXU.

Gina Pantone is an SXU alum. She graduated in 2005, majored in English and minored in Communications. Gina is a gay rights activist and was generous enough to let me interview her about her current work and life after SXU:

1) What kinds of things did you do in your time at SXU?

I served as the Editor in Chief of The Xavierite (2003-2005), as well as the Features Editor. I was in band all 5 years, choir for 2 years, a DJ on WXAV (2001-2005), Sigma Tau Delta (International English Honor Society) and in drama club (2001-2004). I lived in Morris Hall for 2 years, commuted the rest. Ha, you're probably sorry you asked, I was Rushmore.

2) What is Join the Impact Chicago?

Join the Impact is a national grassroots GLBT equality group that was born when Proposition 8 passed on Election Day 2008 in California. The ballot proposition overturned the California State Supreme Court decision a mere six months earlier that granted GLBT citizens the constitutional right to marry. They put civil rights up to a popular vote and the measure passed, outraging millions and spawning a new generation of gay rights activists.

Join the Impact Chicago (JTIC) is its local chapter, conceived by a few frustrated co-workers (Corrine Mina, Nik Maciejewski and Missy Lorenzen). They wanted a Chicago response to the California election result, and planned a rally November 15th 2008 in Daley Plaza that would attract 5,000 predominately young protesters who took to the streets and marched for hours.

The Chicago Chapter had arrived, and continued to grow exponentially. JTIC has gone on to host teach-ins, multiple demonstrations, speaking events (most recently Cleve Jones at Victoria Gardens Theater), canvass, start conversations with elected Illinois officials, and most importantly, spread education on the issues at hand.

3) What do you do there?

I serve as one of the core leaders. I assist primarily in general organization, event planning (i.e. our roles in Pride, Day of Decision, The Great Nationwide Kiss-In, The National Equality March), canvassing, sign-making, fliering, photography and recruiting.

4) Why is this important?

I firmly believe this is the civil rights issue of our time. As a straight ally, I do not think anyone should stand for our fellow Americans being treated as second class citizens. People need to realize this is not an arbitrary matter only of the GLBT community, but rather a human issue that effects millions of family members, friends and co-workers in this country. It's not just about marriage; but discrimination in the workplace, taxes, health care benefits, retirement, immigration, adoption rights, power of attorney and hospital visitation. We must learn from the bigotry of history, and speak up on this. We need everyone.

5) Are there any events coming up?

We just returned from a very successful National Equality March in Washington, D.C. and were featured on the cover of the RedEye October 13th. We have a public meeting Tuesday, October 20th at the Lincoln Park Public Library (1150 W. Fullerton Ave.) from 7-8:30pm to discuss the next steps in the movement.

I also want to stress that the Illinois Senate just introduced the Equal Marriage Act, which would give full marriage rights (legally, not religiously) to two adults of the same sex in Illinois. To get more involved, call and write your local representatives and urge them to support this bill.

6) How has SXU prepared you for this kind of work?

I feel the intimate classroom size at SXU gave me more of an opportunity to realize my full potential as a leader. In a larger university setting it's easier to blend in with the masses, and many students aren't as easily given the chance to develop budding skills. More importantly, SXU's outstanding faculty really nourished my spirit and encouraged me to stand out and speak up (specifically Dr. Bonadonna, Dr. Kolich, Dr. Karim and Prof. Gerlach to name a few).

Amanda Holmes is a senior philosophy major from Atlanta, GA. She is vice president of the Philosophy Club. Consideration for the student bloggers is provided by Saint Xavier University.