(-- The Beacon)
By Kate Peifer Staff Writer peifer14@up.edu
On Nov. 9, something louder than music and more powerful than lyrics resonated throughout St. Mary's Lounge: acceptance.
UP's Gay and Straight Partnership (GSP) brought Elevation, an openly gay Christian band from the Metropolitan Community Church of Portland, to campus.
"We wanted to publicize GSP more this year because although we are a Catholic university, we want everyone to know they are welcome," sophomore GSP member Y Hoang said.
Hoang, along with other members of GSP, coordinated the event and received permission from Student Activities and Associate Vice President for Student Life Fr. John Donato, C.S.C., to host Elevation.
"There was no difficulty getting the band to come to campus," Hoang said.
According to Hoang, GSP searched for a gay band that would send a message of acceptance and decided on Elevation.
"They are Christians who accept everyone," Hoang said. "When I first went to their church, I immediately felt welcomed."
The band, which formed seven years ago and consists of five members, originally played solely for their church in Northeast Portland, but has since played at other local venues, in Spokane and at international conferences.
"We formed the band to coincide with our church," band member Nicole Highhouse said. "We wanted to reach young adults, to support them for who they are and to provide a different form of worship."
According to Highhouse, the band has been well received.
"Elevation reforms every now and then as it needs to, it changes," Highhouse said. "We look towards inspiration and go for it."
GSP was glad to feature the band which is consistent with the club's mission, especially in light of the absence of sexual orientation in UP's non-discrimination policy.
"Our goal is to let people know we exist, to raise awareness and, in the future, push for a non-discrimination policy," Hoang said.
