On every other Friday, the Riverland Gay Straight Alliance meets in a classroom at Riverland Community College. They meet to talk about current events in the media concerning Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender issues, to discuss events and plans they want to host, and to “come together and feel safe,” as Cindy Duncomb, a third-year student at Riverland and one of the GSA members, said.

Riverland’s GSA, a campus group since 2003, is one of several interconnecting groups in the Austin community that advocate GLBT equality as well as offer support for those who identify themselves as queer. They are among the first people to feel the stings and repercussions of national media attention — or refocus — on gay issues, which is why they try to talk to the public about GLBT issues.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Kirsten Lindbloom, a local GLBT advocate. Lindbloom has followed the recent national renewal of interest in bullying, especially gay bullying, since the death of Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University student who committed suicide after his roommate and a friend secretly taped a sexual encounter Clementi had with another male, then posted it online.

“It’s very hard to watch because we know that our young people are struggling and that our environments aren’t conducive to dealing with them and with who they are,” Lindbloom said. “It seems so preventable to me, and I think that’s what makes it so heartbreaking. These kids needed to be supported.”

To that end, groups like GSA stay busy educating people about GLBT-related issues, like gay marriage and the stigma surrounding homosexuality and alternative sexual preferences. The GSA, for example, activity participates in Lobby Day at the state Capitol every year, speaking with senators representatives and making presentations. They also campaign around Riverland and the community as well, holding inclusive events for the community such as Big Gay Movie Nights as well as Big Gay Picnics, according to GSA adviser Scott Blankenbaker. They also do poster campaigns for GLBT celebrations such as the Pride parade and National Coming Out Day, which occurs on Oct. 11.

“One of my really good friends is gay,” Duncomb said, explaining why she’s a part of the GSA. “It’s my way of helping him and showing my support.”