John A. Frazier '95, co-chair of the Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Students' Association (BGLSA), said openly homosexual faculty members serve as role models, particularly for students in the same field.

But while students stress the importance of such role models in their lives, they have not always been there for openly gay undergraduates. Thus far, there have been only two annual BGLSA student-faculty gatherings. Before that, the openly gay faculty presence obvious at the meetings--or at recent rallies--was not so much a reality.

Professors interviewed this week attributed the growing gay and lesbian faculty openness and presence to a number of factors.

Some said the galvanizing effects of crises like the protest last year serve as an impetus for change.

Plummer Professor of Christian Morals Rev. Peter J. Gomes' "coming out" at that rally has served as the catalyst for some others to reveal their sexual orientation, according to Thurston A. Smith, associate registrar. Smith said the number of faculty who have revealed their homosexuality has increased since Gomes' announcement.

Goldfarb said the increasing presence of gay and lesbian faculty makes professors more comfortable with being "out" and active in political causes.

"There are more of us now, every year...There are new people coming in, giving solidarity," he said.

And issues of concern to gay, bisexual and lesbian professors, even if they do not involve public protests, can mobilize quiet action like the issue of domestic partnership has, some professors said.

"I think it's important for us to be out and to remind the administration that we exist," said Assistant Professor of English and American Literature Jeffrey A. Masten, who is gay.

Gomes says general shifts in societal views make "coming out" more comfortable and bring issues of concern to gay, bisexual and lesbian faculty to the spotlight nationwide.

As issues of race came to the forefront in the 1960s, "I think issues of sexuality [have risen] in the...late '80s and '90s," he said.

That shift is reflected in a more supportive attitude toward gay faculty at the University, some professors said.

"I feel in general there's widespread support for the issues of gay and lesbian faculty," said Associate Professor of Philosophy Frederick Neuhouser, who is gay.

But while both the student and faculty gay communities are supportive of each other, they do not share a single agenda.

The Leadership Council, a University-wide coalition of 15 homosexual groups, is crusading for University adoption of a proposal outlining the establishment of a gay studies program and the creation of a gay resource center.