SPECTRUM, a new undergraduate organization for gay, lesbian and bisexual students of color, held its first meeting in Boylston Hall last night.

The meeting, which drew about 20 students, was designed to introduce them to the group and familiarize them with upcoming events, according to Tyrone Jones '00, one of the four SPECTRUM board members.

Coordinators and participants said they are excited about the new group, which is being promoted as a discussion and advocacy group for "queer people of color."

"I know there are a lot of faces I don't see here. And I'll be calling them," Jones quipped.

Organizers said SPECTRUM fills a niche not covered by already established ethnic groups such as the Black Students Association (BSA) and organizations such as the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and Supporters Alliance (BGLTSA).

"I don't think they cover the issues of being a double minority--of being gay and being of color," Jones said.

Board member Daniel Stephens '98 said he believes these groups may not be sufficient to meet the needs of bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgendered students of color.

"Sometimes queer students don't feel comfortable in the BSA, and some people of color don't feel served in BGLTSA," he said.

According to Jones, who is also a BGLTSA member, SPECTRUM has joined in a partnership with BGLTSA, GirlSpot and Quest.

Andre K. Sulmers '99, a BGLTSA co-chair who was also involved in organizing SPECTRUM, said the creation of the new group is consistent with the BGLSTA's current outlook.

"What we're trying to do is organize the many gay groups that BGLTSA comprises as autonomous groups," he said. "The gay community is very disparate and diverse."

Sulmers said he believes that the creation of SPECTRUM is not indicative of any fragmentation in the gay community.

"Students are looking for different things. This strengthens the community in a lot of ways," he said.

Jones said he has worked closely with Sulmers on launching the new group and that the BGLTSA has been supportive of his efforts.

"One of the great things about BGLTSA is that it understands what Harvard doesn't--that it's impossible for one organization to represent an entire minority," he said.