Story by McKenna Christy

LGBTQ+ resources and organizations for students at Ohio University both on and off campus.

Photo provided by Micah McCarey.

McCarey is the LGBT Center Director at Ohio University.

There haven’t always been support systems to provide the necessary services for LGBTQ+ students to feel comfortable in all spaces. However, The LGBT Center at Ohio University, located on the third floor of Baker University Center, is paving the way to be one of those environments for students in the LGBTQ+ community.

The center is available to everyone, including students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members where they are granted access to “...support, consultation, education and connection,” according to Micah McCarey, the LGBT center director.

From Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the center’s doors are open and McCarey, among other leaders, work to create activities that promote and celebrate diversity. The team wants everyone to see the value in inclusivity and to engage in the process of learning the prized differences in each of us.

“...As an OHIO graduate who benefited from the support of the LGBT Center and various LGBTQ+ groups during my undergrad days, it’s been inspiring to see [an] understanding of gender, sexuality and romantic attraction improve over the decades. We want people to feel safe and affirmed on campus and in the local communities that encapsulate our campuses,” says McCarey.

Progress in the understanding of gender and sexuality, as McCarey describes, should be occurring in all organizations and systems, not just in the ones solely dedicated to educating on these subjects. Therefore, no matter what organization someone wants to take part in, their representation is crucial.

“I decided to take on the role of LGBT Affairs Commission of Student Senate to make sure queer voices are represented in policy decisions and university programming,” explains junior Luvina Cooley, who is studying anthropology with a focus in both media and queer studies. “We’re focusing on intersectional advocacy, and we welcome any[one]interested to join the commission. Our commission plans Ohio University’s annual Pride Week activities in the spring of each academic year.”

Getting involved is the first step to finding safe spaces as well as ensuring LGBT+ voices are represented. While safe spaces are different for everyone, they can become crucial during overwhelming situations in college. Starting a new school year for the first or even for the fourth time can be a lot to handle, but as Mia Walsh, a sophomore studying journalism and the treasurer of Spectrum+ puts it, “college can be the first time that many queer folks are able to be their true selves.”

Spectrum+ is a student-run organization for members of the LGBT+ community and allies. The organization ensures that its members don’t need to worry about their safety while being their authentic selves. Spectrum+ strives to help its members feel more relaxed and validated.

“We meet every other week and just hang out. We plan on having game nights, movie nights, and have even just been getting lunch together in between classes,” says Walsh. “We have a GroupMe that we chat in for fun and to discuss meetings. Activism and education about the LGBT+ community are amazing and necessary, but this is a very low-key, low commitment group where we just hang out with each other.”

There is a link to join the organization’s GroupMe on their Instagram, @ouspectrumplus, or those who are interested can email Walsh, @mw508419@ohio.edu, to get connected.

Another student-run organization on campus seeks to center the voices of transgender and gender expansive folks. The Trans Student Group hosts an environment for transgender voices to be heard “openly and freely,” says sophomore Carmen Szukaitis, the president of the group, who is studying womens, gender and sexuality studies with a minor in journalism.

“Speaking from experience, sometimes living as a trans person in a cisgender dominated society can be extremely difficult and uncomfortable,” says Szukaitis.

“Having this group gives me a sense of support and security because it shows me that I’m not alone and that we are all in this together.”
-Carmen Szukaitis

Szukaitis encourages people to stop by the LGBT Center and talk to the staff who will be able to find the right organization or group for them. But in the Trans Student Group, students can expect to hear and share “...stories and show our voices through different events to show that we are proud, and we are here. We want to be seen and heard!” exclaims Szukaitis.

A little outside of campus exists the Southeastern Ohio Rainbow Alliance (SEORA), an LGBTQ+ organization for the Athens community and those on campus.

Chris Nevil, the Director of SEORA and of Drag Queen Kazma Knights (@theonlykazmaknights on Instagram), states the purpose of his organization is to “...provide comprehensive care and support to the LGBT+ community of southeastern Ohio.”

The organization also provides additional resources for the community.

“We provide sensitive staff trainings, safe space events for the community, and occasional financial assistance through scholarships and more,” says Nevil. “Students can reach out to our org on social media or at board@seorainbow.org or submit a contact form on our website at www.seorainbow.org.

”In a perfect world, it would be easy to say that people shouldn’t be afraid to embrace their identities and share them with the world. These organizations and groups are here to aid in supporting everyone on their journey toward finding welcoming spaces.“

Some advice I would give people is to never fear reaching out to resources like ours or similar on the campus,” says Nevil.

“These services are there to support when there may not be support anywhere else. You will always find a friend in these spaces. And lastly, always keep hope and love in your heart, no matter the circumstances.”
-Chris Nevil