Thursday, January 16, 2014

Linn-Benton GSA: The Outspoken Agenda

Coming out of the closet isn't easy for everyone. Some people need a support system, and at Linn-Benton Community College they offer just that.

There is a club called the Gay Straight Alliance, also known as the GSA. It's a club that meets in the Diversity Achievement Center Forum building room 220 every Friday from 2-3pm. The president of the GSA is Jordan Hagle and the club advisor is Tim Black.

You may be thinking to yourself, "Why is there a GSA anyways?" Well it's simple...its a place for LGBTs (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender students) to come together and be supportive of one another without fear of discrimination. It's also a place to discuss issues and get awareness out there of the GSA community. Gays and straights working together for one sole purpose; to be supportive and understanding of human rights.

As one member of the GSA, Johnie Stiltner said, "I love and accept all people and I want to help people who may feel they don't belong because everyone belongs." This is the perfect example of how this club should be seen. It's place of acceptance and support. Once you walk through the doors at the Diversity Achievement Center it's an arms open and welcoming feeling; no judgment just acceptance.

Hagle said, "It's okay to be who they are." Everyone is an individual with feelings and needs. Nothing can affect you more than being discriminated against. The GSA at Linn-Benton Community College is the place to be yourself, and at the end of the day being yourself is all that truly matters.

The Gay Straight Alliance is welcome to everyone no matter your sexual orientation; hence the club's name. If you're ever asking yourself, "What can I do to help spread awareness," come to a club meeting. Newbies are welcome to join. Everyone's voice can be another's voice of strength, and help motivate someone who isn't sure how to speak without fear of discrimination.

Be the voice of courage and wisdom. Sometimes all a person needs is someone to listen to them. Life would be better if we all could just get along.

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