With the growing support of the LGBTQ+ community, KSU has a multitude of groups to help queer students connect with others who share the similar experiences that come with specific identities.
Kennesaw Pride Alliance, the largest community group, is for all members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who stand with them in support. KPA was first established at KSU in 1991 and hosts a multitude of events throughout the year to increase awareness and visibility of LGBTQ+ issues.
Their next event, “Besties for Prizes,” will be held on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in room 72 of the English building on the Kennesaw campus.
Some LGBTQ+ students at KSU might seek organizations created specifically to support their identity, as opposed to the entire spectrum.
One such group is TRANScend, a community organization run by and for transgender, gender non-binary and genderqueer students at KSU.
TRANScend meets Fridays from 12-2 p.m. in the LGBTQ+ resource center on the Kennesaw campus. The remaining meetings for this semester are currently scheduled from March 2 to May 11.
“We need spaces within college campuses so that transgender students can have a safe space to grow and learn, as well as have a sense of community with other trans people,” said Connie Cunningham, the student coordinator for TRANScend.
Queer and Trans People of Color, or QTPoC, is a group dedicated to the support of LGBTQ+ students of color at KSU. George Holmes, a junior mechatronics engineering major at KSU, serves as the group’s student coordinator.
Holmes emphasized “the importance of having spaces specifically for LGBTQ+ people of color, who can feel left out by ‘white-washed’ LGBTQ+ movements.”
Holmes expressed gratitude for KSU’s LGBTQ+ programs, noting that without the department of multicultural student affairs, these programs would not be possible.
“They provide a space where students can feel safe in a world where a sense of safety is a luxury,” Holmes said.
QTPoC is hosting a screening of the Marlon Riggs documentaries “Black is…Black Aint“ and “Tounges United.” The screening is open to all students and will be held on Monday, Feb. 26, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 214 in the Kennesaw campus student center.
QTPoC’s next meeting is scheduled for March 1 in room 301 in the Kennesaw campus student center, and they meet every Thursday from 7-8 p.m
Other specific support groups include B+, a group for bisexual, polyamorous and pansexual students at KSU.
B+ meets on Tuesdays, and the meetings typically run from 12:30-1:45 p.m. in the LGBTQ+ resource center on the Kennesaw campus. Meetings are currently scheduled from March 6 to April 24.
Additionally, Aces and Aros is an organization for KSU students who are asexual and/or aromantic. The group meets on Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. in the LGBTQ+ resource center on the Kennesaw campus. Meetings are currently scheduled from March 1 to April 26.
Students can find out more about these organizations by visiting the LGBTQ+ resource center or by contacting them through the student engagement site.
