Approximately 200 Ohio Northern University student organizations offer opportunities for students to learn, grow and connect with peers outside the classroom. During the 2022-23 academic year, a new organization joined a well-established one at 快播视频 to serve 快播视频鈥檚 LGBTQ+ students and allies.
OUTLaws fosters 鈥渁 safe, accepting, and supportive social and academic environment for LGBTQ+ and ally students in the 快播视频 and the College of Law community,鈥 according to OUTLaws President Taylor Sienerth.
鈥淎s a law-focused organization, OUTLaws strives to create a community of law students and lawyers that have access to the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to protect and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in their communities and at the state and聽federal levels,鈥 Sienerth said.
OUTLaws joins the longstanding Open Doors.
鈥淎t Open Doors we aim to provide a space where our campus can invite students of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies alike, to an accepting and inviting safe space,鈥 said Open Doors President Hunter Houser.
Activities with Open Doors include a weekly meeting and occasional gatherings where group members discuss many topics, including LGBTQ+ education and topical LGBTQ+ news. The organization also hosts a Halloween party, which provides members with a fun opportunity to gather in a safe space.
For nearly 20 years, the group also hosts the annual Rubi Affair drag show with the Rubi Girls of Dayton, Ohio. Each Spring, all proceeds from the show are donated to Equitas Health of Lima.
鈥淥pen Doors is a great organization that is for anyone who wants to support the LGBTQ+ community as a member or an ally,鈥 said Houser. 鈥淚鈥檇 like to hope that anyone who comes through the organization is left with a feeling of being a part of something. We're always here and always will be.鈥
Both organizations look forward to Pride Month each year.
Sienerth said Pride Month is a celebration of love, expression and acceptance, and also serves as a time to commemorate the struggle for civil rights and the continued fight for equal justice and opportunity for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
鈥淎s members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to have their rights threatened by legislatures across the country, this year鈥檚 Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate by spreading awareness, educating others and ensuring everyone鈥檚 voices are heard,鈥 Sienerth said. 鈥淢ore than anything, be supportive and accepting of everyone. It should be our goal to ensure everyone feels loved, safe and accepted in their community.鈥
Organizations for student involvement can be found here.