The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Straight Alliance (LGBTSA) has been a major presence on campus at Idaho State University for many years.
Over the last four years, the club has gained momentum and stability. The club is recognized by ASISU and holds official events and meetings on and off campus each year.
“As a club, we aim to create awareness of who we are and what we do on campus as well as in the community,” said President Ryan Heffner. “We want to create a safe place for any member of the community to go, and for them to know that they can be heard and are cared about; we hope we’ve created a place that people can speak out in a safe, comfortable environment.”
The club is open to anyone who wants to be involved. Allies of the LBGT community are more than welcome.
LGBTSA offers all students an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the LGBT community, as well as a chance to meet and socialize with other members. A major goal of the club is to give members a chance to be accepted and heard as who they are.
LGBTSA was very active over the summer. Near the end of June, the club held a paint fight and barbeque event to gather members and allies together.
The group rallied together in support of the Charlotte Fire victims on Friday, July 27, when they held a charity drag show that brought in over $400 for families affected by the fire. The club also attended events like Salt Lake City Pride Days June 1-3, and ‘Gay Day’ at Lagoon on Aug. 5.
LGBTSA regularly tries to hold events and workshops for transgender awareness and for the Trevor Project, an LGBT suicide hotline.
This semester, the club plans to kick things off as soon as possible and stay active in the hopes of expanding membership and awareness.
The LGBTSA will be represented at the Involvement Fair on the Hutchinson Quadrangle Wednesday, Aug. 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The club will hold their first official weekly meeting of the year at 5 p.m. in the Bear River Room of the Pond Student Union Building.
Later this month, the club will host “The Homo-Coming Dance” at the Bengal Cafe in the PSUB the evening of Sept. 21. The dance is open to anyone and everyone on campus.
LGBTSA club membership and involvement has a lot to offer students on campus at ISU. To find out more, get involved or to see a full event schedule, students can contact the club or view their Facebook page to see a full listing of upcoming events and happenings.
More Club Information
President: Ryan Heffner
Advisor: Rebecca Morrow of the Gender Resource Center
Members: Approximately 30 community members, ISU students and allies.
Officers: Secretary of Finance, Sarah Baergen
Category: Cultural/Special
Meetings: Held weekly every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the Bear River Room in the Pond Student Union Building.
Mission: To create a safe, open environment for members of the LGBT community and their allies, and to provide opportunities to socialize, meet new people and create awareness of LGBT issues.
Contact Info: Email the club at ude.usinull@astbgl or President Ryan Heffner at ude.usinull@nayrffeh; view and friend the club’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/isu.lgbtsa.
