Starting an organization: LGBTQ+ Students of Lamar

Originally published at Nine Finger Newsletter on May 4, 2019

The students at Lamar University are so diverse, and I think every community deserves to be represented equally. LGBTQ+ organizations have come and gone, so I decided to do what I could to bring it back. I tried my freshman year, but I didn’t have the resources I needed to bring it back. So, how did I start an organization at the college I go to?

I joined a community, also known as ‘Cardinal Community,’ that I can best describe it as something in between a course and an organization. Cardinal Communities are often for college freshmen, but any students are welcome. Joining the LGBTQ+ Cardinal Community was what I had been searching for. Students felt comfortable being themselves at meetings and during presentations. I stayed in contact with the LGBTQ+ Cardinal Community advisor, and we eventually discussed the idea of bringing back an organization with me as the president.

It was spontaneous, but that’s how the best things in life are formed. I am motivated and passionate, and I’m glad I finally found others who are too. I’ve never been a leader of an organization before, but I’m willing to learn how to be a good leader. I have made phone calls, filled out forms, and sent out emails to get things set up for the upcoming school year. Friends within my major are so excited, and two asked to be organization officers with me and another student. I’m sure we will have to hold official voting when the organization starts next fall, but the organization has to be set up somehow! Not to be biased, but we’ve been a pretty great team so far. Does this sound arrogant? I sound arrogant. Listen, I feel giddy like a queer kid in a queer candy store. Let me have my moment.

LGBTQ+ Students of Lamar is an organization for anyone, whether you are LGBTQ+ or an ally. We support equality, and students deserve a safe space to be themselves. Besides having meetings, we will plan events. It’s about having fun while still acknowledging that our existence is seen as political or controversial. There’s so much possibility with this organization, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

LGBTQ+ Students of Lamar won’t officially start up until Fall 2019, but there is so much that goes into planning for it. For example, we attended the May 4th Orientation Fair today. My friends and I set up a table with a handmade sign (thanks, Mom) and decorations. There was a sign-up sheet, flyers, and a bag of candy. Go gay or go homo, right? Let’s see how many cheesy jokes I can fit into one blog post. Anyway, I think today was a success! There are more fairs throughout the summer, so this is just the beginning of something great.

If you or someone you know goes to Lamar University or Lamar Institute of Technology, spread the word! Anyone and everyone is welcome. Also, I feel like I end every post with saying something about how you should go for any ideas you have, but who’s stopping me? Go for your realistic and unrealistic dreams, because the only difference between them are how much confidence you have. I prefer the idea of failing over wondering about something I was too afraid to attempt.