Kateland Dittig
Equinox Staff
It is difficult for an individual to accept oneself if the community surrounding them doesn’t accept them in the first place, but thankfully for Keene State College students, that is not an issue.
Millions of folks around the world proudly identify as being a part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
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Living in a city like Keene, NH, one that isn’t very diverse and is relatively small, it is assumed that it might be a struggle to find other young students who share the same sexual orientation or want to advocate for the community.
Luckily, the on-campus organization KSC PRIDE reaches out to those students and welcomes them with open arms.
Secretary Seneca Eldredge, a member for three years now, has always had a special place in his heart for PRIDE.
In high school he was the only openly gay male, but the transition of coming to Keene and finding other people through the group made him realize that he wasn’t alone and there were other people just like him.
The group showed him a whole other world.
Not only are LGBT issues brought up in the meetings, but also games and other activities take place.
The overall vibe in the Madison Street Lounge at 8 p.m. on Wednesday nights is fun and free.
Vice President Julia Rasku stressed that the goal is to create a safe place for everyone to have a good time without pressure, and unwind for an hour with people that don’t critique you for your sexual preferences.
It doesn’t matter if you like boys, girls, or both, you can come and relax.
Public Relations Representative, Robin Harris, said that the organization is much different from the Gay Straight Alliance in high school, which was limited.
She said that it was “liberating to come to a college full of adults involved in this serious organization that has money and the ability to do things and make a difference.”
KSC PRIDE is putting forth its best effort to get the club’s name out there and show that the LGBT population won’t be suppressed in college.
They are taking action by constantly putting on events like educational speakers, dances, and performances.
One of the favorite events put on is the Rainbow Prom.
Harris explained the significance of it, as many LGBT teenagers never had the chance to go to their prom because they did not feel safe or the school did not allow same-sex couples to attend together, so an exclusive dance is put on for those who might have missed out on an important milestone.
It is a sad reality that the LGBT community has been put down over and over again throughout time.
That type of repression doesn’t seem too prevalent on the college grounds.
The overall consensus from the E-board members was the Keene State College campus is an extremely accepting environment where you can truly be who you want to be.
Many members of the group said that they feel safe on campus and have never been physically or violently threatened.
Campus Safety does not take these matters lightly when they do occur.
One incident of negative name-calling took place in the library a few months back and officers made sure that was put to a halt quickly.
They then kept in contact with the victims of the situation and made sure there were no negative repercussions of the aftermath.
Fear is the last thing students need to feel and the fact that the staff cares about them is comforting.
One would think that college students are more mature and grown up, but unfortunately that is not always the case.
There are always those rare cases of some still making ignorant comments that are highly offensive.
President Jason Abisch was once walking down the street late at night when a drunken kid yelled the obscenity, “faggot.”
He said that he just brushed it off his shoulder. The remark says a lot more about the one saying it than the person on the receiving end.
Abisch said, “You learn to deal with it everywhere you go. It is a matter of how you deal with it and bringing it upon yourself to grow a thicker skin.”
Abisch also said, “I’m not going to dull down my personality or who I am just if someone doesn’t like it.”
That message should be clear to all members of the LGBT community.
You should be proud of who you are and you should never have to change for anyone.
Treasurer Avi Bacchiocchi, a supporter, said that being a member and supporting the group has had a great influence in her life.
More supporters are encouraged to join the organization and should not be shied away.
Bacchiocchi said, “I feel like it’s my job to be there for them. I should never judge someone on what their sexual orientation is. I have my preferences, they have theirs. It should not come between us and prevent us from being friends.”
Kateland Dittig can be contacted at kdittig@ksc.mailcruiser.com