Two KSC student organizations got involved with a Keene community-organized event.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, the Keene Trans Liberation Movement organized a rally for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights to protest against decisions made by both the New Hampshire state legislature and President Donald Trump’s executive orders.
“Even if this rally … might not change folks’ minds about how their actions might be impacting people’s lives, the inevitable impact of this is going to be helping people know they are not alone,” Ian Kaplan, coordinator of LGBTQ+ student support, said. “That’s one of the ultimate goals of this event, to prove that there are many, many, many folks who stand with and alongside LGBTQ+ and immigrant folks within our community.”
KSC Pride and Feminist Collective (FemCo) collaborated to make signs for the rally and participate in it. Kaplan and the staff of the cultural center on campus allowed both organizations to use the space for poster-making.
“Our two student organizations asked if they could utilize our space this Saturday in order to create a space for Keene State students to get involved,” said Kaplan.
“It’s just an event we’re a part of supporting students in,” said Nina Zienkiewicz, a KSC alumni and student development program assistant for the Office of Student Diversity, Belonging and Equity. “We’re just here to support the students for what they want to do and support our community, show up on our day off.”
Zienkiewicz also spoke on some information she knew about the following rally.
“I know a lot of local organizations are coming together to table and give resources. I know a lot of community members are coming out to show support,” continued Zienkiewicz. “It was organized a few weeks ago when the executive orders started coming out.”
Kaplan also provided some more information on the rally itself.
“The rally is being organized by a few passionate members of the Keene community in order to build awareness around some of the impacts of executive orders and New Hampshire state-level legislation,” said Kaplan. “And to try to build community and some connection.”
Although the rally was not organized by Keene State or any KSC student organization, several students chose to get involved and have been involved in community protests or rallies in the past.
“I’ve been to at least one protest a few years back … I am usually the last to know when things are happening,” said first-year Jasper Keyes. “I heard about [the poster-making and rally] at Pride Club and it sounded like a worthwhile thing to do with my weekend.”
The KSC Cultural Center provided large poster papers and different colored markers for students to use and create their own posters. Some included catchy slogans or quotes from famous figures.
Elisa Hamilton, a KSC alum and former co-president of FemCo, commented on their experience with attending events such as this with their organization.
“When my friend and I [were co-presidents] for Feminist Collective … we tried to get as involved in the community as possible and we did a rally for reproductive rights,” said Hamilton. “I think that Feminist Collective will continue to do those things … That’s been my hope, even as an alum.”
“I care greatly about the things that we are rallying for today,” continued Hamilton. “I think that it’s important to speak about and stand up for.”
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