Although they haven’t been rubber-stamped by the Center for Student Involvement yet, Gay Rights Revolutionaries is already recruiting “combat buddies.”
More than 25 students came out to Risman Plaza Monday evening to chalk messages, most of which sympathized with victims of LGBT bullying.
This isn’t what the group typically does during their weekly meetings though. Lorenzo Thomas, activities coordinator for GRR, said his group organizes an open forum for guests to discuss political topics relevant in the LGBT community 8 p.m. every Monday in the Cyber Cafe.
Jamie Mileti, president of GRR, said the group plans to focus this semester against LGBT bullying as group members look to organize visits to area high schools and the LGBTQ Community Center in Cleveland.
“We think bullying is probably the biggest issue right now, at least for people in our age group,” Mileti said. She added that GRR also wants to hold events around campus to build LGBT awareness and fund raise money.
Because GRR isn’t yet an official student organization, Kent State can’t reimburse the group on expenses. That means all of the supplies purchased for each meeting, including all of the chalk needed for Monday’s meeting, came out of the pockets of the executive board members. GGR also can’t reserve rooms for meetings.
The executive board for GRR began applying to be an official student organization during the summer, but its now looking to become official sometime before Spring semester begins.
“This is one more obstacle we’ll get through,” said Jack Twedt, secretary for GRR.
Below, you’ll find a photo gallery of Monday’s chalk adventure. All photos courtesy of Robert Sustersic.
Feel free to visit a GRR meeting beginning at 8 p.m. every Monday at the Cyber Café in the Student Center.
