Northeastern Illinois University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Ally (LGBTA) held opening ceremonies in the Student Union April 14. The opening ceremonies kicked off the organization’s awareness week. The LGBTA is seeking to create a safe haven for students. “In light of the events with hate groups such as Heterosexuals Organizing for a Moral Environment (H.O.M.E.) being allowed on campus, it has been extremely difficult for our students to feel safe on our university campus. By having an organization such as the LGBTA, we want our students and faculty to know that we are here. We are making an effort to make change on campus and build a community safe for every one,” said Jacob Chacko, LGBTA member.
The opening ceremonies consisted of icebreaker games and friendly chatter. The event provided a welcoming atmosphere for students of all sexual orientations to gain solidarity. The LGBTA originated on Northeastern’s campus back in the 1990s. The organization was active in 2004’s teachers’ strike and the student/faculty rights group.
Chacko believes the week of events will help with awareness at NEIU. “Many of the workshops being presented have themes that have not been discussed in the past with our campus community. We invite all students and faculty to attend and learn something new. We are all life long learners, and events like these help our campus community become aware of these issues,” Chacko said.
The LGBTA organized the awareness week without any funds from the Student Government Association. The only funds used were the standard $100 each registered student organization receives. The LGBTA sees longevity in its organization as the university changes over time. “If we can pull off such an event without any funding, I cannot wait to see what we can do with funding. We are going to bring so much change and awareness to NEIU. I see our club prospering and doing many community services and co-sponsored events with other organizations on campus as well,” Chacko said.
Chacko believes NEIU students are very comfortable with their sexual orientation. “In today’s society, students are coming out as early as grammar school. Having that experience at such a young age, many students develop a sense of identity in high school and are very comfortable with themselves in college. For those that are not yet ready to come out, we are soon hoping to have a sub group for coming out support, so be on the look out for those flyers,” Chacko said.
The LGBTA had help from many NEIU student organizations. Members of Alpha Psi Lambda and Gamma Phi Omega helped the organization decorate the Student Union. Que Onda Sola and UPRS presented a workshop during the awareness week. The Indian Student Association also helped spread the word about the awareness week around campus. “I have been getting comments from members in other groups such as the FMLA about their excitement of all the workshops. After a very successful opening ceremony/night of networking event, I can truly say that many organizations on campus are helping us out with our week of events,” Chacko said.