A night of equality

by Elisabeth Slay
Staff Writer

The theme is Old Hollywood, but the cause is equality. It’s the second annual Equality Gala hosted by the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) LGBTQIA+ Faculty and Staff Association.

The organization, in its third year, was formed to celebrate and support the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual faculty and staff community, as well as allies and students.

“We are the largest faculty and staff association on Central’s campus,” said UCO Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Johnathan Stephens. The UCO campus is in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Throughout 2018, the Association has made progress for UCO’s diverse population.

Perhaps one of their most successful plans, according to Stephens, was the application of gender inclusive restrooms in buildings around campus.

“This impacts all single stall and single-use facilities that were previously designated as men’s or women’s restrooms,” Stephens explained. “This proposal was approved, and its implementation on our campus was effective as of August 8 of this year.”

The Association’s existence has not gone unnoticed, and many people appreciate their efforts and accomplishments. And, the organization held a three-part Ally to Advocacy training for faculty members of the UCO campus.

“This was to help educate faculty members on what it means to be an ally and advocate their LGBTQIA+ students both in and out of the classroom,” Stephens said.

Monthly meetings allow the Association to discuss and rectify current issues both campus and Metro LGBTQIA+ communities face. Members may join seven subcommittees within the Association; Alumni Engagement, Membership and Nomination, Scholarship, Social and Cultural Events, Student Engagement and Mentorship, Web and Social Media Presence and Advocacy. Over 50 UCO Faculty and Staff are part of the Association, and since last year, its membership increased 10 percent.

UCO is already several weeks into its new school year, and the Association intends to further the progress of equality.

“This year we plan on working on faculty and staff ally training and an LGBTQIA+ Student Success Initiative,” Stephens said. “In October, the Association was one of UCO’s several LGBTQ+ organizations taking part in Edmond’s first Pride Festival.”

This year’s Equality Gala will be Saturday, Nov 17, from 6-10 p.m. at the Chesapeake Central Boathouse. Its purpose is to help raise money for scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate LGBTQ+ students at the University of Central Oklahoma tickets for the Equality Gala are $300 for a table or $40 a person.

For more information on the Association or for tickets, email lgbt_fsa@uco.edu.

Copyright The Gayly. 11/4/2018 @ 10:25 a.m. CST.