Northeastern State's GSA welcomes everyone

By Madeline Jurus, Special Writer
Tahlequah Daily Press

One important factor in a college student’s life on campus may be finding a group of people who they can call their second family, who make them feel accepted for who they are. One organization on campus that tries to be just that for the students at Northeastern State University is the Gay Straight Alliance.

The GSA, has been active on NSU’s campus for approximately 15 years, but was rebooted in fall 2014.

“Our motto is ‘Educate. Advocate. NSU GSA,’” said Hailey Thruman, Grove senior.

Thurman was elected president of the GSA a month ago, but has been on the organization’s leadership team for two years.

“What we really wanna do is make the issues and really just the knowledge of the LGBT community available to the general public,” Thurman said. “We really try to display a message that it’s an open community, and we want everyone to have a safe space to go where they can just be themselves, whether they’re gay or straight.”

Sara Skinner, Duncan freshman, has been a part of the GSA since last fall. Her favorite memory from the GSA was their group trip to see the Christmas lights.

“It’s basically where I got all my friends,” Skinner said. “It’s a really supportive atmosphere. You don’t have to worry about people being mean to you, or judging you. You can go be yourself.”

The GSA hosts Monday Fun Days on campus, where they have movie and game nights, and other events for students to take part in and connect with each other.

“There are so many memorable moments I’ve had since joining GSA, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. The first memory that comes to mind is Tuffi’s performance at our Lip Sync Battle.” said Kiley McKenney, Noel, Mo., freshman. “That was awesome. I wish someone would’ve recorded that, but we were all too captivated to even think about it.”

McKenney has been a part of the GSA since last fall, and was elected as secretary last Wednesday night during the organization’s weekly meeting.

“One of the biggest things we all strive for is advocacy,” said McKenney. “It’s important that members, whether they be new to our organization or have been coming to the meetings since the beginning, feel that they have a place to come where they are not only accepted, but supported. The camaraderie in this group of people is so strong and genuine, so as an officer I hope to further contribute to these things as we continue to grow as a group.”

Since being rebooted in 2014, the GSA has grown in numbers – going from about 10 members, it now has a consistent weekly attendance of 25 members.

“I feel like through the GSA I have reached so many people, that if they didn’t have the GSA, then they wouldn’t have a sense of community and a sense of family,” said Thurman.

McKenney personally appreciates the organization and it’s impact on the community.

“Coming from a community where organizations like a Gay/Straight Alliance are not even something to be talked about, I consider all of us here at NSU fortunate to have one.” said McKenney. “GSA has been one of the biggest impacts on my life since coming to Northeastern State – where we’re given the opportunity as an alliance to inform others and bring awareness, is what has impacted me the most.”

The GSA meets every Wednesday at 9 p.m. in Room 223 of the University Center.

Copyright 2016 Tahlequah Daily Press, provided by AP Exchange.

The Gayly – February 9, 2016 @ 8:10 a.m.