Miami University's Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) Services is looking to launch a new student group designed specifically for multicultural GLBTQ students.
The GLBTQ group called Flavors: People of Color Constituency Group is designed to provide a safe space to discuss issues of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, according to information provided at the group's first official meeting Nov. 2.
Demere Woolway, coordinator of GLBTQ services, said the group originated out of noticeable needs within the community. "Within their community in general, we are aware that their needs are often dejected," Woolway said of students who face alienation in both their social and ethnic communities. The group is not an official student organization recognized by Associated Student Government (ASG), according to Woolway. "It is primarily a discussion group that is interested in tailoring its conversations around topics of sex, religion, dating or whatever the students are interested in," Woolway said.
She said the group is being more "student directed." ASG has recognized Spectrum, which is intended to be the official GLBTQ student organization on campus as a student organization. Spectrum Co-President David Morgan said he doesn't know anything about the new organization. Woolway said the group is a proposed subdivision of Spectrum, but the decision is yet to be made.
"Being a student organization has both its advantages and disadvantages," Woolway said.
According to both Woolway and Morgan, the group has been met with virtually no protests or resistance. They said students in the community seem to be accepting and understanding as well.
"If this is something that these students want and can benefit from, I don't see who would have a problem with something like that," junior Patrick Miller said.
The group will be holding its second meeting during the second week of December. Questions can be sent to either flavors@muohio.edu or glbtq@muohio.edu.
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