From the co-presidents
Karmine Beecroft
Co-president Digitization Coordinator, Milner Library
Brigid Aslin
Co-president Program Coordinator, Student Involvement
Welcome back to another semester, Queer Coalition!
We are delighted to announce that we have an exciting slate of programming coming your way this semester, including:
- Red Cross Blood Drive at Watterson Towers; Friday, September 27, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m.
- Queer Talks Lunch ‘n’ Learn: Advancing LGBTQ+ Justice in Illinois: Policy and Advocacy; Thursday, October 10, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Queer Talks Lunch ‘n’ Learn: Advance Care Planning and the Queer Community (tentative title); Wednesday, November 13, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Looking back on the previous year, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for the vibrant community we have built and the meaningful work we have accomplished together. Through incremental advances and tireless advocacy, Queer Coalition is making waves and creating change at ISU.
Our Queer Talks Lunch ‘n’ Learn series in partnership with WGSS attracted over 200 participants and helped educate the University about queer history, culture, and current events. The Brown Bag Chats and nature walks provided spaces for us to be in community with each other while bonding over a shared activity. In February, we helped raise an astounding $22,530 for the LGBTQ+ Student Support Fund. The following month, our Trans Day of Visibility Sashay attracted over 50 participants and received media coverage from a number of campus and local news outlets.
As ever, speaking out on behalf of ISU’s queer community remains a core component of our mission. Over the past year we have met with administrative personnel multiple times to convey our members’ feedback and discuss changes we would like to see for both our organization and the wider university. Please continue to keep us in the loop on issues that are important to you – feel free to get in touch by emailing lgbtq@ilstu.edu, interacting with our social media channels, or chatting with us in person at our events.
As we move forward, Queer Coalition remains committed to advocacy, education, and celebration. We thank each and every one of you for your continued support and involvement. Together, we will continue to build an Illinois State University where queer and trans students, staff, and faculty can thrive.