October is LGBT History Month, and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is hosting a variety of events in celebration of the LGBTQ community on USC’s campus.
The program began with a kickoff on Oct. 3 where students of all identities were invited to sit down with each other and start a conversation while enjoying food and crafting.
For many students, this is their first personal experience with the LGBTQ community. The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs is hoping to use these events to invite students to learn more about the community at USC.
IRIS, an organization on campus that acts as an advocate and resource for LGBTQ students and staff, is also involved in the month long celebration. IRIS president Jared Neeley, a fourth-year psychology student, wants to welcome all of USC to the events.
“A lot of people don’t know what the LGBT community is ... I think it is so important to create awareness because it allows them to understand who we are and in turn by them understanding who we are, it can also help us understand who they are," he said.
Neeley is proud of the community on campus. He is especially excited about the new students who have joined IRIS and wants to welcome all to participate this month.
“We have had an influx of freshmen this semester, I'm so proud and it's more diverse this semester by race and gender and even in sexuality,” he said.
For some first year students, finding an inclusive community is important for their happiness and well-being. J.D. Dawson, a first-year biology student, thinks that a lot of good is being done to welcome freshmen like himself.
“I think organizations like OMSA [Office of Multicultural Student Affairs] are a good form of a support group, which are I think are pretty vital for minorities and communities where there are minorities at and I am very excited to see all that OMSA does,” Dawson said. “I think it is a great way for USC to show their support of the community."
First-year business student John Mark Matthews agrees.
“I think it should be open to all. Open arms, open community. Be the love you wish to see," he said. "I think we should all rejoice who we are."
The rest of October is filled with other events concerning the LGBTQ community on campus. From celebrations of culture to forums discussing the issues people in the community face, there are a variety of events designed to inform and bring about change.
Also in October is Columbia's "Famously Hot Pride," the largest Pride event in South Carolina.