Advocates, students, parents, and supporters converged upon Northern Kentucky University to march in solidarity alongside the school’s LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives Organization.
The first week of April marks NKU Ally Week on NKU’s campus, and students and members of the LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives Organization came out to show their support for the community.
Students gathered in the morning, making signs, assembling decorations, and handing out flags representing all members of the community to those who wished to march.
Dr. LaVette Burnette, the director of LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives within the Center for Student Inclusiveness, rallied the group before departing the student union center.
“We are here to represent and support each other, that’s our purpose,” Burnette said to the group. Everyone grab a flag and lets go.”
Supporters were joined by Kentucky Rep. Rachel Roberts (D-Newport), who told LINK nky that this is one of her favorite events.
“I’ve been up here every year, and I’m always thrilled to come to something that’s student-led,” Roberts said. “It’s a fun, beautiful collaboration. Diversity makes up the fabric of our communities. Northern Kentucky is this beautiful, integrated, diverse tapestry. That’s why I chose to live here, and why I represent this area.”
Supporters departed the student union area and began the march into the heart of campus, flags flying and signs in hand.
“I encourage you to be part of the change,” Roberts said to the crowd. “If I can ever be of help to you, please reach out to me. You are allowed and deserve unconditional love, and you are perfect as you are. I know this. Many people know this. Our love will always overcome.”
The procession continued to wind around the campus, crossing the pond and ending near the theater.
As the march wrapped up, NKU Senior Tyesha Gordon encouraged everyone to get involved.
“I am telling you, you may not want to get caught in the middle, but you have representatives fighting for you,” Gordon said. “I encourage you to get involved because if if you don’t, we’re just going to have to keep going ’round and ’round with the same old bull****. You are all amazing, and I want you to be bold, be fierce, and not let anyone tell you who you are.”
Upon the conclusion of the march, Dr. Burnette told LINK nky “When I started at NKU last year, I rebranded our mission to: “We See You, We Welcome You, and We Support You.” We pride ourselves on validating each student’s experience, while creating warm, inclusive spaces for all students on the gender and sexuality spectrum. Our Pride March signifies our ongoing attempt to unify and support our community. We are thankful for each ally that participated; especially Representative Roberts. Together we will win!”
You can learn more about the LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives within the Center for Student Inclusiveness at Northern Kentucky University here. [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”102″ gal_title=”NKU Pride March”]
