LGBTQ club on NE works to be visible, united, proud group

By Hailey Mapston

Raising awareness is what Spectrum set out to do. 

Members say the NE LGBTQ club has been a safe space for them to come and be on common ground with many allies as well. It has made an impact on the students who attend its meetings.

“The club has affected me positively,” club vice president Alexandra Prater said. “I made my first friends at the college here with whom I all still hang out with. It was a comfortable space for me to be myself and feel accepted.”

Both Prater and president Mark Shumate say they aim to educate allies and create a welcoming environment.

“The club is just a positive environment that helped each member find new friends of common interest,” they agreed.

Spectrum meets 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays in the Student Center across from the bookstore. On average, 15-20 people attend club meetings.

“The goal of the club on the NE Campus is to create a safe, welcoming, non-judgmental space to support the LGBTQ+ community on campus,” faculty adviser Andrew Rodriguez said.

All three have agreed that the club has a positive impact individually and as a group.

“I want to ensure that we will always have a space here on campus where we can support each other while also promoting education about the LGBTQ+ community,” Rodriguez said. “Everybody at TCC deserves to feel welcomed and supported.”

Rodriguez said he has reached out to many students like Prater and Shumate as an the adviser for the LGBTQ+ community but also in regards to everyday pressures such as school, bills, jobs and things that make life hectic.

“Year after year, I have seen students come and go, but the sense of community, support and pride they take with them last long after their time here at TCC,” he said.

Spectrum is currently planning events to raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community as well as helping LGBTQ+ homeless youth.

“The main topic of conversation will be coming out,” Prater said.

Its last meeting will be the week before winter break starts, and meetings will begin again the second week of spring semester. For more details, contact Prater at alexandra.prater@my.tccd.edu.