New student group offers home for GLBT minority

Senior Ashley Rhodes noticed something odd last year while at a campus gathering of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender groups.

There was an IU GLBT group for Jewish students and another for science and technical professionals. There was even a group for business majors.

But Rhodes, an office secretary at the GLBT Student Support Services, realized there was not a student group for GLBT minorities.

“I noticed that gay people of color don’t really have representation on campus,” Rhodes said. “And I thought it was necessary to start one.”

So Rhodes created BlaqueOUT.

Rhodes said the organization is actually a reconstitution of an older, now-defunct GLBT group called Blacks Like Us.

GLBT SSS Office Coordinator Doug Bauder said BlaqueOUT would continue Black Like Us’s attempt at giving students who are both GLBT and black a safe, welcoming space.

“A few years ago that group kind of faded,” Bauder said. “This new group is picking up where Blacks Like Us left off. It’s also going to broaden the perspective, though.”

BlaqueOUT’s faculty adviser and Kelley School of Business visiting lecturer Byron Craig said despite its name, the group is not just for black students.

“Were open to everyone,” Craig said. “All GLBT students of color, friends and allies as well. We’re just offering a place of understanding, a community home that realizes that not all GLBT people have the same needs.”

Craig also said he feels BlaqueOUT fills a gap in the GLBT campus community.

“Having another organization is so important,” Craig said. “With what’s been all over the news recently, it’s obvious there is still a lot of work to be done. This is a step in the right direction.”

Rhodes said while the group is still in its beginning stages — a call-out meeting is scheduled for the end of this month — its members are already planning events and activities for the upcoming year.

One such event, Rhodes said, is a recurring movie night where members can view films that discuss GLBT issues.

Rhodes said she hopes students come to think of the group as a safe place where they belong.

“We’re creating a place where people can feel connected,” Rhodes said. “We want to lend an open ear and shoulder for whoever needs it.”