One Southern: Let’s Talk About It Panel

‘What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with their sexuality?’ was one of the questions that was asked to three LGBTQ+ students, administrators, and Southern University’s police department.
Two students, Christian Tillery-Burton and Driessen Scott planned this event in partnership with S.U.P.D’s Sergeant Harris, Dr. Zackeus Johnson, assistant vice chancellor of academic affairs, Darby Smith, director of community outreach and inclusion, and another student of the LGBTQ+ community, Isaiah Clay.
Throughout the event, discussions and advice on safe sex, sexual orientation and identity, safety and inclusion on campus, and how to be confident echoed and rang in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Different perspectives and viewpoints on the subjects gave others in the audience the ability to understand and be informed.
Smith answered the question, ‘What are pronouns and why are they important?’ with, “It’s more than what you wear!”. The director goes on to articulate, “Be consistent. Show up for yourself and tell your peers on how to address yourself and others.
Tillery-Burton and Clay divulged their feelings on whether they feel safe expressing themselves on campus. Tillery-Burton stated,”Sometimes I feel safe expressing myself because not everyone will agree with it.” Clay agrees,” Southern is a traditional school and sometimes I don’t feel safe expressing myself.”
Furthermore, the Open Health Clinic was outside the Union doing free,quick S.T.D. testing mobilly.
The audience was also able to ask questions and add more information, respectfully, to the existing open, supportive environment.
Dr. Walton, the vice chancellor for Student Affairs, was also in the audience and mentioned a few words. “If someone is messing with you or making you feel unsafe, come to me…and I’ll handle it!”
According to Scott, the dynamic duo are reviving an old organization called “One Southern” that was inclusive to all marginalized groups and allowed everyone to be seen and heard.
“ One Southern was an old organization that caters to LGBTQ+ students and also…if I’m not mistaken other minorities. The new advisors of this org, are Sergeant Harris and Ms. Darby Smith.”
When asked how faculty, staff, and students can support the LGBTQ+ students, Clay mentioned to show up to events like these as well as Johnson and Smith adding in to continue educating yourself and others.
Smith vowed, “This (the events) will not be the last! We will have more on the way!”