One SU

Southern University’s Gay-Straight Alliance Club, “One SU” held its first meeting on Monday, November 3 in the T.H. Harris multipurpose room. One SU is group that brings together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight youth community for support and education. The group intends to support each other, participate and organize social events, educate students on homophobia, how to stand against bullying and more. Statistics shows that 4 to 10 percent of the population are members of the LGBT community. There are also students with LGBT parents/guardians, siblings, extended family and friends.
“Coming out” stories was the icebreaker that made students feel more welcomed and comfortable. The organization has a number of future goals, the main one being targeting the subject of reducing HIV and AIDS rates here in Baton Rouge. According to Louisiana Public Health Institute, as of December 31, 2010, a cumulative total of 30,876 HIV/AIDS cases have been reported in Louisiana, including 316 pediatric cases. Baton Rouge also ranks 4th for AIDS case rates among the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Also, number 1 in the state of Louisiana.
“The goal is to increase HIV testing on campus as well as to create a better atmosphere, create harmony amongst LGBT and non-LGBT students,” said Gjvar Payne, HIV patient navigator from Baton Rouge. “The students came out collectively on a college campus to de-stigmatize HIV and AIDS to make an impact, start the conversation and get more involved.”
The organization plans to participate in community service such as The National Coalition for Homeless LGBTQ as well as social marking including the national Testing Makes Us Stronger and Take Charge Take the Test campaigns. These campaigns serve to promote and encourage HIV testing among black gay and bisexual men and women between the ages of 18–34.
“I was very excited about the ,”testing makes us stronger” health group that came out,” said Myeisha Webb, a senior elementary education major. “Our hopes for the future is to basically get our name out there and get people aware that there is a large percentage of LGBT students here at Southern, not all of them are out, but they exist and we’re here,” she ended.