ALLIES Sets Focus On Future Goals

ALLIES, an on-campus student organization, continues to work toward their goal of making an impact on Shepherd students and their surrounding environment.

ALLIES promotes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights and awareness through different campus activities. "Our main goal is to provide a safe environment for LGBTQ people on campus," Co-President of ALLIES, Junior Sean Bradley began, "and to provide awareness for such issues."

A group such as ALLIES is necessary because there are still students and individuals out there who feel that verbal slander is an appropriate reaction to people of the LGBTQ community. "I specifically haven't been exposed to anybody like that," Bradley stated, "but a few friends have definitely faced some slurs on campus."

ALLIES consists of about 15-25 people who are actively involved in coming out to support the cause. The group's consistent work has resulted in gaining more followers. Although there are only 25 students maximum who are actively involved in the group, there is a Facebook group with over 150 members.

The Facebook group is used for many different things when it comes to ALLIES. Whether it's about keeping students connected or informing them of upcoming fundraisers and events, the Facebook group is definitely a step in the right direction for raising awareness throughout town and on campus.

ALLIES meets every Monday in order to discuss their plans for upcoming fundraisers and events. "We plan things like Pride Week and Coming Out Week," Bradley said, "We usually chalk the sidewalks too."

There are also plays and other shows coming up to help promote the cause and to help to raise awareness. "We also host the Coming Out Monologues, which takes place in late March," Bradley said, "As well as the Drag Show which partners with the Program Board."

The Drag Show, which will be held on April 1^st this year, has become quite the event. "Usually around 300 people show up," Bradley recalled, "we do it to raise money for Community Network, an organization that focuses on HIV and Aids."

The Drag show has shown its success not only through the amount of people that show up, but through the money raised as well. "Last year we raised around $2,000. It's the second biggest fundraiser next to Relay for Life," Bradley said.

Individuals from the LGBTQ community and straight individuals both take note and participate in the Drag Shows. "Our most popular event is definitely the Drag Show," Bradley commented, "Each year they raise more money, and we're slowly starting to get more people aware."

ALLIES will continue to work to raise awareness, and one can only hope they will continue to grow and make an impact on students and the environment throughout the campus and town.