С»ÆƬÊÓƵ

LGBTQ+ Center

С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Today
2024 Drag Race 5K finish at North Water Brewing

С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Today
Rainbow over the Lefton Esplanade and the arch on front campus.

"No rain, no rainbows," is how the saying goes and on this rainy morning, a rainbow glowed over the Lefton Esplande and all of Kent. 

Rainbow Weekend bridge decorators 2024

The fourth annual Rainbow Weekend in downtown Kent Oct. 11-13 and all of its fun activities, events and new Drag Race 5K  come from a fabulous partnership between С»ÆƬÊÓƵ's LGBTQ+ Center and Main Street Kent. 

С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Today
LGBTQ+ Kick-Off 2024

Before classes began for Fall Semester 2024, the С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) Center welcomed the university's LGBTQ+ community back to campus with a Fall Kickoff event.

С»ÆƬÊÓƵ at Akron Pride 2023

С»ÆƬÊÓƵ's LGBTQ+ Center is celebrating Pride Month by boosting activities statewide, collaborating with local events, hosting a walking group and planning for a fabulous Fall Semester. 

С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Today
Lavender Graduation 2024

Ahead of university-wide commencement ceremonies, the annual Lavender Graduation ceremony honors the achievements of graduating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally (LGBTQ+) students at С»ÆƬÊÓƵ

С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Today
Meghan Schwind Banner

As a spouse, a mother and a member of С»ÆƬÊÓƵ's LGBTQ+ community, Meghan Schwind shares her thoughts for Women's History Month on challenges women face and her hopes for rising generations of women.

С»ÆƬÊÓƵ Today
LGBTQ students and allies painted The Rock

Members of С»ÆƬÊÓƵ's LGBTQ+ community and their allies used The Rock to share a call for kindness. 

Safe Space Ally Training

Offered regularly on the Kent Campus, the university’s Safe Space Ally Training aims to equip students, faculty, staff and university community members with the tools for creating Safe Spaces and welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ students on campus. Diane Smith, reporter for the Record-Courier, took part in С»ÆƬÊÓƵ’s Safe Space Ally Training, giving readers a first-person perspective on what the program involves.

Ken Ditlevson and others decorating the Main Street Bridge for Rainbow Weekend

Students coming to С»ÆƬÊÓƵ and, for some of them, living away from home for the first time can struggle with the transition. The transition can even be more difficult for LGBTQ+ students, particularly for those who have recently "come out." Ken Ditlevson, director of С»ÆƬÊÓƵ's LGBTQ+ Center, talks about the many resources available at Kent to support them.